RAM Dakota ute teased for the first time
All-new mid-size pick-up partly revealed in Brazil, but it’s unlikely to be the version we’ll see Down UnderRAM has finally released a teaser of its first mid-size pick-up in over a decade, but the catch is it probably isn’t the version Australia or most other markets will get.
The teaser takes the form of a 94-second video released by RAM Brazil this week, previewing key elements of the all-new dual-cab’s exterior including a LandCruiser-style channelled bonnet, chunky tailgate and quad headlight arrangement.
These brief glimpses are accompanied by the obligatory cameos by local executives talking up the model’s immense power, advanced technology and luxury – without actually giving away any specifics.
It’s clear the new baby RAM – thought to be dubbed the RAM Dakota – has taken design inspiration from the bigger full-size pick-ups beloved in North America and now Australia.
That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise since RAM has been talking about a global ‘metric-tonne’ pick-up to position below the RAM 1500 for years, but it’s looking increasingly likely the Latin American model will be designed and built just for that market and not the version to be sold elsewhere around the world.
Proof of that is the fact RAM Brazil mentions several times in the teaser and its accompanying materials that this particular mid-size ute is a “Brazilian project” and will be the first “RAM product built here in Brazil”.
The nail in the coffin, however, is the brief glimpse of the ‘RAM Turbo’ badging on the bonnet, which locks this model in as an internal combustion vehicle.
The global mid-size pick-up being developed in the US has already been shown to dealers with a battery-electric powertrain and will debut as an EV, but RAM CEO Mike Koval has said combustion versions will also be offered.
It’s been common knowledge for a while now that RAM’s new South American ute will be based on the Stellantis group’s ‘Small Wide’ 4x4 monocoque platform as opposed to a traditional ladder-frame chassis.
That means the littlest RAM will share most of its DNA with established models like the Jeep Compass and Fiat Toro, which was spotted accompanying a pair of disguised prototype pick-up trucks in January.
This unibody construction largely rules the mid-size RAM out as a genuine rival for the top-selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger in terms of capability and utilitarianism, but all that’s expected to be rectified by the North American version that RAM says it will produce in right-hand drive form either ex-factory or via its Australian remanufacturing outfit.
Its small SUV and compact ute underpinnings suggest the Brazilian RAM will be powered by the familiar line-up of Jeep engines, most likely the Compass’ new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.
Stellantis’ new twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six is also an outside chance to sit at the top of the range, especially if RAM Brazil follows through on its promise of market-leading grunt.
A reveal date hasn’t been set yet, but odds are we’ll see the first mid-size RAM pick-up in over 12 years later this year – well before we see the more rugged version of the dual-cab to be sold in North America and Australia.
Related: Ram Dakota coming to Australia
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