Dodge->ke28 has just added a new entry-level model to their Ram->ke220 line-up. Typically, automakers try to outshine each other with plenty of gizmos and gadgets to warrant a heftier price tag and a power struggle between them. However, Dodge has taken an entirely different route with this new model, whose name has yet to be decided upon. For now, Dodge is choosing to call the new and affordable Ram by its code name "Adventurer." This new model was produced and targeted for the first time truck buyer who doesn't want to settle for mediocrity. Dodge figures the Tradesman is sure to be a success so why not offer another low budget truck for the masses to swallow up whole.

"We know we have the formula right," said Ram Truck President and CEO Fred Diaz. "Now we just need a great name that promotes pride of ownership. This new Ram model will be an attractive alternative for a younger or first-time buyer looking for performance at an affordable price. Case in point, it will have more horsepower and a lower base price than our competitors’ entry-level performance cars with the added benefit of versatility and capability."

In terms of power, Dodge has promised that the new "Adventurer" will borrow the same formula from the highly acclaimed 2011 Ram Tradesman recently revealed at the Chicago Show. This means we should expect to see a 5.7-liter V8 engine with an output of 390 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque tucked neatly underneath the truck's massive hood.

The Dodge Ram 1500 "Code Name: Adventurer" will go on sale in the second quarter of 2011 at a bargain price of $23,830.

Hit the jump to read more about the Dodge Ram 1500 "Code Name: Adventurer".

2011 Dodge Ram 1500 "Code Name: Adventurer"

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 "Code Name: Adventurer"
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 390
  • Torque: 407
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The new Ram "Adventurer" will be distinguished by a monochromatic paint scheme illustrated in a body-colored grille with black honeycomb inserts, body-colored front fascia, and body-colored rear fascia with chrome-tipped dual exhausts. The pick-up will sit on 20-inch aluminum wheels with locking lug nuts. There’s also a locking tailgate, cargo lamp, rear-bumper step pad, 6” x 9” side-view mirrors, and rear wheel-well liners.

On the interior, the Ram will get a heavy-duty vinyl 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or carpeted floor covering, air conditioning, an instrument cluster with tachometer and 120-mph speedometer, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, four-spoke tilt steering wheel, and a six-speaker media center with CD and MP3 player. Other little knick-knacks scattered throughout the pickup are an audio jack input for mobile devices, automatic headlamps, behind-the-seat storage bins, driver and passenger assist handles, power accessory delay, rear dome lamp, rear-view day/night mirror, tinted glass windows, and tip start and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Engine

Dodge has placed the same 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine as in the recently launched Tradesman version under the hood of their new pickup and it will deliver the same 390 HP and 407 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new Adventurer also comes as a regular cab, short-bed model, with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain. When equipped with an optional Class IV hitch, the new Ram will tow a maximum trailer weight of 9,100 lbs.

Prices

The new Dodge Ram 1500 "Code Name: Adventurer" will go on sale in the second quarter of 2011 at a price of $23,830.

Competition

With such a low price on its side, the new Ram "Adventurer" gets a little bit closer to the competitors, mainly theFord F-150, the GMC Sierra Denali HD, and the Nissan Titan.

The F-150 is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 411 HP and 434 lb-ft of torque. It has a fuel economy of 18 mpg in the 4x2 version and 16 mpg in 4x4 version, with prices starting from $23,390. The GMC Sierra Denali HD is powered by a 6.2L Variable Valve Timing V8 that delivers a total of 403 HP at 3,000 rpm and 417 lb.-ft. of torque. The Sierra is priced from $20,850. Both of these models are cheaper and have more power than the Ram, so a sale against them would be a tough deal to make.

The Nissan Titan is the only competitor that gives the Rama fighting chance. With a starting price of $26,820, the Nissan Titan is powered by a 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 engine rated at 317 HP and 385 lb-ft torque mated to standard 5-speed automatic transmission. That's a model that is not only more expensive than the Ram "Adventurer," but is packing less power than it as well.