Knuckle WhackJob Gives The KLX250 A Vintage Enduro Vibe

The little bikes are taking over. More and more manufacturers are adding small dual-sport bikes to their ranks. And riders are enjoying smaller scramblers that aren’t intimidating, don’t break the bank, and won’t cause tears when they fall over.

Kawasaki has cottoned on, and have two new baby dirt bikes on their books: the adventure focused Versys-X 300, and the more stripped back KLX250. The KLX has actually been around since 2009, but took a hiatus in 2014 before returning mostly unchanged—except for a switch from a carb to fuel injection.

This little number is a carb’d 2012-model KLX250. It’s been given a serious hit of vintage enduro steeze—and a few choice upgrades—by the crew over at Knuckle WhackJob.

Based in the Lebak Bulus province of Jakarta, Knuckle WhackJob not only have the best name in the business, hands down, but they have a knack for building really fun bikes too. We discovered them last year, courtesy of our friends over at Gas Tank Magazine, and have had our eye on them since.

This KLX250 was never really meant to be a custom job, but KWJ’s head wrench, Otir, has a huge imagination and zero restraint. The owner just wanted a Yamaha YZ250 swing arm and shock grafted on—and maybe some light subframe mods—but Otir convinced him to go all the way.

After the KLX was modded to accept the YZ250 parts, Otir installed a YZ front end too—giving the suspension department a serious boost. The guys fitted the forks by way of a Pro Circuit kit, with a new top triple and bar risers. The wheels are the original 21F/18R combo, but they’re now wrapped in grippy Maxxis rubber.

The guys wanted to leave the engine mostly stock, so they treated it to a polish and port job, then had it sand blasted and powder coat. An FMF Power Core 4 muffler adds a little extra grunt.

As for the Kawasaki’s bodywork, none of it survived the cull. The tank looks like it’s off an old enduro bike, but that’s just because the new livery is so on point. It’s actually a one-off, hand-shaped for this project in Knuckle WhackJob’s own shop.

You’ll find their handiwork lower down too. The radiator shrouds are custom made, as are the side covers with their integrated number boards. Look closer, and you’ll spot that the right side board’s been shaped around the exhaust, doubling up as a heat shield.

There’s a new seat up top too, designed to be long enough for the rider to move around on. The guys redesigned the subframe underneath it, giving it a classic kick in the end—and capping it off with a new fender and a classic-style LED taillight.

Even though Knuckle WhackJob have loaded the little Kwakka with tons of old-school touches, they’ve also added a bunch of modern, practical mods. In the cockpit you’ll find Renthal bars, ProTaper grips and controls, and Domino switches. The forks wear a set of plastic guards, and plus Acerbis seal protectors.

There’s a sump guard lower down, and a full-length front fender to keep muck out of the rider’s eyes. Lighting comes from a pair of vintage lights housed in a hand-made cage. And there’s even a recovery strap just beneath—handy for dragging the KLX out of sticky predicaments.

We’re especially digging the 70s-inspired livery; a vivid blue punctuated with red, yellow and white stripes. And the ‘Knuckle WhackJob’ decal under the period correct Kawasaki ‘K’ is just killer. The rest of the parts have been subtly finished in black, with a few crafty highlights—like the blue chain and red rear brake line.

But what we like most is how well Knuckle WhackJob have meshed old and new on the KLX, while giving it a proper worn-in vibe. We’d have no qualms getting this scrambler dirty.

Knuckle Whackjob | Facebook | Instagram

from Bike EXIF http://ift.tt/2DZRnlf

BMW Expands Car & Ride Sharing Lease Program

BMW Group has announced the Car & Ride Sharing Lease program for BMW and Mini vehicles. The program, offered by BMW Group Financial Services, allows customers to share their leased vehicle with peers and drive for ride sharing providers. BMW says the program reflects the current shifts in the market and addresses the changing attitudes toward car ownership.

“One of the biggest shifts in the automotive industry is the adoption of the sharing economy,” reads a statement from BMW Group Financial Services. “Increasingly customers are looking for platforms which allow them to earn additional income by renting their vehicles when not in use, or driving for ride sharing providers.”

