David Noonan
Recent announcements out of the Stellantis N.V. newsroom have stated that Ram 700 most commonly sold in Mexico will be migrating north of the border to showrooms across Canada and the United States as a newly branded Ram 1200.
It comes as no surprise to the midsize truck buyers that after Dodge discontinued the Dakota over ten years ago that Stellantis would want to get something back into action to go head-to-head with the Ford Ranger. This also comes as a surprise to many after Stellantis N.V. made the decision to pull the plug on the production of the Dodge Dakota just two years ago.
The new(ish) Ram pickup will serve as a mid-range choice for those who seek the lifestyle of the pickup truck but still anticipate the size and characteristics of a full-sized sedan. The Ram 1200 does just that.
According to various reports, particularly from the Kendall Jeep, Dodge, Ram newsroom, the Ram 1200 will feature the 2.0-Liter, four-cylinder Tigershark powertrain that will offer 160 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The second engine choice is a Multijet II turbo diesel with a greater horsepower outlet at 203-horsepower with an impressive 326 lb-ft of torque. It is also reported that there will be hybrid trims that could use the smaller 1.3 or 1.5-Liter turbocharged gas engine with standard four-wheel drive. These engines are not uncommon and have been found in Stellantis N.V. vehicles in both North America and Europe for numerous years.
However, as Stellantis N.V. moves the company towards complete electrification, it is questionable as to how long these petrol-powered engines will stay and when their electric replacements will take their place. Although, for the time being, it is understood that these new powertrain options will assist in better fuel economy which will prove useful for consumers in North America where gas prices still remain high.
More details soon to follow as Stellantis N.V. prepares the launch date of the new Ram 1200.
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