FRESH TRACKS

Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept Unveiled at CES 2023

The Ram Truck brand recently unveiled its Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) at CES 2023 that provides a glimpse into the future of the brand with a ton of innovative features that will be seen in future Ram trucks. A production version is said to be ready in 2024 as the brand moves to offer a portfolio of fully electrified options. “The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is our clearest signal yet that we’re on the precipice of something extraordinary at Ram and points directly to where we’re going on our electrified journey,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “At Ram, we’ve redefined what pickup trucks can be, and we will do so again by pushing past what competitors are offering by delivering the best electric pickups on the market.” The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features an ultra-futuristic exterior design that offers new features such as a powered frunk for added storage, a powered charge port door, flush-mounted handles and a powered rear step with active diffuser. Familiar Ram features are also prominent including a power multi-function tailgate and a large RamBox. The truck sits on 35-in. tires and rides on 24-in. wheels that are provided plenty of clearance thanks to the suspension’s self-leveling capability. Inside the concept truck, Ram has designed what they are calling a “one space environment” that utilizes one continuous space front to back that allows for several different interior configurations. A significantly more spacious interior and greater cabin length are provided thanks to the proportions of the all-new STLA Frame EV platform on which the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is built. The truck features all-new mid-gate mounted jump seats with a removable lower section for placement in the bed or outside the vehicle. The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features all-wheel drive capability and is powered by two electric drive modules (EDMs) which are found toward the front and rear of the vehicle to maximize interior space and are designed to accommodate possible larger capacity EDMs. The truck can add up to

160km of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW. Along with the truck itself, Ram also introduced a Ram Charger inductive robot charger that can detect the vehicle’s presence and its charging needs, automatically moving itself into position to begin charging. Lots more information will come out between now and an all-electric Ram’s scheduled 2024 launch, and we will be sure to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest.

Volume 16, Issue No. 1

February / March 2023

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher: Dean Washington dean@rpmcanada.ca

Associate Publisher: David Symons david@rpmcanada.ca

Managing Editor

Jordan Allan jordan@rpmcanada.ca

Distribution Manager: Brenda Washington brenda@rpmcanada.ca

Copy Editor: Gerry Frechette gerryf@rpmcanada.ca

Advertising Sales: Elaine Fontaine elaine@rpmcanada.ca

Contributing Writers / Photographers:

Jordan Allan

Howard J Elmer

Gerry Frechette

Dan Heyman

Benjamin Yong

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TRUCKS PLUS Magazine is published seven times per year by RPM Media Inc.

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2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Named Canadian Truck King Challenge Winner

After extensive testing and comparison, the principals behind the Canadian Truck King Challenge and the Truck King YouTube channel, have decided to award the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 its top honour.

“This the best truck, all around, for today,” said Howard J Elmer, founder of the Challenge. “We were impressed with the Silverado ZR2’s overall performance – off-road as well as on. We felt this truck would work five days a week and play on the weekend – and do it all really well.”

For 2023 Chevy added its ZR2 off-road treatment to its Silverado. This truck has front and rear e-lockers, a special fascia and the Multimatic DSSV damped shocks. This is what sets a ZR2 apart from a standard Silverado. These suspension upgrades, enhanced off-road technology and body work developed for off-road performance make it very capable whether desert running or rock crawling. In addition to its functional features, the Silverado ZR2 is distinguished by several aesthetic cues, including a new black hood insert, a unique grille with integrated lighting and a “flow-tie” emblem, ZR2 badges, unique 18-inch wheels and a unique Jet Black/ Graystone leather-trimmed interior, with complementing dark trim. A unique bumper has removable end caps for easier replacement and the dual exhaust has been lifted and ends before the rear bumper to eliminate potential damage. However, note that the ZR2’s off-road traits are counter-balanced with good everyday driving comfort. It is also important to note that this balanced combination of on and off-road performance does not impact payload and trailering. ZR2’s max payload is 1,440 lb. and it will tow 8,900 lb. Inside, the new look and feel of the Silverado interiors are elevated with new colours, seat designs and more premium materials throughout. That’s especially true for the top-level High Country trim.