Readily Accessible

BMW’s ReachNow program already serves more than 75,000 in the Seattle, Portland, and Brooklyn metros. Through the ReachNow app, users can access over 1,300 BMW and Mini vehicles, including the all-electric i3. Members can select any vehicle in the fleet without visiting a rental storefront – nor do they have to return the vehicle to a specified location. The ReachNow app is designed to give customers an option, whether they want to drive, ride or rent a vehicle.

“We are very excited to provide an industry-leading, customer-centric approach to mobility services that will allow our customers the ultimate in flexible utilization over the life of their contract with BMW Group Financial Services,” explained Ian Smith, CEO of BMW Financial Services Group, Region Americas.  “As a company, we are committed to delivering a simple and transparent solution that optimizes our already premium customer experience.”

The service has since expanded to include markets in California, Washington, and Oregon. BMW Group Financial Services was established in 1992 to support the sales and marketing of BMW products.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photo & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

from Automoblog.net http://ift.tt/2nydftN

2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Is Up for Grabs in Spain

Designed and launched back in 2016, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS was perhaps the carmaker`s last attempt to create the perfect road racer, with the best performance figures and an exceptionally aerodynamic body style. And the outstanding speeds achieved on the Ring demonstrate that this lad seen below wearing racing livery was the perfect alternative for the road.

Listed in Spain, the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS seen below in racing stripes is for sale for at least 195,900 euros. And given the pristine condition, high-performance engine and low mileage, it definitely deserves the reserve price.

First of all, the Martini Racing stripes provide the model with that racing attitude that we`ve all been waiting from a Porsche, revealing at the same time extremely muscular lines, racing attitude and perfect stance.

From a visual standpoint, the model in question looks magnificent with the wider tracks, front and rear, and other aerodynamic features suited for a genuine GT3 RS model – front spoiler lip, extremely wide rear wing, front wheel arch air vents – all contributing to an increase downforce on the front axle.

Let`s not forget that most of the body components are made of carbon fiber, adding as well magnesium roof panel, all lowering the centre of gravity.

Inside, the cabin comes with a black interior with white stitching and yellow accents, adding of course carbon-fiber trims and carbon-fiber bucket seats.

In the engine department, the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS was designed for power and performance. It thus features a 4.0-liter six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine, with 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. This means a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, performance figures achieved a couple of years ago on the Ring.

Grab a quick look at this gorgeous 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS in the media gallery below and don’t forget to share your opinions with us! Is it worth the asking price? Would you pay more to add it to your own Porsche collection?

The post 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Is Up for Grabs in Spain appeared first on Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles.

from Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles http://ift.tt/2Fx0dUn

ABT Sportsline Announces Upcoming Audi RS5-R at 2018 Geneva Motor Show

With Geneva Motor Show opening its gates in about a month, not only carmakers worldwide are preparing their latest rides, as tuning companies are also giving us a hint on their newest and most outrageous aftermarket programs.

ABT Sportsline from Germany is an Audi-dedicated tuner that will present an astonishing model in Geneva. This is based on the RS5 Coupe and it is called ABT RS5-R.

It is going to be limited to just 50 units worldwide, which definitely makes it extremely rare and extremely expensive. How much it will cost? According to some close sources, one such example would cost around 300,000 euros…at least.

As we can depict from the media gallery below, the Audi RS5-R by ABT looks smashing and standout with the new styling elements at the exterior and a couple of touches inside. Speaking of interior, for the moment we don’t have any photos, but the tuner will surely get back with fresh info.

This crazy built stands out from the crowd with a green shade around the body style, along with bespoke and massive front grille and apron, wheel arch vents, side skirt add-ons, decklid spoiler or rear diffuser with incorporated quad exhaust pipes.

There are also new mechanical tweaks involved like new KW coilover suspension system with sport stabilizers and height adjustable springs. The tuner has also ditched the stock 19-inch alloy wheels and opted for much bigger 21-inch rims, wrapped in 275/25 tires on all axles. Overall, the Audi RS5-R by ABT looks wider, lower and more aggressive.

