For every pencil pusher and paper shuffler sitting in a cubicle is a sweat-producing, muscle-flexing worker with plenty of equipment to tote around to their various projects. These blue-collar workers have places to go and Dodge has created a new entry-level model to make the commute that much easier. The new Dodge Ram Tradesman is an affordable option with a starting price of $22,780 with sales beginning in the second quarter of 2011.
Available in either regular cab short-bed (6 ft., 4 in.) and long-bed (8 ft.) models, the Tradesman comes with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 powertrains, a bright chrome grille, 17" painted wheels, and numerous interior and exterior updates.
"The Ram Tradesman is named for — and aimed at — the heart of our business," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "This is a hard-working truck for hard-working people. Durability, reliability and value for the money are the top three considerations for our customers. Their truck is the most important tool they own and one they’ll use every day. The Ram Tradesman is a truck they can depend on."
Hit the jump to read more about the Dodge Ram Tradesman.
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Who said large pick-ups can’t be cool? Mopar has brought at the SEMA Show a vehicle that wants to prove exactly the contrary. Their new Ram Runner pick-up is inspired by the Baja-style desert racing.
The rigors of off-road racing require large tires, plenty of ground clearance, extreme durability and a sophisticated suspension system capable of withstanding tremendous impact. These features are combined into a package that is stable at speed and in the corners. To achieve this kind of handling, a low center of gravity and long wheel travel are paramount. Mopar Ram Runner has the look and feel of a thoroughbred desert racer. Inspired by trophy trucks, steel front fenders and rear bed-sides are replaced with fiberglass, allowing tremendous suspension articulation with zero interference.
The package includes two stages of suspensions upgrade: Stage 1 Pre-Runner Suspension Kit is priced at $3,129 and stage 2 includes a Ram Runner Suspension Kit priced at $13,270. For the exterior package Mopar is offering front Ram Runner bumper, tubular tire carrier, front Ram Runner fenders, rear Ram Runner fenders, sport performance hood, cold-air intake system and cat-back exhaust system. The price for the entire exterior package is $17,389.
Update 02/16/2011: If you went to the SEMA Auto Show and were impressed by the Runner, then we have a good news for you: Mopar President and CEO Pietro Gorlier has announced that the kit will be street legal: "After the Ram Runner concept debuted in Moab and reaction was so positive, we went back and changed the kit to be street legal. We want to make sure buyers can enjoy it on- and off-road. Mopar will have a clearance-identification kit available. The kit will meet requirements for driving on the street with wider fenders."
Hurst Performance Vehicles has already built a pretty impressive roster of aftermarket muscle cars to its name, including a number of Camaros, Mustangs, and Challengers.
Not to be boxed into one specific segment, Hurst is thinking big for their next project. And by big, we mean a 2011 Ram 1500 pick-up. Limted to only 50 units with each model coming with its own letter of authenticity, these customized Ram pick-ups come with some pretty impressive new digs.
Aethetic upgrades on the Ram 1500 R/T regular cab includes Hurst’s traditional white and black exterior paint finish to go along with a numbered dash plaque and interior badging, and a set of 22” wheels.
In terms of performance, Hurst spared no expense in supercharging the Ram’s already monstrous 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. On top of the addition of a supercharger, Hurst also put in a performance exhaust system. Unfortunately, Hurst is still keeping the spec numbers under wraps and as sure as the sun is hot and the sky is blue, we’re already waiting anxiously for the figures to be released.
Just like the performance specs, Hurst has yet to release the price tag for each of the 50 Hemi Hauler’s. We’re going to make a stag at the dark and say that it’s going to come at a cost of somewhere around $80,000.
Press Release after the jump
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And here we thought that recalls were left behind in 2010. How silly of us. 2011 is barely a month old and we already have our first recall of the year.
Taking in the honor is General Motors who is recalling 26,751 SUVs and trucks from its 2011 model line-up. According to GM, the problem concerns a defect in the rear-axle cross pins, which were not heated properly and, as a result, could fracture and get displaced within the rear axle, creating an interference condition and, eventually, causing the rear axle to lock. This, in turn, could affect the driver’s ability to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
Affected GM models of the recall include the 2011MY Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Canyon, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles.
As is the case with all recalls, General Motors has instructed their dealerships to install a new rear axle cross pin to any affected vehicle at no cost to the owner. As expected, GM’s dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge, with the safety recall to begin before the end of the month.
American off-road racing legend, Mickey Thompson, made his way to Las Vegas with a project of his own to show off the Ford F-150 at the 2010 SEMA Auto Show. His rendition of the super truck looked better than ever with an exterior package boasting of power steps and a bed step, power sliding rear windows, professional detailing, fender flares and vent guards, Bead liner, custom Black/Grey Satin "Camo" Paint & Graphics, auxiliary lighting, billet grille, Stobe lighting system, and an E-Series electronic retractable truck bed cover. Finishing off the exterior look is a new set of Baja Claw TTC Radical tires that bear his name.
The package also includes a Fabtech 6-inch suspension, PIAA auxiliary lighting, and Warn Industries winch recovery gear. The rear look is completed by a new Intake and Cat-Back exhaust system.
For the interior, Mickey Thompson opted for Katzkin leather and an aftermarket audio, video, and navigation enhancements. For additional utility, the truck features a BedSlide cargo management system and AMP Research power steps.
