Thursday, August 12, 2010

2011 Ram Outdoorsman Launches


Chrysler’s Ram Truck Brand is introducing an all-new ‘Outdoorsman’ model for its 2011 light and heavy-duty pickups that’s aimed at truck owners who like to play hard outside when they’re not working hard with their trucks. the Ram Outdoorsman is designed for hunters, fishermen, campers and boaters. The Ram Outdoorsman is available as a 1500 (half-ton), 2500 HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 HD, Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab. The Ram Outdoorsman will be sold with both four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive and as a short- and long-wheelbase.

The Ram Outdoorsman gets a two-tone exterior paint job with Mineral Gray lower and a giant "Outdoorsman" badge, along with black door handles to "minimize glare" and scratch-resistant steel bumpers.

Functional upgrades include standard trailer towing accommodations, limited-slip differential, 17-inch wheels with off-highway-ready tread pattern tires, underbody protection, tow hooks, halogen head lamps and fog lights. In order to set the truck apart from its siblings, the Outdoorsman will get a two-tone paint scheme with Mineral Gray on the lower portion, wheel lip moldings and, of course, appropriate compass-themed badges.

For $205, the 1500 models can be equipped with a Mopar RamBox Holster. It fits into the optional, lockable RamBox storage compartments on either side of the truck’s bed and can hold up to six fishing rods or two guns (it will accommodate two shotguns or two rifles with scopes.) This undercover gun rack is one of the most clever uses of the RamBox we’ve seen yet.

Prices for Ram Outdoorsman models start at $28,350, including destination. The RamBox Holster will be available late 2010 for $205.


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Press Release

Ram Truck Brand Announces New "Outdoorsman" Model
  • New Ram Outdoorsman designed for hunters, fishermen, campers and boaters
  • Features standard trailer-towing upgrades, interior and exterior lighting enhancements, all-terrain tires, and rugged exterior appearance
  • Mopar adds "RamBox Holster" fishing rod and gun rack accessory for RamBox-equipped Ram trucks

The Ram Truck Brand today announced a new feature package designed for North American outdoor enthusiasts: Ram Outdoorsman.

Ram Outdoorsman takes all of the features most useful to hunters, fishermen, campers and boaters, and packages them into one model. Outdoorsman combines convenience, off-road capability and trailer towing hardware in one package with a name that will resonate among its intended users.

"We asked Ram Truck customers -- boaters, campers, fishing enthusiasts and hunters -- what features would they like to see in a truck," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "They answered 'more capability, more room for my gear and ready to hit the trail. And make it affordable.'"

Ram Heavy Duty owner demographics illustrate a passion for the outdoors: 47 percent hunt, 57 percent fresh water fish, 33 percent salt water fish, 36 percent own power boats and 37 percent tow camping trailers. Overall, 62 percent of fullsize pickup truck owners hunt, fish or camp.

Ram Truck engineers – many of whom count hunting, fishing, boating and camping among their hobbies – brought together features that they felt would best meet the practical needs of owners who will frequently use their Ram truck for towing or long, remote trips.

Standard trailer-towing upgrades, interior and exterior convenience, lighting enhancements, all-terrain tires and underbody protection are combined with a rugged exterior appearance to highlight the new Ram Outdoorsman.

Ram Truck officials unveiled the rugged new model at the Professional Outdoor Media Association's (POMA) fifth annual national business conference.

Ram Outdoorsman is available in 1500 (half-ton), 2500 HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 HD single rear wheel (1 ton), Regular Cab; Quad Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab; four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive; and short- and long-wheelbase models.

Outdoorsman will replace the TRX4 trim level in the 2011 Ram Truck lineup. It will join the other Ram trim levels, which include: ST, SLT, Big Horn / Lone Star, Sport (1500 only) Laramie and Power Wagon (2500 only).

Prices for Ram Outdoorsman models start at $28,350, including destination charge.

Ram Outdoorsman models will go on sale third quarter 2010. A multi-tiered marketing strategy will support the new model's launch.