Inside, the cabin is believed to sport leather sports seats with the RS5-R logo, along with ABT gear shift cover from carbon fiber, and much more.

There is also good news for those wanting more power. The technicians from ABT Sportsline have also infused a couple of new horses. Thanks to their new power kit, this Audi enjoys a full 523 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque, which is 79 horsepower and 90 Nm of torque over the stock model. That makes it also faster – 0.3 seconds faster, meaning just 3.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

The post ABT Sportsline Announces Upcoming Audi RS5-R at 2018 Geneva Motor Show appeared first on Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles.

from Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles http://ift.tt/2Es6K3G

Jeep Announces 2018 Grand Cherokee S Edition in Europe

To mark 26 years of the Cherokee existence on the market, the North American-based carmaker Jeep has announced the arrival of a special and limited-edition in Europe, called the 2018 Grand Cherokee S Edition.

Such an event had to be celebrated with an exquisite model, and as we can depict from the couple of photos we have below, this particular edition is not an exception to the rule. It comes with a unique paintjob, enhanced visuals and some new add-ons inside the cabin.

From a visual standpoint, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee S Edition comes in Europe with some important highlights which clearly separate it from the stock Grand Cherokee, like Low Gloss Granite Crystal accents on the badging, step pad, tail lamps, grille bezels and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Other important characteristics at the exterior refer to Gloss Black grille, full windows surround or dual exhaust with Black Chrome finish.

The S Edition is special inside the cabin as well, with the interior now coming with Anodized Gun Metal accents, Black instrument panel accent stitching and Black wood finish, along with Mopar bright metal pedals and Black Nappa SRT-look perforated leather seats with Black accent stitching.

There is also an Uconnect eight-inch touchscreen and state-of-the-art audio system, along with dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front and heated rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel or panoramic dual-pane sunroof.

As for the engine lineup under the hood, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee S Edition comes in Europe with a 3.0-liter MultiJet II diesel engine developing 250 horsepower, along with a 3.6-liter V6 with 286 horsepower. On the other hand, the top of the line 5.7-liter HEMI V8 petrol burner outputs no less than 352 horsepower.

All these power outputs are also achieved thank to the SUV`s new engineering setups like Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD), along with traction management system with Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud and Rock. Prices for the all-new 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee S Edition in Europe will be revealed at a later date.

The post Jeep Announces 2018 Grand Cherokee S Edition in Europe appeared first on Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles.

from Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles http://ift.tt/2DLRr4z

Switch Hitter: Porsche guru Dutchmann tackles a Jawa

If you’re into classic Porsche 911s, you’ve probably heard of the restorer Dutchmann. In his Johannesburg, South Africa workshop, Gavin Rooke painstakingly rebuilds classic Neunelfers to concours level, and ships his ‘Weekend Racers’ all over the world—ready to be thrashed around tracks, up hill climbs and through deserts.

But every so often Gavin and his craftsmen take on a special project, to keep their skills fresh: ‘We seek inspiration from different people and their interests,” he says. One such individual is 65-year old Bobby Hack (below), a retired Speedway legend who lives in the Eastern Cape.

“I was hunting for a second-hand speedway bike to convert into a Dutchmann ‘Desert Racer’ and came across Bobby,” says Gavin. “He’d hit some tough times, and needed to sell his old speedway parts.”

“As we got chatting, he mentioned he also owned a super-rare, complete 1968 Jawa 2-valve speedway bike. I convinced Bobby to work with us on a tandem project, to restore the Jawa to Dutchmann standard.”

A little background, in case you live outside the speedway hotbeds of Europe and Australia: the bikes have only a single gear and no brakes.

Their 500cc engines rev up to 11,000 rpm and run on methanol—which allows 16:1 compression ratios to produce upwards of 80 horsepower.

Gearing can be changed for different tracks and conditions, but only by changing the size of the rear wheel and the engine sprockets. Riders race around an oval track packed with shale and dirt, using the surface to powerslide into the bends.

They easily reach speeds of up to 110 mph (177 kph) on the straight sections.

