Ram Will Bring Back The “Rampage” Nameplate On Its Newest Compact Pickup

Recently Caught Testing In Brazil In Its Rebel Form...

Robert S. Miller April 2, 2023

Ram "Project 291" in Rebel form. (Marlos Ney Vadal via Autos Segredos for MoparInsiders).

Stellantis has been working on a new Ram “monoblock” pickup, known as “Project 291”, in South America. Autos Segredos, a Brazilian automotive news outlet, has managed to capture images of the new Rebel model during its testing phase. But the biggest news that Autos Segredos have found out, is its name.

Ram Rampage in Rebel form. (Marlos Ney Vadal via Autos Segredos for MoparInsiders).

Power –

The Rebel model appears to be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder GME-T4 engine, which produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. It should be paired with a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission and a 4×4 system. For the Brazilian market, the GME-T4 will be able to run on E100 making it a true flex-fuel powerplant.

An optional 2.4-liter turbodiesel inline-four-cylinder will also be available.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter GME-T4 inline-four-cylinder. (Stellantis).

Styling –

The new Ram monoblock pickup has a distinctive front grille, following the visual identity characteristic of other Ram models. It features a frame with two circular elements and a honeycomb mesh, similar to the current Ram 1500 Rebel, as well as black appliques and a black skid plate on the bumper. ADAS technology sensors are located at the bottom of the bumper, with a camera on the windshield suggesting the presence of driving aids.

On the side of the pickup, applied wheel arches catch the eye, while 19-inch alloy wheels and mixed-use tires enhance the overall look of the vehicle. At the back, a double exhaust outlet stands out. The interior has not been shown, but it is known that the Ram Project 291 will have a large horizontal multimedia center, with some versions having the option of a vertical screen, similar to that of the Fiat Toro.

It’s A Monoblock Pickup –

The Ram Project 291 is a monoblock pickup, meaning that it is unibody-based. The new Ram offering is larger than the C-segment sized Toro, with a slightly larger wheelbase and a length just over 5 m (196.85 inches), while the width should be close to the 1.85 m (72.8 inches) of the Brazilian-built D-segment Jeep® Commander SUV, with which it will also share some electronic and security features.

Not For North America –

The new compact will wear the Rampage nameplate, a name given to compact 80s unibody pickup from Dodge (Ram’s former self). Autos Segredos expects it to be the most technologically advanced vehicle produced in Brazil. Ram has recently unveiled a mid-sized electrified pickup to its dealers at a meeting in Las Vegas, which will be focused on North America. However, the Ram Rampage will be focused on South America, which is a shame considering the success of the compact Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.

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bill burke Apr 03, 2023 #1

Ram has two glaring segment holes, compact and mid-size trucks in its current lineup and they seem rather complacent and to be just dragging their feet with the situation. Why this new and I would guess, capable compact Ram truck, not register on the” let’s test it in our market” meter is also a mystery. Texas might be the perfect place to test market a few dozen of these trucks to see if they gain traction with a very sophisticated truck audience and also determine in a real American world reality if a South American sourced compact truck has the goods to bring it stateside. Just saying, not like we got something in the wings.
As our very intuitive friends at Mopar Insiders alluded to, its too bad the Rampage will be reserved for Latin America. Imagine that Ram South America has a compact truck and the North American market just ignores the potential slight to our pride, the doubts of our engineering talent and the whole stink smell of it all. Leaves everyone wondering what the heck is going on at Ram???

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redriderbob Apr 03, 2023 #2

Cheap, fuel-efficient cars are what people are looking for right now, not electric ones. It blows my mind Stellantis doesn't get that, yet their CEO complains about electric cars everyday. They could make a killing and have their Belvidere plant back and running with mild investment.

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bill burke Apr 03, 2023 #3

Electric is DOA but these myopic executive types are ignoring the obvious. Worst of all valuable resources and finances are being misdirected to this myth of electric cars saving the environment. They can believe what they choose, hug all the trees they want, unless it violates their financial duty to stockholders and the forces of the marketplace and consumer choice. Maybe if they had their priorities right and their heads on straight and some guts, this Renegade would be running down the Belvedere production lines in short order. If it were only egg on the face consequences at risk here, no big deal, but Stellantis is heading on a fools mission to a bridge too far and ignoring, perhaps out of hubris, the wisdom of the ordinary Joes and common sense putting the whole company at risk. We get it, they don’t.

c crouchta Apr 04, 2023 #4

But the government insists we want electric vehicles........

So, hedge your bet and work on an electric midsiz

c crouchta Apr 04, 2023 #5

But the government insists we want electric vehicles........

So, hedge your bet and work on an electric midsize, but bring this truck now for those who really have no interest in carrying a 400 mile long extension cord.....

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