Autoblog

Four Wheeler crowns Ultimate Factory 4x4... who wins?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Ford, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota, Off-Road, Ram

Nearly every automaker doing business in the SUV or pickup truck segments offers a package designed to improve the off-road capabilities of its wares. But, of course, not all such factory kits are created equal. How, then, to separate the wheat from the chaff? Gather each of them up and put them through their paces, naturally.

The folks from Four Wheeler and PickupTrucks.com joined forces to run just such a comparison test, with the winner named the Ultimate Factory 4x4. A total of seven vehicles showed up to the fight: the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2012 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X and Xterra PRO-4X, 2012 Ram Power Wagon, and 2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail and Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series.

With the contestants in place, the whole crew put each vehicle through a battery of tests that included skidpad and acceleration measurements, a hillclimb, a rocky stairstep course and a rock garden. Considering the nature of the beasts, on-road ride and comfort were not part of the routine.

So, which four-wheeler ended up on top? Click here to read the results, and don't act like you're surprised by the victor.

Four Wheeler crowns Ultimate Factory 4x4... who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is three tons of vintage American iron

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Truck, Dodge, Military, Specialty, Off-Road

There's a soft spot in our hearts for well-done resuscitation of vintage off-road iron. Perhaps the most notable company performing such restomod work is Icon 4x4, but the Californian outfit isn't the only company turning its attention to the down-and-dirty side of the vintage scene.

Legacy Classic Trucks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is using the 2012 SEMA Show to display the Legacy Power Wagon. As its name implies, the truck started life many, many years ago as a Dodge Power Wagon (built between 1945 and 1980 - not to be confused with the current version), itself based on an older military design. In stock form, the Power Wagon was much loved for its stalwart ability to carry people and products over just about any terrain.

In the form you see above, the massively capable Power Wagon looks beefy enough to pull a freight train uphill through a snow storm... or something like that. As seen above, the Legacy Power Wagon would set back its buyer some $180,000. In base configuration, the truck runs $114,950. That's a huge sum, no doubt, but we're sure a few well-heeled buyers won't mind.

If nothing else, the Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is equipped with top-shelf componentry. The buyer can choose from either a 426-cubic-inch V8 with 425 horsepower from the Mopar parts book or a 3.9-liter Cummins turbo diesel four cylinder mill pounding out 480 pound-feet of torque. A range of transmission options are available, up to the stout Allison unit of the show truck.

All the specifications and options can be seen here, and we invite you to gaze at our high-res image gallery above.

Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is three tons of vintage American iron originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PickupTrucks.com holds Ultimate 4x4 Challenge

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Off-Road, Ram

The crew at PickupTrucks.com has been busy lately. In addition to wrapping up its global pickup shootout in Australia, the site also took the time to pit four factory off-road kings against each other. After extending invitations to every manufacturer to send out their most capable pickup, the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, Toyota Tacoma Baja, Ram Power Wagon and Ford F-150 SVT Raptor all showed up to play. General Motors, meanwhile, declined to join the party.

Each of the participants threw down in a total of 10 events with separate scoring, including old standbys like 0-60, 60-0, payload capacity and fuel economy. But Pickuptrucks.com also partnered up with 4Wheeler Magazine to put the bruisers through some legitimate off-road tests. Each pickup took on a tough sand hill climb as well as a stair climb and a rock scramble.

While we weren't surprised to see the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor take top honors, we were shocked to see where the Power Wagon wound up on the list. How'd the big Mopar place? You'll have to scroll down to watch the video wrap-up. After that, head on over to PickupTrucks.com to read the full comparison.

Continue reading PickupTrucks.com holds Ultimate 4x4 Challenge

PickupTrucks.com holds Ultimate 4x4 Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ram shows off 1500 Mossy Oak Edition and Power Wagon Laramie

Zach Bowman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ram

Ram continues to flesh out the company's product line with a few new pickup variants. Next year will see the Power Wagon line grow with the addition of ST and Laramie trim levels for the first time. ST guise is meant more for companies and government agencies that may require a pickup capable of heading off into the uncharted wilderness. With single-tone paint matched to black fender flairs, mirrors and bumpers, the model dispenses with frills. Meanwhile, Laramie trim rolls in leather seats, a premium audio system and plenty of wood-grain trim throughout the cabin. Outside, the truck gets body-color fender flairs and chrome mirrors and bumpers. Expect to pay $42,620 for the Power Wagon ST and $51,995 for the Laramie version.

In addition, the automaker plans to roll out a 1500 Mossy Oak Edition. Those familiar with the hunting scene will recognize Mossy Oak as one of the leading companies in the camouflage industry, and the latest addition to the 1500 fleet will boast bed caps and a tail gate wrapped in the Mossy Oak Breakup Infinity camo pattern. Inside, the door panels also get the same treatment, and buyers will find the Mossy Oak logo embroidered on the seat headrests. The Ram 1500 Mossy Oak Edition will set you back $39,910, plus destination. Hit the jump for the press releases.

Continue reading Ram shows off 1500 Mossy Oak Edition and Power Wagon Laramie

Ram shows off 1500 Mossy Oak Edition and Power Wagon Laramie originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on the long-travel Mopar Ram 1500

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Dodge, Off-Road

Kent Kroeker is cooking up a bit of evil that is 90 inches wide for the Easter Jeep Safari. The latest details reveal that 90 inches is the width of the front track on the Mopar Ram 1500 being built as a "research project," while that number tapers down to 87 inches in the rear. We're talking about a truck that will be at least 22 inches wider than a normal Ram when you see its grille coming towards you. And that might be from the air, we'll have you know - with 15 inches of travel up front and 14 in the rear, this baby looks like she'll be a true jumper.