It took Bobby and the craftsmen of Dutchmann three years to complete the nut and bolt restoration of the 1968 Jawa, which now sports Dutchmann’s signature grey paintwork and tan leather detailing.

“We weren’t in a rush,” says Gavin. “This is a very rare and special bike, so we needed to respect its heritage whilst still bringing our unique aesthetic to bear.”

Bobby Hack has been building bikes since the age of 10. “I restored an old BSA at the age of 16 and rode it to school,” he recalls, and then trained under the eye of Ian Scheckter—the brother of 1979 Formula One world champion Jody Scheckter.

The Jawa arrived in Africa via another champion: the Australian speedway rider Geoff Curtis, who won nine Australian speedway caps.

Bobby managed the mechanical aspects of the rebuild. The 500cc 2-valve pushrod ‘upright’ motor runs on castor oil using a classic ‘total loss’ system where the frame serves as the oil tank.

“All oil that isn’t burnt in the mechanical process is pumped out onto the track surface,” says Bobby. “These bikes were built for purpose and are wonderfully simple to work on.”

The motor was fully rebuilt, and given a light hone and refurbishment. But there was little to replace other than a set of rings and the Lucas magneto.

Given the use of methanol and castor oil, zero carbon build-up means a well-maintained speedway motor remain spotlessly clean throughout its life. The original Amal carburetor (with a main jet “the size of a matchstick”) was rebuilt and adjusted to spec.

“The Jawa was mostly complete from the outset, so we kept it stock,” says Bobby. “The only contemporary parts we added were a twist throttle, and new cables and hoses.” And of course, Dutchmann’s signature touches.

The frame was shipped off to Gavin Oliver of Buff King—Dutchmann’s metalworker of choice. That included the repair, polishing and chroming of the frame, the sprockets and the original rims.

New spokes were custom made by spoke specialist Central Wheel Components in Birmingham, England, then shipped to South Africa and built up by Oliver.

Dutchmann’s paint specialist Andrew Trow managed the limited paintwork and David Corlett saw to the leather detail on the original seat—using Dutchmann’s signature tan hide, which serves as standard spec on the majority of their Porsche Weekend Racers.

Half a century after it was originally built, the Jawa was complete. The team decided to pit it (and the replica Dutchmann ‘Desert Racer’) against a Porsche 912 at The Rock Raceway, a local Johannesburg drag strip and drift-oval.

“It was just a bit of fun,” admits Gavin. “These bikes are capable of reaching 100 kph in around three seconds. The Porsche is quick—but not that quick!”

Dutchmann | Facebook | Instagram

from Bike EXIF http://ift.tt/2FtU23L

Inside The 2019 Ram 1500

It’s appropriate to liken the half-ton truck segment to a chess match. Imagine, for a moment, two people are playing in a nearby park. It’s likely both have played for a number of years and are proficient with how the pieces move, given the various stages of the game. Each player is tasked with plotting their own move while simultaneously trying to predict what the other may do.

That’s exactly how the half-ton truck segment in the United States works.

Making Moves

The 2019 Ram 1500 is one of the most technically sound and mechanically advanced vehicles we have seen in recent times. Ram was meticulous with every detail and it’s clear they didn’t rush their forthcoming 1500. On the board, however, remain Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and Nissan. These are formidable players and a closer examination of the new Ram 1500 reveals how the Auburn Hills, Michigan nameplate plans to make their move.

“It is really going to change the way the world sees a pickup truck from the perspective of power, efficiency, technology, and luxury,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Ram North America. “We talked a lot to our customers and asked them what they wanted in their next generation Ram, and that is the stuff they asked us to focus on.”

2019 Ram 1500 Limited. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Essential Foundations

The Ram’s high-strength steel frame (98 percent) was designed to accomplish a few things: drop weight, increase performance, provide comfort, and withstand impacts. On the first two points: it’s lighter by 100 lbs. yet rigid enough to accommodate a maximum payload of 2,300 lbs. and maximum towing capacity of 12,750 lbs. The rear cross members are double shear welded to the frame, both inside and outside, for improved durability and roll stiffness.

