RAM to launch cut-price Hemi-powered Rebel

The American pick-up is about to become a whole lot more relevant in Australia.

Melbourne-based American Special Vehicles has confirmed it will add the RAM Rebel to its range from next year, bolstering its current RAM 2500 and 3500 offerings.

The RAM Rebel is smaller in size than both those siblings and will further differentiate itself with the fitment of a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 that makes 291kW. Look out Ford F150 Raptor!

But the biggest sign of encouragement is likely to come from the Rebel’s price. It is understood the double cab version will start at about $100,000 – nearly $40,000 less than RAM’s current entry model offering.

The price and specification of the Rebel could earn the conversion specialist, which is owned by the Walkinshaw group, a tidy market niche following the demise of the Australian car-based utility later this year.

The Rebel will make its official debut at the 2017 National 4x4 Outdoors Show in August.

“With the RAM 2500 and 3500 now established in Australia and becoming a regular sight across the country towing the biggest loads, we are now looking at how we are going to expand the RAM range in Australia,” said Alex Stewart, general manager of RAM in Australia.

“The RAM 1500 Rebel takes the legendary RAM Truck in a totally different direction from the 2500/3500, something that is self-evident from the totally different grille and distinctive rumble from its massive V8 engine.

“That new grille, the powerhouse that is the HEMI V8 and a range of changes to the trim and equipment make it clear that this RAM is charging after a very different customer group than the 2500 and the 3500,” adds Stewart.

Before it can be added to ASV’s significant conversion operation, the RAM Rebel will first need to be re-engineered for Australia due to differences in the front end between it and other RAM models. This includes engineering works around fitment of electrically-assisted power steering rather than a conventional hydraulic setup.

The background logistics suggest an Australian arrival in the second half of 2018 – just after any teary-eyed sentiment over the death of the Aussie utility has abated.

Re-engineering the RAM Rebel for the Australian market could also lead to further, cheaper RAM 1500 models, including a reported new four-cylinder variant.

Imported in left-hand drive form, the vehicles are run down Walkinshaw’s dedicated production line in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton, where the vehicles are ‘remanufactured’ in right-hand drive form. They comply with all ADRs (Australian Design Rules) and have full-volume import approval.