Archive for the ‘Ram Trucks’ Category

As football season kicks off, fans are prepping the very best of their tailgating arsenal.  Perhaps the most important element of any memorable pre-game grill out is the centerpiece – your ride.  A tailgate-worthy SUV must be versatile enough to act as both shelter and storage.  Performance Auto offers a full line of SUVs that rise to the occasion, ready to meet fans’ pre-pigskin needs. Below are our top five picks:

2011 Ram 1500

Aside from its enormous storage bed and “game-face” appearance, the Ram 1500 has a few tricks up its sleeve that will surprise even the most experienced tailgater. Its most exciting feature may be the “RamBox” storage management system, providing weatherproof, illuminated, lockable storage compartments integrated into both fender sides. Coolers, grill tools, groceries and blankets will fit easily in these hidden compartments. To top it off, you can customize the interior of the truck with in-floor compartments for even more storage. One thing’s for sure with this truck – it will make your pre-game prep a breeze.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

As the athlete of the auto world, the Jeep Grand Cherokee brings its A-game to any sporting event. Get to the game early with your crew of up to five, who will fit comfortably in the spacious interior seating cabin. Don’t worry about room for your gear – chairs, a grill, coolers and even more can fit easily in the wide-mouthed back hatch, especially with the fold-down rear seat.

If you want to crank up some pre-game music or game coverage, the six-speaker, 506-watt sound system will surely provide crystal clear audio, with two 1-inch A-Pillar mounted tweeters, two front-door 6 x 9-inch full-range speakers and two rear-door 6.5-inch full-range speakers.

2011 Honda Odyssey

There is nothing mini about the presence of this car at any tailgating event. Its roomy interior and removable center console provide ample storage for standard game gear, and the robust sound system makes it a prime option for concert tailgates. Plus, it’s totally family friendly if the little ones want to stay inside the main cabin and watch the 16.2-Inch Honda DVD Ultra Wide Rear Entertainment System. Become submerged in sound as rhythms of the available 12-speaker Premium Audio System fill the cabin in 5.1 surround Sound Theater Mode.

2011 Lexus RX 350

Not every tailgate session has to get wild – for the more tame tailgaters out there, the Lexus RX 350 is a perfect mix of class and function to get you charged up for the event. Catch pre-game announcers or your favorite artist’s greatest hits on the Mark Levinson sound system, and feel free to open up the surprisingly large storage space of the back hatch to present your array of food and drinks. The remote touch navigation system will also come in handy when you try out a new shortcut, trying to beat the crowd home after the show.

2012 Ford Explorer

This multi-purpose party machine was born for parking lot shin digs. Not only can it house seven members of your crew, but all the ways it can transform to accommodate different cargo makes for an event of its own.  A 50/50 split-folding third row, 60/40 second row, and fully adjustable front passenger seat means the possibilities are endless. If your tailgate festivities leave you too exhausted to make it into the stadium, recline and relax inside the Explorer, while the game pumps through the premium HD sound system.

We’ve revealed our starting  line-up, now let us know what vehicle you’re working with this season. Comment below, or visit any of our Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Honda, Ford or Lexus dealerships to get more information on the contenders mentioned in this post.

Transporting goods and making deliveries can be a difficult task for small business owners. Minivans and cars just aren’t big enough to hold all their cargo, and trucks are often too big. Ram has realized this problem and will soon offer the perfect vehicle for small business needs: the 2012 Ram Cargo Van.

Equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, the 2012 Ram Cargo Van gives small business owners the power and performance they need to transport their goods. This powerful engine delivers best-in-class horsepower and torque with 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet torque. Drivers are also treated to other powerful features, including:

• 1,800 pound cargo payload
• 3,600 pound towing capacity
• Best-in-class fuel range at 25 miles per gallon on the highway
• Load-leveling suspension
• 16-inch steel wheels
• Six-speed automatic transaxle

On the exterior, the 2012 Ram Cargo Van is simple and professional. A solid sliding door gives owners easy access to the interior, while backlight privacy panels keep cargo safe and secure. Ram badging is prominent on both the front and the rear of the vehicle, distinguishing it from other cargo vans on the market.

“With its class-leading capability and a lower total cost of ownership, the highly-versatile Ram Cargo Van is a great vehicle choice for small businesses and commercial fleets,” said Fred Diaz, president and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, in a recent Ram press release.

Pricing hasn’t been set for the 2012 Ram Cargo Van yet, but this small business-friendly vehicle will be available to buy later this year. Are you ready to take your business’ vehicle needs to the next level?

Ram is gearing up to take you on your next adventure…are you ready? A new, sportier Ram 1500, the Ram Adventurer is rolling into your favorite Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealer later this year.

The official name has not been released yet, but it’s currently going by the codename Ram 1500 Adventurer, which showcases its edgy performance and styling. Aimed at attracting a larger range of drivers, the Ram Adventurer will have a starting price of $23,830.

