Yahoo Autos 2020 Ram Power Wagon Pickup Spied in its Birthday Suit
What It Is: The 2020 Ram Power Wagon, caught completely uncovered in metro Detroit. Even before the recently refreshed 2019 Ram 1500 was released into the wild, camouflaged test mules of the Ram HD 2500 and 3500 trucks were common sight in Michigan, so we knew it would only be a matter of time until we snagged a photo of a Ram HD wearing nothing but the paint it was born in. In this case, it's a Power Wagon, Ram’s reptilian off-road beast based on the Ram 2500.
Why It Matters: The new-for-2019 Ram 1500 has impressed many with its class-leading ride and well-executed interior, to the point of attracting the attention of die-hard Ford and Chevy fans. If Ram’s HD trucks can pull off the same trick, it could mean some big returns in the cash office, because heavy-duty pickups are a high-margin product.
Platform: While we don't expect it to deviate dramatically from the current robust body-on-frame construction, the 2500-based Power Wagon captured here appears to be taller and larger overall, taking many of its styling cues from the 2019 Ram 1500 series. As an indicator of its overall size, note how small the wheel-and-tire combination looks in those giant wheel openings. Expect Power Wagon standbys to return, including front anti-roll-bar disconnect, locking differentials, and an integrated winch. It will be interesting to see whether Ram outfits the new HD series with the same active vibration-quelling technology used in the new 2019 Ram 1500.
The grille looks similar to those on previous models, but the hood shape is new, and the bumper appears to be an all-new design that "kicks up" on the ends below the headlamp housings. The rearview mirrors are also similar, but the plastic wheel arches feature a slightly new design with a notch at the top. The taillamps are of a new design, but for obvious reasons the tailgate doesn’t display the Power Wagon nomenclature; the integral front winch, however, is traditional Power Wagon kit.
Powertrain: We don’t expect much in the way of powertrain changes. The 410-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 and six-speed manual transmission are likely to return, although we wouldn't be floored if Ram upped the gear count for improved fuel economy. As long as we have our wish list out, the return of the venerated Cummins turbo-diesel as an available engine in the Power Wagon would be a welcome addition to the lineup.
Competition: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Ford F-250 Super Duty, GMC Sierra 2500HD, Nissan Titan XD, Stegosaurus.
Estimated Arrival and Price: Price is still undecided, but without revolutionary technology or powertrain updates the Power Wagon will need to stay near the current model's $54,540 base MSRP. Expect the 2020 Ram HD and Power Wagon to break cover at the 2019 Detroit auto show. Currently assembled in Ram’s Saltillo, Mexico, facility, Ram HD assembly is slated to be moved to its Warren, Michigan, plant in or around 2020, where it will be produced alongside the 1500. Whether or not Ram will wait until the move is completed to put the next-gen HD trucks on sale is yet to be seen. Either way, tradition dictates that it hit showrooms by the third quarter of 2019.
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