FCA has pulled out all the stops for the 2016 SEMA show. Its Jeep division brought the CJ66, Dodge brought the Durango Shaker and Shakedown Challenger, and Ram has injected testosterone into its Power Wagon. Meet the Macho Power Wagon Concept – a one-off truck built to showcase several Mopar concept pieces that might one day become available through FCA’s dealership network.

Ram started off with a 2017 Power Wagon and added quite a number of parts. Much of the focus is on the cargo bed where Ram is debuting its RamRack system. The adjustable rear rack allows for a wide range of hauling and tie-down options. When not in use, the rack slides under the sail panel tucked behind the cab.

Of course, it’s hard to miss the huge wheels and tires. The Power Wagon has an impressive four-inch lift to clear these 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler MT tires mounted on 18-inch beadlock wheels. Custom fender flares keep off-road debris kicked up by the tires from scratching the bespoke Macho Mango paint job. Yes, Macho Mango is the color name. Don’t you love Mopar?

Other parts include the custom front bumper, side steps, and a one-off roof rack that complements the RamRack system. A custom hood finished off the look.

There is a ton more parts and accessories to be found over every inch of this truck, so keep reading for the full run-down.

Continue reading for the full review.

Exterior

The Macho Power Wagon certainly lives up to its name. This beast is taller, more rugged, and more versatile than a standard Power Wagon. As mentioned above, this concept truck has tons of unique parts. Up front, the custom bumper takes after the Ram 1500 Rebel’s bumper, with familiar side panels and silver skid plate. However, this isn’t just a swapped-out part.

The bumper has a one-off designed skid plate that is fully functional. Being a Power Wagon, Ram engineers had to incorporate the Warn winch into the bumper. The fairlead protrudes nicely though the center section, giving full access to the synthetic winch line. The pair of Macho Mango-colored tow hooks have D-ring shackles. Then there’s a steel hoop that helps protect the grille from damage. The bumper’s approach angle is impressive, furthering the validity of the Power Wagon’s go-anywhere theme.

A pair of custom side steps are constructed of heavy-duty steel that also helps protect the doors and rocker panel from damage. The fender flares are also unique to this truck, offering wider coverage over the 12.5-inch wide tires.

Around back, the rear bumper is similar to the bumper seen on the Ram 1500 TRX Concept truck. It features the dual exhaust pipes (not normally found on the Power wagon) and custom tow hooks that match the front hooks. A faux skid plate resides in place of a trailer hitch receiver.

Then there’s the cargo bed. The RamRack system can be configured to fit various needs. A kayak or other sporting equipment can be mounted here. Dedicated tie-down loops and the louvered sides provide plenty of places for secure cargo. When needing to haul an ATV or other equipment, the RamRack can be slid forward under the sail panel. The custom roof rack provides extra support for longer items, as well as six tie-down loops. An incorporated LED light bar hides just above the amber roof market lights.

The truck’s Macho Mango paint job is complemented by a matt black wrap that looks similar to the glossy black two-tone paint scheme on the conventional 2017 Power Wagon. A new RAM badge sits low on the door, replacing the large badges normally found here. Lastly, a new ventilated hood helps keep the engine cool. It also boasts the “2500 6.4L HEMI” badge normally seen on the door.

Interior

The interior isn’t as outlandish as the outside. Ram designers kept things low-key in here, opting only to add a few pieces color-keyed to the Macho Mango exterior. The bezel around the infotainment system, side air vents, and door panel inserts now wear the bright color. Even the Ram logo on the steering wheel and the rings around the gauges are colored in the hue.

A new set of pedal covers, all-weather floor mats, sill guards with the RAM logo, and a wireless phone charger are all Mopar accessories. Beyond that, the interior is stock. That’s not a bad thing, however. This Power Wagon is equipped with FCA’s 8.4-inch Uconnect system, dual zone climate controls, trailer brake controls, a 110-volt power outlet, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Also present is all the equipment that makes a Power Wagon an off-road champ. This includes the manually operated transfer case shift lever protrudes from the floor, the rotary knob for the front and rear differential locks, and buttons for the front sway bar disconnect.

Drivetrain

Note: Standard Ram Power Wagon drivetrain shown here.

Powering the Power Wagon is the same 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 as in the standard truck. It generates 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 429 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation help with both power and efficiency.

Ram did add a Mopar cold-air intake to the Hemi for better airflow, along with the dual-wall, five-inch Mopar exhaust tips. Ram didn’t say if the changes make any horsepower or torque gains.

The heavy-duty 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission sits behind the Hemi, with a Borg Warner BW 44-47, two-speed transfer case behind that. The transfer case offers both low- and high-4WD ranges, with a low-range crawl ratio of 2.64:1. The differentials are geared at 4.10:1, making the Power Wagon fully capable of crawling up whatever it wants to.

Conclusion

We love this concept. It combines all the great attributes from the Power Wagon with several concept accessories that might actually make Mopar’s parts catalog, mixed with just enough crazy to attract attention inside the crowded SEMA hall. It’s doubtful this truck will make production the way it sits, but Power Wagon owners could potentially build this truck through the Mopar catalog, while letting the dealership complete the work and the price become included in the financing.

That’s what SEMA is all about, really. It’s automakers and aftermarket parts suppliers igniting dreams that could potentially turn into sales. In that situation, everybody wins. Customers get a cool one-off truck to be proud of, automakers get a vehicle sale, and aftermarket suppliers have parts moving off their shelves.

Let us know what you think of the Ram Macho Power Wagon in the comments below.