Richmond Review ·· Page Page 15 15
Friday, February 13, 2015
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RAM designed to challenge the top dog trucks The full size truck market is big that lowers for easier entry into the RAM or loading into the bed. business for automakers and a big This system also automatically deal for the businesses and people lowers at speeds over 100 km/h who depend on them. reducing aerodynamic drag and, For almost five decades, the Ford yet again, improving fuel econoF-150 has been the best selling my. The opposite is true, at lower truck, with little chance they will speeds and for off-road duties; squander that crown soon. In the air suspension can be raised fact, Ford finished 2014 with over RAM has seen for better ground clearance. 126,000 F-Series sold and that set huge sales growth a new record. Inside RAM was the second best-selling over the last few Today’s modern truck is no longer vehicle with more than 88,000 years due to constant just a vehicle for work; the level sold. What has been happening, of refinement and luxury found over the last few years, is a strong improvements instead in today’s rigs is something to shift from General Motors to behold. My test unit RAM 1500 of waiting years to RAM in terms of establishing the LaRAMie Quad Cab 4X4 had a update its rigs. second best-selling truck brand. starting price of $51,595 but with The rise in RAM popularity traces Zack Spencer a long list of extras from keyless back to a few key changes over entry and start, to full leather the last several years, from muscular styling seats, power moon roof and the larger 8.4-inch to class-leading interiors, a refined ride, plus uConnect screen, the total came to just over engine and transmission advancements. New for $63,000. Not cheap, but man the RAM line is a V6 turbocharged diesel in the there is a lot of truck here. 1500 or half-ton segment. The interior is rich looking and feels first rate, from the Looks buttons to the switches and What RAM has been able to do is capture materials covering the cabin. And the room is buyer’s imaginations with styling. The big and impressive for all passengers, front and back. bold grille is even bigger than last models but In addition to the optional 8.4-inch Uconnect has been integrated better into the front of the communications and entertainment screen, truck. Depending on the trim the grille finish can there is a standard large 7-inch screen behind be chrome, painted or with a different insert. Bethe steering wheel for fully customizable instant hind the grille are “active shutters” that close at information readouts. higher speeds to help send the wind around the vehicle to improve aerodynamic efficiency. There Drive is now a longer side step, which helps reduce The biggest change for RAM includes the first buffeting down the side of the trucks, also to diesel engine found in a light duty 1500 pickup aid in fuel economy. One option that makes life truck. This is an Italian designed engine that has been used extensively in Europe in Jeep prodeasier to live with is the $1,500 air suspension
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ucts like the Grand Cherokee. With 420 lb.-ft. or torque, this new “EcoDiesel” has the same output as Ford’s Ecoboost but not the same towing capacity. Rated at 9200 lbs. this truck will be perfect for buyers who want impressive fuel economy and good towing capacity; a balance of usability and thriftiness. This engine has not been rated yet for fuel economy but, thanks to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, the new EcoDiesel is going to get better numbers than the already class-leading gasoline V6 RAM. Having driven both the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel and this RAM, I find the gearing and attitude of the RAM much more dynamic and actually inspiring to drive. In real world driving situations, this big luxurious truck can actually return fuel economy of 10L/100km without babying the engine. Verdict RAM has seen huge sales growth over the last few years due to constant improvements instead of waiting years to update its rigs. It started with dynamic exterior design, followed by class leading interior, then an 8-speed automatic and now a Diesel. There is even an off-road ready RAM, just shown in Detroit, due to arrive called the Rebel. The RAM EcoDiesel has been selling very well and Chrysler claims they will put this truck up against the new aluminum F-150 for top dog in the fuel economy race. Good times to be looking for a truck. The Lowdown Power: 3.0L V6 turbo diesel Fill-up: 10.6L/7.4L/100km (city/highway) Sticker price as tested: $65,195 zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca
Grave G rave D Digger igge er may suffer a Northern Nightmare Kelowna’s Monster Jam driver Cam McQueen hopes his Northern Nightmare truck will give the Grave Digger bad dreams on February 28. That’s when the World Freestyle Champion will steer his Maple Leaf themed truck into a head-to-head battle at BC Place Stadium with the powerhouse of the circuit. “Vancouver is my home show, I have lots of family and friends planning to attend so I want to do well,” says the determined 36-year-old man. “We built a brand new chassis so I can go bigger in freestyle and be a much better contender in racing.” The car-crushing monster truck action featuring 12 trucks gets under way at 7 p.m. Monster Jam royalty Tom Meents, the 11-time World Champion driver of Max-D; will be in the lineup and Scarlet Bandit returns after a 12-year hiatus. Die-hard fans can enjoy the Party in the Pits preshow experience from 2 p.m. Regular tickets range from $25 to $50 and some children’s tickets are available for $10 each at Ticketmaster. All Access Pass packages are $125 and Pit Passes $10. More info at monsterjam.com. .com.
Submit a photo of you ou aand n YO nd YOUR UR ttruck… ruck ru ck k… at MONSTER JAM WIN 4 tickets! to the show and d VIP access to the PIT PARTY!
Showcasing heartfelt community stories from around the province.
on Saturday Saturday, Feb 28 at BC Place Stadium
Go to drivewaybc.ca and click to win!
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