Ram Outdoorsman Features

Towing:

  • Standard Class IV receiver hitch properly equips Outdoorsman for towing campers, boats, ATVs and other trailers rated to vehicle's max
  • Available integrated trailer brake controller with driver adjustability and easy-to-see instrument panel readout
  • Trailer brake controller is standard on 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duties
  • Standard lighted four- and seven-pin harness plugs -- a Ram exclusive -- offer multi-trailer adaptability and clean, above-the-bumper covered access any time of the day or night
  • Heavy-duty cooling, including a mechanical-electrical fan and transmission cooler, for larger loads
  • Limited-slip differential for improved off-road and towing performance
  • Available trailer-tow mirrors
  • Trailer-tow mirrors are optional on 2500 and standard on 3500
  • Available rear backup camera eases trailer hookups
  • Standard trailer-sway control improves towing confidence (Ram 1500 only)

Capability:

  • Standard 17-inch wheels and "LT" tires: light-truck-rated tires handle bigger loads and offer stronger sidewalls to resist punctures when driving over sharp, rocky terrain; on/off-road tread pattern provides traction on all highway and trail surfaces (LT275/70R17C OWL on Ram 1500 models; LT265/70R17E on Ram HD models)
  • Full-sized spare tire provides more security and functionality than restricted-use spare in the event of a flat
  • Tow hooks for retrieving disabled or immobile vehicles, clearing trails
  • Mud / slush mats protect front and rear carpets from dirt and moisture
  • 32-gallon fuel tank for extended operating range on Ram 1500 models
  • 34-gallon standard on 6'4" box and 35-gallon tank standard with 8' box on 2500 and 3500 models
  • Premium cloth front seats with a choice of buckets or a 40/20/40 split bench
  • Front center seat cushion or console storage help organize gear
  • Power 10-way driver seat for comfort on long trips
  • Power lumbar adjust for additional long-trip comfort
  • Rear 60 / 40 split folding seat for more flexibility in hauling passengers and cargo
  • Remote start and security group adds alarm system and convenience of a comfortable cabin after a day in the field or on the water
  • Standard front suspension skid plates on 4x4 models provide protection from off-road damage (Ram 1500 models)
  • Standard transfer case skid plate on 4x4 models
  • Additional lighting including:
o Standard fog lights for improved inclement weather illumination
o Quad halogen headlamps provide maximum visibility in remote areas
o Ash tray lamp illuminates small items in center console
o Exterior mirrors with courtesy lamps provide visibility outside truck's cabin
o Glove box lamp
o Rear dome lamp with on-off switch
o Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
o Underhood lamp
  • Dash-mounted 115-volt auxiliary power outlet to charge batteries and electronic devices without the need for special DC car chargers
  • Auto-dimming, power heated foldaway exterior mirrors with supplemental signals clear fog and ice
  • Leather wrapped steering wheel with fingertip audio controls reduces driving distractions
  • Overhead console with universal garage door opener, which can also be programmed to open multiple garage doors and electric gates
  • Rear view auto-dim mirror
  • Rear sliding windows on regular cab models

Unique look:

  • Two-tone paint with Mineral Gray lower
  • Scratch-resistant steel bumpers
  • Black door handles minimize glare
  • Wheel lip moldings
  • Outdoorsman badge proudly announces owner's passion

Options:

  • RamBox, available on the Ram 1500, is the ultimate place for outdoor enthusiasts to stow their gear; lockable and lit, RamBox frees up interior space for passengers

Mopar RamBox Holster

Ram officials also unveiled a new factory-designed fishing rod and gun rack option for RamBox-equipped Ram 1500 trucks.

The Mopar RamBox Holster is designed to fit within the Ram's two unique locked, lighted and sealed exterior storage bins.

The Mopar RamBox Holster gently, yet securely cradles two rifles or shotguns, or can be rotated 90 degrees to hold up to six fishing rods.

RamBox Holster will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $205, and be available at Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealers when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2010. The feature will also be available on the Mopar eStore at www.MOPAR.com.

RamBox Holster Features

  • Designed to be easily installed and removed from RamBox
  • Securely holds two guns, either shotguns or rifles (with scopes), or six fishing rods (with reels)
  • Guns are held securely in place with elastic retention straps and flexible ribs
  • Fishing rods are held in place by uniquely tooled slots and retention flaps
  • RamBox Holster easily transfers from gun holder to fishing rod and reel holder by rotating stanchions
  • Stanchions may be relocated to accommodate various length guns and rods
  • Fits either side RamBox (driver or passenger)
  • Mopar Part Number -- 82212359

About the Ram Truck Brand

With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Ram Truck brand offers the boldest, most powerful and capable pickup truck lineup on the planet.

