Rendered Speculation: Should RAM Go Downstream To Tackle The Ranger?

The introduction of the new Fiat Strada in South America, and the possibility that it might arrive later in Mexico as the Ram 700, has done little to quell rumors of a smaller Ram pickup coming to the U.S. There've been rumors of a sub-Ram 1500 pickup for a few years, but it's a model that has never materialized. With the new Strada, though, KDesign AG created two Ram 700 renderings that act as a preview for a possible compact Ram pickup truck.

The Ram 700 in the renderings shows a compact pickup ripe for some badge engineering. The large Fiat lettering on the grille is replaced by smaller Ram branding, which sits inside a new Ram 1500-inspired grille that's surprisingly cohesive with the rest of the Strada's front-end design. Along the side, there's more, large Ram branding that's replicated on the tailgate, too. A small Laramie badge on the lower corner of the tailgate completes the truck's transformation.

MDarringer - 4/9/2020 6:08:48 PM

+1 Boost

Getting this or the Toro to market ASAP would be wise given the impending Ford Courier.

dumpsty - 4/10/2020 9:19:42 AM

+2 Boost

Dodge or RAM could've used a midsized pickup 5 years ago. No-brainer here.

But a FIAT-based version would not be smart - however economical.

Look back at the Rampage 4-door pickup concept. The smaller pickup must have a suite of engine options similar to the 1500 & Charger & Challenger. Available big power is a BIG draw to compensate for average interior designs & for some aggressive exterior bits.

FCA has let the Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler brands languish w/o full-size SUV offerings far too long & now they're seeing how much profit they've lost over the years. They should be building a large SUV BEFORE trying to sell a small pickup. But tossing out an under-prepared version will only make the effort publicly comical.

MDarringer - 4/10/2020 10:38:13 AM

+2 Boost

You're clearly not aware of the market.

Crossoverpickups are soon to be a thing with Hyundai-Kia and Ford set to introduce small, FWD pickups. FCA could be on time to the market for once.

BimmersNme - 4/11/2020 3:24:35 PM

0 Boost

Must agree with MDarringer on this, as they (FIAT) Sell a boatload of them here in Brazil. The Toro and the Strada.

MDarringer - 4/11/2020 4:43:48 PM

0 Boost

It doesn't even have to be class leading. If it were merely OK and priced advantageously that would be a win.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 4/12/2020 3:52:28 PM

+1 Boost

With Toyota doing 250k in sales of Tacoma's in the USA, I have always wondered why the big three never take this segment seriously. The size of a full size pick up truck is like a super duty truck from 10 or 15 years ago. There is room for a mid size segment product at FCA.