Since 2005, the (formerly Dodge) Ram 2500 Power Wagon has given off-road enthusiasts something to salivate over. Now, Ram is giving the Power Wagon a new sibling. Unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel brings more attitude to the brand’s half-ton truck.
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The Rebel gets an aggressive styling makeover, dominated by a blacked-out grille that eschews the brand’s traditional crosshair for something that looks more like a branding iron. The tougher front fascia also features a new, black powder-coated front bumper, ‘twin-snorkel’ hood, and blacked-out headlights. Other styling upgrades include black fender flares that shield 17-inch alloy wheels shod in Toyo Open Country A/T tires, a tailgate with “RAM” stamped into it, and a new black powder-coated rear bumper.
In comparison to the styling changes, mechanical upgrades are fairly limited. Ram beefed up the stock air suspension with specially-tuned Bilstein shocks, and raised the ride height 1.0 inch—a Ford F-150 Raptor rival it ain’t.
There are two engine options. The Pentastar V-6 produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. Both come with eight-speed automatics. Four-wheel drive is mandatory with the Pentastar, while the Hemi is offered with either four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
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On the inside, the Ram 1500 Rebel keeps its macho theme going with vinyl seats in Radar Red and black with Sedoso fabric inserts. They feature a tire tread pattern that matches the truck’s actual Toyos. The rest of the interior is blacked out with Radar Red and gray accents, including contrast stitching and trim on the center console and air vents.
The 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel goes on sale in the second half of 2015. Pricing will be announced closer to that date.
For more from the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, check out our dedicated hub.
