R.AM continues to publicize the development process of its future compact pickup, known internally as Project 291 and whose final name could be Rampage although it is not yet confirmed. In this case, in a new chapter of its web series, the American firm showed part of the design phase, both exterior and interior, highlighting two concepts: luxury and technology.
Throughout the 1:38-minute video, several members of the design team anticipate some of its features: the shape of the grille and headlights are seen during the clay modeling stage. But the most interesting thing happens indoors, since the recording focuses on the careful choice of materials and coverings for the dashboard, as well as its appearance. The brand’s designers sought to give it a clear family air with the RAM 1500 and 2500, especially in the treatment of surfaces or the seats, very similar to those found in their older sisters.
Elsewhere you can also see the 100% digital dashboard and the huge screen of the multimedia system: “Every screen, every display, colors, backgrounds, numbers, and interactions are aligned with the entire RAM design and experience,” explains Peter Fasbender, Vice President of Design for Stellantis South America. In this way, the company will seek to differentiate itself from other products with which it shares a platform such as the Fiat Toro or the Jeep Compass and Commander. Likewise, in the official statement from the brand they say: “Anyone who enters this new RAM pick-up can be sure that they will enjoy a truly sophisticated interior, with noble materials such as suede, as well as two large screens: instruments and multimedia. Not to mention the RAM Connect connectivity platform, among many other technological features”.
Although it is an exclusive product for our region, its development was carried out in conjunction with the company’s global team: in addition to Fassbender, Daniel Gerszhon, Head of Exterior Design for Stellantis South America, as well as two leaders at RAM headquarters in the United States, Mark Trostle, Global Vice President of Design and Ralph Gilles, Global Head of Design, responsible for the lines of various icons of the automotive industry.
With the presentation date still to be defined, so far it is known that the pickup will debut the Hurricane 4 engine. It is the GME 2.0 turbo in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engine, which in products such as the Jeep Wrangler delivers a power of 260 CV and a torque of 40 kgm. It is worth remembering that this driver is already known and used by various products of the former FCA Group in the North American market, but it will debut in South America in the compact truck and then possibly be incorporated by the Jeep Compass and Commander. The brand has not yet revealed the power and torque figures for the RAM, it only assured that it will be the “fastest pickup produced in Brazil” and clarified that there will also be other engines available. The transmission would be the well-known automatic box with a 9-speed torque converter and the 4×4 drive system already present in other vehicles with which it shares the Small Wide 4×4 platform.
