Ram->ke4211 has just unveiled its latest concept truck: the Ram 1500 Texas Ranger. Yep, Ram has pulled all the stops for this Texas themed rig that includes numerous silver Lone Star badges, unique open-pore wood trim, Ranger themed graphics on the infotainment screen and TFT displays, and enough saddle-colored leather to cover nearly every inch of the cabin.

Ram says the pickup truck->ke242 commemorates and promotes the brand’s partnership with the law-enforcement agency, along with its hall of fame and museum.

Making its debut at the 2015 Dallas Auto Show, this Ram 1500 is based on the already-Texas-themed Laramie Longhorn edition. Ram designers built off that idea by incorporating plenty of unique touches, concentrated mostly inside the truck.

Chuck Norris would be proud.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Ram 1500 Texas Ranger Concept Truck.

2015 Ram 1500 Texas Ranger Concept Truck

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Ram 1500 Texas Ranger Concept Truck
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 395
  • Torque: 410
  • Transmission: eight-speed auto
Pros
Cons

Click here to read our full review of the Ram 1500

Exterior

Speaking of Chuck Norris, the only thing Walker Texas Ranger would feel is missing are the chrome brush guard, matching bed-mounted roll bar – both complete with off-road lights – and the chrome side steps. Throw those aftermarket parts on and this truck would be ready to fight crime deep in the heart of Texas.

Beyond what’s missing, this truck is coated in a two-tone white over silver color scheme. Ram’s chrome grille, bumper, mirror caps, and badging are all in place. The 20-inch wheels are stock, but the center caps feature the silver Lone Star badge, the same style badge that designates a Texas Ranger’s authority.

Matching Lone Star badges on the front fender and tailgate are the only other clue to this truck’s uniqueness.

Interior

Here is where the transformation takes place. The Ram design team started off with the Laramie Longhorn edition as the canvas. The Texas Ranger silver Lone Star badge was added to the seatbacks, within the 8.4-inch Uconnect start-up screen, the driver’s TFT display, and most notably, on the center armrest.

Other touches include all-new trim work on the center stack. The woodwork is comprised of real, open-pore walnut that flows onto the new-for-2015 tambour door that covers the center console storage bin. Next, corresponding trim that simulates galvanized metal covers parts of the center stack and the sides of the seat supports.

Of course, being lawmen, the Texas Ranger’s carry firearms. Ram designers included a lock box in the center armrest for just such a purpose. The lock box perfectly conforms to the area and includes a three-digit combination lock.

The design team added further detail with four authentic Mexican five-peso silver coins inlaid into the wood accents on the door panels. The coins on the front doors display “heads” while those in the rear doors display “tails.” A metal medallion resides on the passenger dashboard indicating the nature of this special edition. It reads, “Founded 1823” and “Texas USA,” letting those inside just what the Texas Rangers are all about.

Drivetrain

Though Ram never makes mention of the powertrain in this concept truck, it’s assuredly the venerable 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. The pushrod mill generates 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Bolted to the back of its block is the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The quick-shifting unit helps the V-8 truck get an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. The transmission is controlled via an electronic rotary dial on the center stack, with the 4WD controls just below.

Conclusion

This isn’t Ram’s first attempt to cater to those in the Lone Star State, though this is an interesting new approach. While this may be Ram’s first truck celebrating the relationship, the truck brand and the state law enforcement agency started a partnership announced at the Texas State Fair in 2014. Ram donated $100,000 to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in an effort to help preserve the agency’s history and prepare for its upcoming bicentennial in 2023.

Because of this, this one-off special edition truck takes on a special meaning more than other concept trucks done before. But even without the extra meaning, the truck still looks awesome with all those silver stars.