Ram's New SUV Might Bring Back a Long-Lost Name from the Bronco Era | Carscoops

      The Dakota name is set to make a comeback, potentially accompanied by a Ramcharger SUV.

      17 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      The CEO of Ram has suggested a name for their forthcoming full-size SUV.

      This vehicle will be manufactured in Michigan and will feature both gas and electrified variants.

      Stellantis aims to bring back the Dakota name for a mid-size truck.

      Earlier this year, Stellantis announced an investment of $13 billion in the United States, which will support various projects and vehicles, including a new full-size SUV to be produced at the Warren Truck Plant in Michigan.

      Initially, details were scarce, but Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa later confirmed that the mysterious model is indeed a Ram SUV. Production is set to commence in 2028, and it will be available with both an internal combustion engine and a range-extended powertrain.

      More: Ram’s First SUV Is Approaching, Along with Two New SRT Models

      Official information is limited at this point, but Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis suggested that the model might be called the Ramcharger. Although he did not mention the name during a media briefing in Detroit, he indicated that they have already decided on its designation.

      This isn't surprising, as the Ramcharger was first introduced in 1974 and remained until 1993, competing with full-size models like the Ford Bronco, Chevrolet K5 Blazer, and GMC Jimmy.

      Initially, Ram intended to use the Ramcharger name for the range-extended version of the 1500 pickup. However, after the company canceled the fully electric 1500 REV, they opted to rename the Ramcharger as the REV, freeing up the classic SUV name for this new model.

      The Ramcharger Will Be Ram’s Grand Wagoneer

      Since the Ramcharger will be produced alongside the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, it’s reasonable to expect that this model will feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 468 lb-ft (635 Nm) of torque. A range-extended powertrain is also anticipated, consisting of a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system paired with a 92 kWh battery and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine functioning as a generator.

      This configuration provides the Grand Wagoneer REEV with a combined output of 647 hp (482 kW / 656 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. With these impressive figures, the SUV is expected to achieve 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in five seconds and have a range exceeding 500 miles (805 km).

      Ram Dakota Is Coming Back

      In addition to discussing the upcoming SUV, Kuniskis confirmed that the brand’s mid-size truck will be named the Dakota. He described this decision as a “no brainer” and noted that Ram last registered the Dakota trademark in 2020.

      Although the truck was initially slated for production at the Belvidere Assembly, that facility is reopening to build the Jeep Cherokee and Compass. As a result, Dakota production has been relocated to Toledo, Ohio.

      This move makes sense, as Toledo Assembly currently manufactures the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler. The Dakota is expected to debut in 2028, competing against models such as the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.

      At this stage, little is known about the new model, but Kuniskis mentioned that to achieve a $40,000 price tag, introducing a new mid-size truck was essential. However, the pickup could potentially be priced lower, considering the Colorado starts at $32,400.