Ram Teases Its New Rampage Compact Pickup For South America

Compact Offering Looks To Feature Ram 1500 Inspired Looks...

Robert S. Miller April 20, 2023

The Ram brand is set to debut its latest creation, the 2024 Ram Rampage, designed specifically for the South American market. The new pickup is said to be a game-changer for both the brand and the region, and it has been developed with the help of Ram engineers in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This marks the first time Ram has officially confirmed the new mono-block pickup, similar to the popular Fiat Toro.

The Rampage will be powered by a 2.0-liter GME-T4 turbocharged inline-four-cylinder with flex-fuel capability, with an optional 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline-four-cylinder also being available. The turbodiesel should be the launch engine. Being a mono-block pickup truck, meaning that the bed and the cab are connected, and it shares much of its underpinnings with the popular Jeep® Commander (H1) D-SUV. However, the Rampage has unique springs and shock absorbers recalibrated to handle its greater weight and dimensions.

According to Brazilian automotive publication Autos Segredos, the interior of the Rampage will feature a sizeable horizontal Uconnect 5-based touchscreen and elevated center console. The gear change will be completed by rotary dial, just like the Ram 1500. The model will have a slightly larger wheelbase and length above 5 meters (197 inches), with a width close to 1.85 meters (72.8 inches) of the Jeep Commander and a height close to 1.80 meters (70.8 inches).

Ram has kept details of the Rampage under wraps until now, with the project shrouded in secrecy. However, this pickup truck is highly anticipated by the South American market, with Ram hoping to make a significant impact in the region. The brand has been working hard to develop a compact pickup that meets the needs of South American drivers.

The Rampage is expected to launch with four trims, entry-level Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel and Rebel Night Edition.

For the brand in the South American market, the 2024 Ram Rampage appears to be a true game-changer. The Rampage looks to add more capability, luxury, and power than its Fiat Toro cousin. It also looks to bridge the gap between other Ram badged Fiat pickups already in the market, thanks to its Ram 1500-inspired design. Unfortunately, the truck won’t reach the United States or Canada markets anytime soon.

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bill burke Apr 20, 2023 #1

It appears that Stellantis operations in Brazil have matured to the point that they are having a serious impact on product development. I have been informed by a fellow site contributor that US trade laws make automobile importing from Brazil almost impossible. Couple that with the likelihood that the platform used for this Ram Rampage will be phased out in North American factories, the lack of a manufacturing site capable of building this truck will or does not exist. Conclusion, this excellent and likely very marketable compact truck will never come stateside. Too bad.
This established, I tentatively state, what a shame. Hopefully Ram has serious development underway for both a compact and mid-size pickup or folks can charge them with the neglectful operation of a major Stellantis division. Seriously, most agree there is a sound business case for both and the heal dragging is questionable at best. I’d call for market testing of a few of these in our facilities and if possible, in real life settings. Can’t hurt.
Getting back to Brazil, it’s time our people up North take them a bit more seriously, show them more respect and do more of what Ram has done with the Renegade, let them develop in a more timely and usable way, cooperatively, products that reach both our markets in spite of trade barriers. These guys are ready for “Prime Time”. The Rampage gives endorsement to that contention.

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M M.F. Apr 20, 2023 #2

I believe this is the 2nd model developed in Brazil to have been approved by the headquarters of the American brands to be developed. The 1st was the Jeep Commander.
The great reality is that if there is not some kind of trade agreement between countries currently, it is practically impossible to market certain products competitively, since due to internal protectionism, the highest possible tax rate will be applied. Brazil, for example, taxes vehicles imported outside Mercosur and Mexico at 35%. This makes imported vehicles uncompetitive.
I believe this is the last Stellantis model to be developed on the Small-Wide 4x4 platform. Most likely, new designs will be based on some of the STLA platforms due to the increasing demand for electrification. The only way for this vehicle to be marketed in the United States would be with a possible Mexican production, since the platform is the same used by Compass.
Considering sales of the Maverick and Santa Cruz, models that Stellantis reverse-engineered in Brazil for the development of this RAM pickup truck, I believe there would be relative demand if it were truly marketed locally.

TripleT Apr 21, 2023 #3

People are going to be mad here if there is a Gladiator based Ram in Brazil and not sold here.

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patfromigh Apr 21, 2023 #4

No soup for you!!:mad:

It's too bad there isn't an unused production facility in Belvidere, IL that could build such a product. Oh wait we might get a full battery electric mid-size pickup because everyone wants an EV and is willing to pay a lot more for one.

Deckard Cain Apr 21, 2023 #5

Brazil developed and produced models can be sold to Mexico tariff-free and vice-versa. That's it. It will be good for Stellantis to dominate those markets, and they've consistently produced nice profits in the last couple of years with Fiat and Ram products.

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