“We know we have the formula right. Now we just need a great name that promotes pride of ownership,” said Fred Diaz, Ram Truck president and CEO. “This new Ram model will be an attractive alternative for a younger or first-time buyer looking for performance at an affordable price.”

A 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine will give Ram 1500 Adventurer drivers the power and performance they want in a truck. Performance-driven features include:

• 390 horsepower
• 407 pound-feet torque
• 160-amp alternator
• Heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling
• Heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers

On the exterior, the Ram 1500 Adventurer oozes sportiness. Sporty features include:

• Monochromatic paint
• Dual-tip exhaust
• 20-inch aluminum wheels
• Body-colored grille with black honeycomb inserts

The Ram 1500 Adventurer leaves behind the cushy standard Ram 1500 feel and sticks to the basics. Keeping up with the sporty spirit of its drivers, the Adventurer is equipped with a heavy-duty vinyl 40/20/40 split bench seat. Buyers can choose between vinyl or carpeted flooring to best suit their needs. The Ram Adventurer’s interior also includes a four-spoke tilt steering wheel, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet and behind-the-seat storage bins.

Ram 1500 Adventurer drivers and passengers will feel safe and secure on their journey with Adventurer’s many safety features, which include:

• Advanced multistage front airbags
• Supplemental front curtain and side airbags
• Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes
• Electronic stability control
• Height-adjustable shoulder belts

“There’s nothing in the market—and that includes other trucks, as well as cars—that can compete with this truck’s blend of style, exhilarating performance and value,” said Diaz.

With the Ram 1500 Adventurer’s great value and styling, we’re excited to see this side of the Ram 1500. Are you ready to show off your sporty side?

Tougher and even harder working, the Ram 1500 is offering a new trim package, the Ram Tradesman, aimed to suit the needs of the working man.

Available in regular-cab short- and long-bed models in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, the Ram Tradesman strips the Ram 1500 down to the basics. Perfect for commercial users, the Tradesman offers the comfort and style of the Ram 1500 with a lower price tag.

Giving drivers plenty of power, the Ram Tradesman has a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, which offers 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet torque. Combined with a five-speed automatic transmission, drivers can expect about 20 miles per gallon on the highway.

To suit the needs of a variety of working men, drivers can choose between vinyl or cloth bench seats and vinyl or carpeted flooring. Standard equipment on the Tradesman includes:

• Air-conditioning
• 12-volt power outlet
• Media center with CD player and iPod jack
• Class IV trailer hitch
• Auto headlamps
• Tilt steering wheel
• Heavy-duty engine and transmission oil coolers
• 17-inch painted steel wheels
• Locking tailgate with rear wheel-well liners

Adding comfort to the ruggedness of the Ram Tradesman, drivers are treated to a smooth ride with multi-link coil suspension and heavy-duty shocks. These give the Tradesman best-in-class ride and handling qualities.

In addition to the rugged styling and handling features, the Ram Tradesman keeps drivers safe with a variety of safety features, which include:

• Advanced multistage front airbags
• Supplemental side airbags and front curtain
• Electronic stability control
• Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes
• Front height-adjustable shoulder belts
• Tire-pressure monitoring system

“The Ram Tradesman is named for—and aimed at—the heart of our business. This is a hard-working truck for hard-working people,” said Fred Diaz, president and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group, LLC.

Starting at $22,780 and coming with a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty, the Ram Tradesman is perfect for the working man looking for the ideal truck to keep up with him!

Distracted driving has become a serious problem in our country, particularly due to the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute reports that in 2008, more than 20 percent of all car crashes occurred because of some type of driver distraction.  Furthermore, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety says that drivers who use hand held devices are four times more likely to get into accidents serious enough to injure themselves.

With such staggering statistics, we must do whatever we can to eliminate distractions so drivers can physically and mentally focus on the road.  When drivers engage in distracted driving behaviors, they not only endanger themselves, but they put everyone around them at risk too.  We have always had a moral obligation to put the phones down, but now it’s the law.  Nebraska and Iowa recently passed laws banning texting while driving.

Vehicle manufacturers are also doing what they can to help eliminate driving distractions. 

• Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles feature the UConnect system.  UConnect is an in-vehicle, hands free communication system that allows you to talk on your Bluetooth enabled phone while keeping your hands on the wheel. 
•  Lexus vehicles also give drivers the capability to wirelessly connect their Bluetooth phones to the car via the navigation or audio system. 
• Ford cars feature the Ford Sync system, which allows drivers to make hands-free calls and control music and other functions with simple voice commands.  

While these features drastically reduce visual and manual driving distractions, they can still take your mind off the road.  To eliminate cognitive distractions as well, avoid using cell phones except in case of an emergency.

Many drivers simply do not recognize the dangers faced when they take their eyes and minds off the road and their hands off the wheel.  We are all part of the solution to distracted driving.  When teaching your own children to drive, we cannot expect them to put the phones down unless we do the same.  Set an example for your children and other drivers by putting the phone away while you drive and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.