Ram considering new mid-size unibody pickup to replace Dakota
2008 Dodge Dakota - Click above for high-res image gallery
In a rambling presentation that presented almost nothing of any value, Fred Diaz, CEO of Chrysler's newly-created Ram brand, did drop at least one little tidbit in passing. Currently the Dodge truck offerings consist of only two vehicles, the full-size Ram and the mid-size Dakota. The long-term fate of the Dakota has been the subject of much speculation but one of Diaz's slides did mention that Ram was considering a replacement. The key word was "considering."
Interestingly, the possible replacement would be based on a unibody platform which in all likelihood would be derived from the new Grand Cherokee/Durango architecture. That would be a big departure for Chrysler – jumping into a vehicle type that currently consists of only the slow selling Honda Ridgeline. If Chrysler were to build this vehicle, it would make sense to do something to differentiate it from the big Ram, and perhaps with the right styling and powertrain – perhaps something like the Rampage concept from 2006 – it could be more successful than the Honda.
The current Durango will remain in production until mid-2011 and the new truck, if approved, would not launch until at least then.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
The Other Bob 1:26PM (11/04/2009)
Nooooo!
Make a light truck that has good cargo capacity in terms of volume, but don't make a crappy Ridgeline competitor.
Reply
Jei 4:16PM (11/04/2009)
...but the Ridgeline sells...and has been mightly useful, like a half-size or 3/4ths version of the Chevy Avalanche.
The Rampage is pretty slick. Just needs 4WD & V8 options.
Joey Mazz 8:40PM (11/04/2009)
The ridgeline obviously doesn't sell too well, otherwise the it wouldn't be referred to as the "slow-selling ridgeline". Not a horrible idea if done well, give it a V8 option and genuine 4x4 plus a higher payload to set it apart from the Honda competitor and it could do fairly well.
x19912 11:41AM (11/06/2009)
unibody truck...lol just junk when used as a truck . the Ridgeline is for urban cowboy wanabes
a truck needs to be a frame body design if it is going to survive the use as a truck.
you hit a deer with a Ridgline and you need a new truck.
There isnt any real good location for a deer guard on them. no frame horns.
just a El Camino with 4x4.
Mybe you people who don't need a real truck don't need a truck at all...go buy a Subaru
x19912 10:59AM (11/08/2009)
guess i being buying fords from now on
BigDumbFace 1:28PM (11/04/2009)
Make it more like a 'ute a l'Australia and I may be one considering it.
Key word "considering."
Reply
Imag 1:37PM (11/04/2009)
Man, I rented a Durango and expected it to be pretty decent with the V8 and all.
I was wrong. That thing handles like a piece of OSB wrapped in wet rag. Driving around a corner on the freeway with any kind of bumps is actually more frightening than any modern car I've driven. It didn't really feel any faster than a V6 Tacoma, and it was absolutely dismal to drive.
I'm not sure if I agree with going unibody, but I'm glad that thing is getting replaced.
Reply
Jared 1:43PM (11/04/2009)
If they are just "considering" it now, that means it is at least 3 years away. If they're still alive in 3 years.
Reply
ozyran440 1:57PM (11/04/2009)
This would be a fatal mistake on their part. *IF* Fiat goes through with it, it will be the biggest screw up since the merger with Daimler.
Reply
stealthebeatles 3:10PM (11/04/2009)
Because we all know the Dakota is a volume seller...
MikeofLA 1:58PM (11/04/2009)
Make it EXACTLY Like the Rampage Concept and they will have a winner. Keep the sliding doors and the removable/stowable seats.
Most people who want a small/midsize truck are weekend warriors anyway. If it's competent and given a good enough towing ability to tug 2 PWC or Dirt bikes you'd be good.
Reply
The Other Bob 2:40PM (11/04/2009)
The Rampage is FWD, so that would be a total loser.
Jimbo 8:20PM (11/04/2009)
People said the same thing when automakers introduced FWD SUVs. Now they dominate the market. Chrysler needs to start taking a few chances. It's not like they have anything to lose anymore.
yosh 1:59PM (11/04/2009)
I never saw that Rampage concept... wowza!
That's a hot truck. Listen up, Chrysler.. bring the rampage concept out as-is! IMO that's what the new Jeep Grand Cherokee should've looked like.
If Dodge took the Rampage design language and copied across all their cars like Audi does theirs, we'd have a winning American brand. I kid you not.
Reply
Dave 2:05PM (11/04/2009)
Wow... I didn't realize how much I don't like how the Dakota looks.
That Rampage, though... it looks 'right'. Package that with a modern efficient/powerful powertrain and even I would consider it. 20MPG with regular gas, please.
Nice application of Stow'n'Go, kinda neat to see the folding armrests (though I wonder how necessary that is), and the slide hidden on the exterior. The front clip looks cohesive, unlike the Dakota's excessive folds and mismatching lines (headlight to grille). It looks like a sleek tonka truck.
I also like that bed ramp... so nice.
I've had a history of not liking Chrysler products (which is pretty much all my parents have owned since I was young), but they're finally starting to put together some handsome trucks. Well, the brand-new light duty Ram looks nice (first Dodge truck I've said that about... and I guess it's the last since the brand name is changing), and I obviously like the Rampage.
Reply
Sofa King Fast! 2:10PM (11/04/2009)
Ram does need a replacement for the Dakota - that thing is ugly as sin, too big and poorly built.
That said, Unibody is not the way to build a truck. Pay attention to Toyota. The best mid size truck ever built is the Tacoma - use a full frame and make it tough (and give us diesel!)
Reply
Motor_Yakuza 2:21PM (11/04/2009)
I like the Rampage.
Reply
jjpg2000 2:31PM (11/04/2009)
"That would be a big departure for Chrysler – jumping into a vehicle type that currently consists of only the slow selling Honda Ridgeline"
Didn't the Ridgeline pass the Dakota in sales earlier this year?
Reply
Scott K. 3:00PM (11/04/2009)
The Rampage is a neat looking truck. Definitely nicer than most any truck on the road, in my view. I'd like to say this is the perfect opportunity to show they have changed. Bring it as a reliable, drivable, useful, and relatively economical truck and it'll turn some heads. I'd like to say that, but I've long since lost all faith in Chrysler.
Reply
UberLaff 3:12PM (11/04/2009)
It's sad... the Dakota was such a kick ass, awesome looking truck 10 years ago! Dodge has been beating it with an ugly stick ever since...
Reply