This might be the best of the bunch as far as the Moparized concepts go for this Moab event. What we really want to know is this: We have a good idea of where Fiat and Chrysler head Sergio Marchionne stands with little cars and sedans, but how does he feel about taking muddin' - and an OEM version of this truck - to the masses? Can the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor now be put on notice?

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

More details on the long-travel Mopar Ram 1500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Dodge Ram Power Wagon hits the streets in search of Ford SVT Raptor

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Off-Road

Dodge Ram Power Wagon spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

We just told you that that Chrysler will be launching four new "Moparized" vehicles later this month, and our spies have already caught one of these new vehicles - the Dodge Ram Power Wagon - on the streets of southeast Michigan.

Unlike the Power Wagon that's just now hitting dealers, this is a totally unique package, featuring a single-cab configuration with a short, style-side bed. The huge off-road tires and exaggerated wheel arches lead us to believe that this is Chrysler's answer to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor (if only in concept form), and our spies tell us that this prototype "made hair-raising sounds" as it drove by, leading us to believe that the 383-horsepower Hemi V8 is underhood.

We can't wait to see the production version on March 27 at the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. If these spy shots are anything to go off of, it looks like it'll be serious fun for desert storming.

Gallery: Dodge Ram Power Wagon: Spy Shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Dodge Ram Power Wagon hits the streets in search of Ford SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Off-Road

Mopar Sketches for the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has announced that it will launch four new "Moparized" (their term, not ours) models on March 27 at the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah: the Jeep Wrangler J7, Jeep Patriot Extreme, Jeep Wrangler Trail Boss and Ram Power Wagon.

First off, there's already a 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but it appears that this version will sport just two doors instead of the current four-door model. We also note plenty of flat black accents, including the wheels, grille and hood, which are set off by what appears to be a neon green stripe. Out back is a customized bed that includes an external fullsize spare tire rack. Ford SVT Raptor fighter? We'll see.

Moving on to the Jeep Patriot Extreme, we see a bright orange (EXTREME!!!) paint scheme highlighted (or is that lowlighted?) by more flat black accents on the grille and hood along with a two-inch Rocky Road Outfitters suspension lift, TJ 'Moab' 16-inch wheels and BF Goodrich KM2 tires. Lest we forget, there's also an uplevel Kicker stereo system and a roof-mounted snowboard rack.

Finally, we have a pair of Wranglers. The first is the J7, which is based on the four-door Unlimited Rubicon model and is "designed to have the basic appeal of military-issued vehicles." The second Wrangler is called the Trail Boss, and all we know about that one is that it's "a two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that is built for serious off-road duty." Check out the high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Mopar sketches for 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Truck, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds

Chris Shunk — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge, First Drives

2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 1993, truck drivers had no choice but to depend on domestic automakers for work-ready pickups, and only Ford and General Motors offered competitive haulers. That all changed a year later when Dodge set the pickup truck market on its leaf springs with the introduction of its all-new Ram. With a big-rig appearance thanks to an imposing front grille that looked ready to kick you in the Truck Nutz, Dodge's truck sales tripled inside of 12 months and gave load-hauling manly men a real alternative to Ford and Chevy. But while Dodge hit a home run with the 1994 Ram, the Penta-horned brand didn't have a heavy-duty option in its lineup until 2003, and an all-important diesel powerplant didn't come online until 2004. In 2008, Dodge filled out its pickup lineup with heavy-duty 4500 and 5500 variants, finally giving Chrysler's trucking arm the range of choices necessary to get plucky with the competition from Detroit and Dearborn.

Last year, Dodge introduced a new light-duty Ram, with sleek updated aesthetics and controversial coil springs that provide a superior ride at the expense of some towing and hauling capability. Fast-forward a year and the truckmakers at Chrysler are set to unleash a new heavy-duty Ram that's been redesigned to provide customers more capability, more options and a better ride while competing against offerings from its crosstown rivals with a lower cost of entry. We headed out to Ann Arbor, MI to drive, tow, brake, climb and traverse in the new Ram HD to see if Chrysler's truck team has succeeded. Follow along with us after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds

First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon caught uncovered

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Dodge, Off-Road

2010 Dodge Power Wagon - Click above to be redirected to Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road for more images

Dodge's entire line of Heavy Duty pickup trucks gets a major refresh for the 2010 model year, and that includes the off-road-ready Power Wagon. The boys at Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine managed to get their mitts on what must be one of the first such trucks off the line, and it'll be taking part in the mag's 4x4 of the Year competition.

In addition to the restyled sheetmetal, the '10 Power Wagon gets a new graphics package that makes the new model impossible to miss. Giant vinyl lettering in contrasting colors takes up residence on the hood, quarter panels and tailgate, and a matching set of stripes showcases the truck's stylized hood and bare flanks.

Buried deep inside the Ram's massive hood and behind that gaping chrome grille sits a Hemi V8 that sends its ponies through locking front and rear differentials. 4.56 rear axle gearing ensures that there's plenty of twisting power to spin the large 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires, and an electric sway bar disconnect allows for maximum articulation over the really rough stuff. It's not exactly subtle, but then again it probably fits its target demographic like a glove.

See more images of the 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon at Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine.

[Source: Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road via PickupTrucks.com]

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon caught uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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