Introduced in 2008, the Ram 1500 is a game changer in terms of its ability to "outsmart" and "out-tough" the competition with its bold exterior design, crafted and refined interior, engineering excellence, superb innovation and best-in-class features and amenities.

The Ram Truck brand added to its award-winning truck lineup with the introduction of an all-new 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks, Motor Trend's Truck of the Year. The new heavy-duty trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability, building on the Ram's leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment.

The Ram Truck brand will further enhance its commercial vehicle presence with the introduction of a "new crew" of commercial-grade work trucks: the new 2011 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Led by an all-new crew cab, the new 2011 Ram Chassis Cabs are built on a proven frame and chassis, and engineered for maximum uptime, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.

Follow Ram and Chrysler Group LLC news and video on:

Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo
Streetfire: http://members.streetfire.net/profile/ChryslerVideo.htm
Ram Trucks: http://www.ramtrucks.com
Ram Zone blog: http://www.ramzone.com

About the Mopar Brand

Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.

More than 70 Years of Mopar


When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s – the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "special parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Preview: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe


Infiniti today announced today the new Performance Line (IPL) and the first model in this new line: the IPL G Coupe. IPL models will be identified by a special engine cover and trunklid badging.

Dubbed IPL, the Infiniti Performance Line "offers a new level of premium performance for Infiniti vehicles, focusing not just on engine power and acceleration, but also on redefining total vehicle performance."

Power is provided by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 348 hp (260 kW / 353 PS) and 276 lb-ft (374 Nm) of torque. It produces an extra 18 hp (13 kW / 18 PS) and 6 lb-ft (8 Nm) of torque - compared to the standard G Coupe - thanks to a high-flow exhaust and a revised ECU.

A new high-flow exhaust partners with a recalibrated ECU to raise output to 348 horsepower (at 7,400 rpm) and 276 pound-feet of torque (at 5,200 rpm), an increase of 18 hp and six pound feet over the standard G37. Channeling that additional grunt to the ground is a close ratio six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter (a seven-speed auto is available with paddles), a viscous-type limited slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer rubber sized 225/45 in front and 245/40 in the rear. A retuned suspension is also included, increasing spring rates by 20% in the front and 10% out back, along with slightly upgraded brakes.

Inside, the IPL offers two color treatments, Graphite and Monaco Red, the latter only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission. Other highlights include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver's power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

Infiniti hasn't released an MSRP for the IPL G Coupe yet, but considering the performance components and litany of standard features, we're hoping the price premium isn't excessively high for what's essentially a glorified sport package.


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Press Release

Infiniti Performance Line Launches With Dramatic New 348-Horsepower IPL G Coupe

– G Coupe Derivative is First in a New Line of Vehicles Crafted for High Performance -


Infiniti today announced its rumored specialty-performance vehicle collection, the Infiniti Performance Line™. The first production vehicle from this group, the 348-horsepower 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe, debuts tomorrow evening at an exclusive event at the 60th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It joins the Infiniti line of performance luxury vehicles at Infiniti retailers nationwide in December.

The Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, offers a new level of premium performance for Infiniti vehicles, focusing not just on engine power and acceleration, but also on redefining total vehicle performance. IPL promises unique driving attributes with exclusive designs, different from other Infiniti models in each selected Infiniti line. The 2011 IPL G Coupe is the first of what is expected to be a range of IPL performance vehicles in the future.

Infiniti Performance Line vehicles are targeted at buyers seeking performance luxury vehicles that express a greater degree of individual style. The limited production IPL vehicles begin with Infiniti’s legendary emotional design and Japanese craftsmanship – and then heighten the luxury and performance levels through modifications to the exterior, interior, engine tuning and suspension.

“IPL was conceived to create a new premium performance envelope, going beyond equipment upgrades to accelerate the very soul of Infiniti’s Inspired Performance,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “IPL brings all the elements together, styling harmonized with performance, exhaust note with acceleration feel, ride comfort and confident handling. It’s the perfect formula for unmatched driving exhilaration.”

