Electric Cars

Ram is making a significant return to the small commercial van market with the launch of the 2027 ProMaster City. This new iteration promises versatility and value, with a starting price that positions it competitively within its segment. Designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses and individuals, the ProMaster City offers a range of configurations, advanced features, and practical capabilities, signaling Ram's commitment to providing robust and affordable work vehicles.

The Reintroduction of Ram ProMaster City: Pricing and Configurations

Ram is officially bringing back its compact work van, the ProMaster City, for the 2027 model year, with a starting price set at $39,995, which includes the destination fee. This reintroduction offers a compelling option for businesses and individuals seeking an affordable and versatile commercial vehicle. The 2027 ProMaster City will be available in an impressive 11 configurations, ensuring that there's a variant to meet a wide array of needs. These options include both cargo and passenger versions, providing flexibility for different types of work and personal use. The range starts with the Tradesman Cargo model, priced just under $40,000, while the Tradesman Passenger Wagon begins at $42,695. For those looking for more features, the SLT Cargo trim starts at $41,495, and its passenger counterpart, offering seating for five or eight, is priced at $44,195. The new van is slated to go on sale in the first quarter of next year, making it an anticipated arrival for the commercial vehicle market.

The 2027 Ram ProMaster City is designed to appeal to a broad customer base through its diverse offerings and competitive pricing. The various configurations, including multiple window/panel choices and rear access options like a liftgate or traditional doors, enhance its adaptability for different cargo and passenger requirements. Standard features across the lineup are notably modern, even on the entry-level Tradesman model, which includes a digital rearview mirror, a 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Comfort is also prioritized with one-touch up/down windows and heated front seats. Upgrading to the SLT trim further enhances the experience with amenities such as wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, 17-inch wheels, and fog lamps. This comprehensive suite of features, combined with its strategic pricing, positions the ProMaster City as a strong contender in the small commercial van segment, offering significant value and utility to its future owners.

Performance and Practicality: Engineering for the Modern Workday

Underpinning the 2027 Ram ProMaster City is Stellantis' robust K0 global mid-size commercial van platform, a foundation shared with popular European models like the Citroën Dispatch and Opel Vivaro. This shared architecture ensures a proven and reliable design, emphasizing both durability and efficiency. Powering the new ProMaster City is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates a respectable 166 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is engineered to provide sufficient strength for hauling and daily driving needs, balancing performance with fuel economy, a critical factor for commercial operators. The van's engineering is not just about power; it also focuses on practical dimensions that enhance its usability in urban environments. Standing at just 77 inches tall, the ProMaster City is designed to easily navigate and park in most standard parking structures, offering a significant advantage for businesses operating in cities or areas with height restrictions. This thoughtful design detail underscores its suitability as a functional work vehicle for a variety of professional applications.

Beyond its powertrain and compact dimensions, the 2027 Ram ProMaster City is engineered with substantial capabilities to support demanding work tasks. Ram has set ambitious targets for its towing and payload capacities, aiming for approximately 2,000 pounds for both. This capability makes the ProMaster City a versatile asset for tradespeople, delivery services, and other businesses that require reliable transport for tools, equipment, or goods. The design benefits from its European counterparts, offering a refined driving experience coupled with practical utility. The van's focus on blending form and function means it is not only capable of handling heavy loads but also provides a comfortable and technology-rich cabin for its occupants. This combination of a proven platform, efficient engine, accessible dimensions, and impressive load-carrying abilities makes the 2027 Ram ProMaster City a well-rounded and attractive option for those in search of a dependable and efficient small commercial van that can tackle the varied demands of the modern workday.

Embrace Exclusivity: The Bovensiepen Spider Redefines Driving Pleasure

The Dawn of a New Era for Luxury Roadsters

The market for opulent two-seat roadsters in the United States has seen a decline, marked by BMW's discontinuation of the Z4, which followed other notable exits like the Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz SLC-class. In this shifting landscape, Bovensiepen emerges as a torchbearer, striving to preserve the essence of this niche with its new Z4-derived Spider.

Bovensiepen's Heritage and Philosophy

Tracing its roots to Burkard Bovensiepen, the visionary behind Alpina's renowned transformations of BMWs, the Bovensiepen brand continues a tradition of blending heightened speed with luxurious comfort. Following BMW's acquisition of Alpina in 2022, a new venture bearing the Bovensiepen family name embarked on a mission to further elevate BMW vehicles through superior performance and sophisticated refinement, with the Spider being its third offering, alongside the M4-based Zagato coupe and the M5 Touring-based 05 GT.

The Spider's Exclusive Character and Design Enhancements

The Bovensiepen Spider is engineered for an unparalleled "driving pleasure," limited to an ultra-exclusive production run of only 99 units. Its design subtly yet effectively distinguishes it from the standard BMW Z4. Notable exterior modifications include a custom front splitter adorned with Bovensiepen branding, sleek side skirts, and an aggressive rear diffuser. A striking arrow-shaped vent replaces the Z4's standard fender vent, complemented by a prominent rear lip spoiler and bespoke 20-inch ten-spoke wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Engine Performance Upgrades

Under the hood, the Spider retains the Z4's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which Bovensiepen has expertly re-engineered. This enhancement boosts the output to an impressive 429 horsepower—a 47 hp increase over the Z4 M40i—and elevates torque to 427 pound-feet, up from 369 pound-feet. The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, maintaining its focus on a refined yet powerful driving experience.

Advanced Engineering for Superior Dynamics

Bovensiepen's performance tuning extends to an optimized intake air duct and a new ram air channel, alongside a unique exhaust system, all contributing to the Spider's enhanced capabilities. The vehicle sprints to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, a conservative estimate given the standard Z4 M40i's quicker acceleration. An optional Performance package further elevates the Spider's prowess, featuring a milled aluminum rear differential cover for improved cooling, an increased top speed of 183 mph, and additional underbody reinforcement for heightened structural rigidity.

Refined Suspension and Braking Systems

The Spider's suspension has been meticulously re-calibrated with new dampers and extended auxiliary springs at the rear, promising a more responsive and engaging ride. For superior stopping power, an optional high-performance braking system is available, comprising four-piston fixed calipers and substantial 15.6-inch perforated brake discs on the front axle.

Luxurious Interior Appointments

Inside, the Bovensiepen Spider exudes luxury with Vernasca leather upholstery and Alcantara seat inserts. The heated steering wheel is meticulously wrapped in Lavalina leather. Buyers have the option to further customize the cabin with even more exquisite leather choices, including a leather-wrapped dashboard and Alcantara finishes for the A-pillar, wind deflector, and roll bar.

Pricing and Exclusivity

While the Bovensiepen Spider's enhancements are subtle, they collectively forge a uniquely equipped roadster. Priced at €115,500, roughly $134,000, it stands as a significant premium over a 2026 Z4 M40i, underscoring its exclusivity and the specialized craftsmanship invested in each of the 99 limited unit