With regard to comfort, the 2019 Ram 1500 has new electronically controlled, side-frame-mounted active tuned-mass modules. Say that five times fast! The modules help reduce noise, vibration, and harshness and work in concert with the truck’s interior noise cancellation system. On 5.7-liter Hemi models, ambient sounds are down to 67.1 decibels, meaning it’s the quietest Ram 1500 yet.

On safety, the frame takes into consideration how trucks today are often family vehicles, and utilizes energy-absorbing tactics accordingly. Ram calls it “front splayed frame rail technology” but it’s designed to withstand front impacts, particularly frontal-offset impacts which are especially dangerous. To mitigate this, frame-mounted, high-strength steel tire blockers are located behind the front tires to force them outward during a collision.

Less Is More

In addition to high-strength steel, Ram utilized aluminum and composite materials to shed weight – nearly 225 lbs. overall when compared to the previous generation. Ram’s material strategy was “not just where possible but where practical.” This was applied generously to aluminum, and the material was used for the tailgate, engine mounts, front axle center section, steering gear, lower control arms, and the front suspension and transmission crossmembers. Composite materials were then used for the upper front control arms and air dam structure.

Hybrid Style

One of the most interesting technical elements is the eTorque mild hybrid system, never before seen on a 1500-series truck. The eTorque system replaces the alternator with a belt-driven motor generator that acts like a 48-volt battery pack for short-duration torque output and regenerative braking. With the engine running, the generator feeds the 48-volt current to a 430 watt-hour, lithium-ion, air-cooled Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)-Graphite battery. The system adds up to 90 lb-ft. of torque to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and up to 130 lb-ft. to the 5.7-liter Hemi.

“It increases the performance of the truck and makes it go faster, but at the same time, gets up to 10 percent better fuel economy,” Morrison said. “So, you can have your cake and eat it too.”

5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Engine Offerings

Ram enthusiasts will easily recognize the Pentastar and Hemi powerplants as they return for 2019, although a bit beefed-up. The 3.6-liter Pentastar with eTorque creates 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque, and features revised variable valve timing and two-step variable valve lift systems. Naturally, the 5.7 Hemi returns with its broad power band and optimized variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation systems. The Hemi’s variable camshaft timing helps maximize fuel economy by reducing the engine’s pumping work via a delayed closing of the intake valve. This increases the expansion process of combustion.

Pretty gnarly stuff.

Even more gnarly is the Hemi’s new 850-watt, Pulse Width Modulation cooling fan, which tailors the fan’s energy draw to increase cooling. Eliminating the traditional fan blade improved fuel economy, reduced parasitic loss, and decreased noise. The 5.7-liter Hemi creates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines feature Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO), which pauses fuel flow to the cylinders under deceleration in third gear and higher.

“I haven’t met a truck buyer yet that said they wanted less power, so we added more power first, then fuel economy as well,” Morrison noted. “There is a lot of stuff you can put behind or in this Ram truck, so we wanted to make sure it was ready to go to work from the power and efficiency side of it.”

Every 2019 Ram 1500 is equipped with a fully electronic TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission with a wide spread of gear ratios to balance power and efficiency. Three final drive ratios are available on 2WD and 4WD models – 3.21, 3.55, and 3.92. Each combination is available with a traditional open or limited-slip differential, which automatically divides torque among the rear wheels to maximize traction. New for 2019 is an electronic locking differential.

2019 Ram 1500 Rebel. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Ride & Handling

The 2019 Ram 1500 features a new independent front suspension with the front stabilizer bar now relocated behind the tires to improve roll stiffness by 20 percent. A new front coil-over shock design is standard on all Ram 1500s regardless of configuration. The rear five-link coil suspension improves its articulation over a variety of obstacles while new “progressive coil springs,” as Ram refers to them, better handle heavy payloads and trailers.

“The main thing that comes up when you are talking to customers about the Ram 1500 is the overall ride quality that we have with our coil suspension,” Morrison explained. “We’ve got a very good reputation for the best riding truck in the marketplace and we wanted to add to that.”