IPL models will be identified by a special engine cover and trunklid badging. The IPL emblem is designed to reinforce the strong message and spirit of IPL. The letter “I” features a red insert representing sporty spirit, while the Infiniti-violet “shadow” behind the letter appears like an Infiniti flag to indicate the brand’s Inspired Performance promise.

About the IPL G Coupe
The 2011 IPL G Coupe builds on the foundation of the second-generation Infiniti G Coupe rear-wheel drive model with extensive modification throughout the vehicle. The IPL G Coupe’s unique exterior includes a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. Each part is shaped to accent the G Coupe’s aggressively seductive styling. Combined with the exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires, the IPL G Coupe projects a confident stance and road-ready attitude. The IPL G Coupe is offered in just two exterior colors: Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black.

The IPL G Coupe interior is designed to harmonize with the exterior styling, offering two color treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red (red interior only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission). All IPL G Coupe interiors include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

Other standard interior features include Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose® premium audio system, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive, Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation, memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar and moonroof (these items are optionally available on non-IPL G Coupe models).

The IPL G Coupe’s enhanced performance comes from the synergetic effects of three technology areas – engine tuning, dynamic tuning and sound quality/acceleration feel tuning. Engine performance modifications were selected not only for increased horsepower and torque levels, but also for acceleration feel and exhaust sound without compromising fuel economy or noise standards.

The IPL-tuned high-flow exhaust is a full dual exhaust design with independent left and right large diameter pipes. The muffler’s inner structure and materials have been maximized to reduce pressure and provide an appropriate performance exhaust note. The result is a 30% reduction in exhaust pressure versus a base G Coupe’s Y-pipe exhaust system design.

The IPL G Coupe’s advanced VQ37HR 3.7-liter V6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm). To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity. As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the IPL G Coupe generates 348 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models – and 276 lb-ft of torque (+6 lb-ft).

“When you drive the IPL G Coupe, the first thing you notice is the surge in sound and acceleration feel. The inspiring swell of sound is in complete harmony with the acceleration feel as engine speed increases,” said Poore. “The sound is clean and inspiring, adding to the fun-to-drive sensation provided by the 348 horsepower under the hood.”

Equally inspiring is the IPL G Coupe’s dynamic vehicle performance, which focuses on providing confident handling, flat ride and smooth ride comfort. The IPL suspension tuning and damping management philosophy is designed to optimize each aspect of the suspension, effectively connecting the driver to the road surface while removing uncomfortable vibrations. Front spring rates have been increased 20% over the base G Coupe and rear spring rates increased 10%. Shock tuning has also been adjusted to reach a new premium performance standard.

The IPL G Coupe also offers a sport-tuned steering gear and large 4-wheel sport brakes with aluminum-alloy opposed calipers (4-piston front/2-piston rear) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

2011 IPL G Coupe Key Features and Specs

  • IPL-tuned 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ37HR V6

  • 348 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm

  • 276 lb-ft torque @ 5,200 rpm

  • IPL-tuned high-flow dual exhaust

  • Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or 7-speed automatic transmission with solid magnesium paddle shifters

  • IPL-tuned performance suspension with independent front double wishbone / independent rear multi-link, front and rear stabilizer bars

  • 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels (19x8.5” front / 19x9” rear)

  • P225/45R19 front / P245/40R19 rear W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer tires

  • 14.7:1 sport-tuned steering gear

  • 4-wheel ventilated disc sport brakes with aluminum-alloy 4-piston opposed front brake calipers / 2-piston opposed rear calipers

  • Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VSLD)

  • IPL aerodynamics with front and rear fascias, side sills and rear spoiler

  • Unique IPL emblem

  • IPL engine cover

  • Red-stitched sport front seats and steering wheel

  • Aluminum pedals and footrest

  • Interior colors: Monaco Red Leather and Graphite Leather

  • Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose® premium audio system

  • Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Zagat® Restaurant Guide and 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive

  • RearView Monitor

  • Rear Sonar System

  • Moonroof

  • Exterior colors: Malbec Black and Graphite Shadow


About IPL
IPL, the Infiniti Performance Line, promises unique performance attributes and exclusive designs, providing a new level of premium performance in Infiniti vehicles. The 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe is currently planned for the North American market; availability in other markets is under evaluation.


About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and first-ever Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com.