For all these reasons, we felt the 2023 Chevrolet ZR2 deserved to by our Canadian Truck King Challenge truck of the year.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 highlights include the following:

• Standard 6.2L V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque

• 10-speed automatic transmission

• Multimatic 40mm DSSV spool-valve dampers, which feature:

• Three separate spool valves to control damping

• Three connected chambers for fluid flow

• Uniquely-tuned springs that, with the Multimatic dampers, increase maximum front and rear suspension travel, compared to the Silverado Trail Boss

• Front and rear e-lockers

• Specific off-road chassis and suspension calibrations, including Terrain Mode, which allows one-pedal rock crawling

• 33-inch off-road MT tires

• Unique skid plate package

• New high-approach steel front bumper designed for off-road strength and clearancewith 31.8-degree approach angle Story by Truck King Media

Ford Retains North American Truck of the Year Award for 2023

The Ford F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup has been named the North American Truck of the Year which is the third straight win for Ford in the category. “Earning North America’s Truck of the Year is huge for the team that has been working so hard to build and deliver as many Lightnings as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We’re moving fast to further ramp production to a 150,000 run rate this fall and pushing to improve every aspect of this truck. We’ve started delivering Lightnings from the factory with a fantastic new user interface update to improve the driver experience that we’ll also roll out to all of our Lightning owners over-the-air.” In order to be eligible to win North American Truck of the Year, vehicles must be completely new or substantially changed for the year, and is selected by a jury of 50 professional automotive journalists from across North America. Winners are chosen based on innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, driver satisfaction and value.

Ram adds 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition to Light-Duty Lineup

Ram Truck has announced the newest addition to its light-duty pickup truck lineup with the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition that comes with an exclusive new Baja Yellow colour. The truck offers performance truck buyers an even wider selection of unique content for even greater personalization. The Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition enhances the TRX Level 2 Equipment group and includes the exclusive exterior colour, 18-in. beadlock-capable wheels, dual pane panoramic sunroof, spray-in bedliner and an LED cab-mounted brake light. Inside, the TRX Havoc Edition includes yellow accent stitching, embroidered TRX logo seats, carbon fibre accents, carbon fibre flat-bottom steering wheel and a unique centre console badge. The truck will of course feature the 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 engine and is set to become available sometime in the first quarter of this year.

Jeep Adding Pair of Special Edition Models to Wrangler Lineup

For 2023, Jeep will be offering Wrangler High Tide and Wrangler Jeep Beach special-edition models with the Beach model commemorating the 20th anniversary of Jeep Beach in Daytona Beach, Florida which is an annual gathering of thousands of Jeep fans. “Jeep Beach week in Daytona Beach, Florida, is one of the biggest Jeep vehicle events in America, bringing in more than 200,000 Jeep fans and 20,000 Jeep SUVs in 2022 alone,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand – North America.

“With the Wrangler High Tide and 20th anniversary Jeep Beach special editions, we get to celebrate our customers’ passion for beach-ready vehicles during this weeklong event.” The Wrangler High Tide is based on the Sport S model and powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission and features a long list of special-edition equipment. This includes the Xtreme Recon Package which adds 35-in. BF Goodrich T/A K02 tires, 17x8 beadlock-capable wheels, 4.56 rear axle ratio, 1.5-in. factory suspension lift with uniquely-tuned shocks, plus a body-colour hardtop, LED headlamps and fog lamps, rock rails, sand/slush mats and High Tide hood decals. The Jeep Wrangler Beach model will be even more special edition than High Tide models with only 500 being built and will feature special equipment such as Jeep Beach hood decals, Mopar Katzkin leather seats, body-colour fenders, a special 20th anniversary shifter medallion and a Jeep Beach swing gate.