Frequency Response Damping (FRD) with air suspension is one such addition Morrison is talking about. During cornering or heavy braking, the bypass value on the FRD system is closed for more aggressive damping, which increases stability and control. On rough roads or at highway speeds, the valve will open to soften the damping for more comfort. Complementing the FRD system is the load-leveling capability of the air suspension, which increases gas pressure until the truck reaches a normal, level ride height with its payload.

“My favorite thing about the truck is the ride and handling,” Morrison said. “I spend a lot of time driving my truck and the ride is unbelievable; it’s very stable and you can push it hard at any speed.”

 

2019 Ram 1500 chassis and drivetrain layout. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Thermal Management

Like the eTorque and FRD systems, the 2019 Ram 1500 introduces another advanced but rare technical element via the thermal management system. The technology is the first of its kind in the truck segment, and serves the new Ram 1500 by keeping the fluid temperatures in check. The system uses heated engine coolant to bring the engine oil and transmission fluid to operating temperature quickly. Similarly, a special heat exchanger and thermal axle quickly warm the rear axle gear oil.

The engine control unit manages a three-way valve in the cooling circuit. Once heated, the valve routes coolant to the rear axle, where it circulates through a cavity in the double-layer axle cover to warm the gear oil. The warmed gear oil is less viscous and brings the axle to peak operating efficiency faster. Also, the system helps prevent the rear axle from exceeding maximum temperatures during demanding conditions, like when hauling a trailer or payload.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Testing & Validation

Durability and performance validation was second to none, and consisted of thousands of hours of tests and checks. At home in Auburn Hills, the 2019 Ram was examined heavily in state-of-the-art scientific laboratories. The truck endured the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness Lab, the Wind Tunnel Lab, the Electromagnetic Compatibility Facility, and the Road Test Simulator, more commonly known by the acronym RTS.

“We run lots of tests – everything from the suspension to the aerodynamics to the overall mileage accumulation,” Morrison explained. “Specifically the rigor that we put them through on the shakers and the dynos will really push the engines to the limit.”

RTS recreates what the truck would experience with a driver in the 95th percentile, meaning someone who drives it in more severe conditions than 95 percent of all customers. RTS testing can put a lifetime of wear on the Ram in about one month. In addition to RTS testing, the 2019 Ram 1500 endured almost six million miles of real-world drive time.

“Here in Michigan, you couldn’t test a vehicle in a harsher winter environment,” Morrison added.

The 2019 Ram 1500 endures quality and durability testing on the company’s Road Test Simulator in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Interior Treatments

Inside, drivers are treated to a new Uconnect system with a fully configurable touchscreen. The screen can house one application, like navigation, across the whole 12-inch surface, or be divided with two items running simultaneously. The toggle switches below, which control the screen’s features, are part of Ram’s Human Machine Interface. The idea is to arrange the various controls, like the toggle switches, e-shifter, parking brake, or push-button start, in an intuitive way for the driver. This concept also explains why the center stack was raised and moved closer.

Depending on the model, the 2019 Ram 1500 has unique metal, leather, and wood treatments throughout the interior; the Laramie Longhorn even has real barn-wood accents layered across the cabin. There are 5 USB ports and two three-pronged 115-volt plugs for the first and second rows. The second-row can come heated and cooled, with eight different slide and recline configurations. Total legroom in the second row is 45.1 inches, a class-leading figure according to Ram. Total interior volume is 151 liters, another class-leading figure according to Ram.

“We wanted to take luxury to the next level,” Morrison said. “I know that’s bold, but you can’t compare this interior to anything; it’s just an incredible environment.”

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn in Black/Cattle Tan. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Manufacturing & Availability

The 2019 Ram 1500 will be manufactured at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Expect to see the truck during the first quarter of this year, with pricing information to follow.

“We have a good product portfolio for the future and we want to grow the brand and attract new customers,” Morrison said. “That means understanding the level of detail our customers want so we have the best truck in the marketplace.”

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

from Automoblog.net http://ift.tt/2ElVohD