Ram Rebel Geared Toward Off-Road Use

Ram says the new 1500 Rebel pickup introduced at the Detroit auto show brings a one-of-a-kind off-road design to the fullsize segment.

“Offering an off-road-style package on the Ram 1500 has been on our to-do list for some time, but the right combination didn’t present itself until now,” Bob Hegbloom, president and CEO-Ram Truck Brand, says in a statement.

The ’15 Ram 1500 Rebel receives a number of exterior changes, including a billet silver Ram badge on the grille, which replaces the marque’s signature cross-hair design. Other modifications include a black off-road front bumper, a silver skid plate, new front tow hooks and LED fog lamps, bi-functional projector headlamps with LED marker lights and a new sport hood.

Along the sides the Rebel boasts black wheel-arch moldings, as well as a flat-black badge, mirrors and lower body panels, which the automaker says combine to create a trail-ready presence.

In the rear is a large Ram logo stamped into the tailgate, a black-powder coated bumper, dual chrome-tipped exhaust and taillamps with black bezels that match the headlamps.

Inside, read and black durable grain vinyl seats are embossed with a Toyo tire tread pattern insert, while an all-black instrument panel, door armrests and a logo-embossed center console armrest cover are topped with two-tone red and grey stitching.

An all-new center-console bin incorporates a cellular phone/tablet holder. Red anodized vent rings, door accent rings, and a center console trim ring add color to the interior. The Rebel’s heated steering wheel comes wrapped with semi-perforated black leather accented with red stitching, and the upper glove box door is finished with a Rebel nameplate badge.

Rounding out the interior are all-weather rubber floor mats with a contrasting red Ram’s head, as well as a black headliner and matching pillars.

For improved off-roading capabilities, the Rebel’s ride height has been increased 1.0 in. (2.5 cm) vs. the base 1500. The truck features Bilstein shocks in the front and rear as well as a softer rear stabilizer bar for improved driving dynamics.

The Rebel is powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V-6 making 305 hp and 269 lb.-ft. (364 Nm) of torque or a 5.7L Hemi V-8 making 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm).

Both engines are available with a rear anti-spin differential, which turns both rear wheels in tandem when increased torque is applied, assisting in off-road driving conditions.

The Rebel is scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter. Pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date, Ram says.

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