Ram Power Wagon Punches Off-Road Ticket

CHICAGO – The ’17 Ram Power Wagon unveiled at the Chicago auto show keeps the 

focus on its rugged off-road DNA with an all-new exterior and a variety of upgrades inside and out.

On sale this fall, the Power Wagon is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab and is also available as a Tradesman Crew Cab 4x4 model.

The truck features off-road-specific enhancements including a suspension with more than 2 ins. (51 mm) of lift, locking differentials and a 12,000-lb. (5,443-kg) winch. Ram officials boast the winch is powerful enough to lift any pickup rival off the ground.

“The Ram Power Wagon is an off-road, all-access pass, removing the limitations, instilling

confidence and allowing owners to reach areas of recreation and lifestyle not attainable with any other pickup,” says Mike Manley, head of Jeep and Ram brands.

“The ’17 Ram Power Wagon delivers to those who travel into extreme terrain, while providing the towing and payload capability required in a heavy-duty truck.”

The pickup offers a 6.4L Hemi V-8 with 410 hp and 429 lb.-ft, (582 Nm) of torque teamed with 6-speed automatic. It is capable of towing up to 10,030 lbs. (4,550 kg) and carrying a 1,510-lb. (685-kg) payload.

The V-8 is equipped with Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology that shuts down four cylinders when unnecessary, such as during highway cruising, to conserve fuel.

It has 17-in. wheels equipped with 33-in. Goodyear DuraTrac radials for traction on- or off-road, on pavement, dirt, mud, sand or snow. Ground clearance is 14.3 ins. (363 mm) with the capability to ford streams up to 30 ins. (762 mm) deep.

The Power Wagon shares exterior design elements with the Ram 1500 Rebel, along with an all-new grille with a billet Silver Ram badging. The large blacked-out grille is bookended by black projector headlamps with LED marker lights. The vent-stamped hood also includes a glossy black graphic.

The truck includes an optional backup camera in the tailgate, providing a better field of vision when maneuvering or preparing to tow, and an optional cargo-view camera that allows owners to monitor bed loads. An optional tri-fold tonneau cover is embossed with the Ram logo.

Power Wagon seats mimic Goodyear tire pattern.

The Power Wagon’s interior is upgraded with leather-grain seats finished in gray and black with fabric inserts embossed with the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tread pattern, matching the tire’s actual footprint.

Other options include heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power folding mirrors, power rear-sliding window with defrost, one-touch central locking, tailgate power locks, spray-in bedliner, LED bedlighting, front and rear park-assist system, power-adjustable pedals and remote start.