Stellantis CEO Confirms "Beautiful" Ram Mid-Size Truck for 2027 Launch
Stellantis is forging ahead with its plans to re-enter the mid-size truck segment, a move officially confirmed by CEO Antonio Filosa. This highly anticipated vehicle, set to debut in 2027, will mark Ram's return to a category it exited over a decade ago with the discontinuation of the Dakota. Filosa recently offered a glimpse into the truck's development, expressing strong confidence in its design and engineering, positioning it as a formidable competitor in the market.
The announcement from Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa at the Kepler Cheuvreux Autumn Conference follows earlier indications from UAW Vice President Rich Boyer, who two years prior hinted at the Belvidere, Illinois factory's reopening for a new mid-size truck production. Filosa's recent visit to the Detroit design center provided him with a firsthand look at not just conceptual sketches, but also a full-scale clay model of the upcoming pickup. He described the vehicle as \"beautiful\" and \"amazing,\" emphasizing that it boasts \"very good\" technical specifications, though he refrained from disclosing specific details. This strategic return aims to reclaim a significant share in the fiercely competitive mid-size truck market.
The new Ram mid-size truck is expected to be constructed on a versatile body-on-frame platform. This architecture is designed to accommodate a range of powertrain options, including traditional internal combustion engines, advanced plug-in hybrid systems, and fully electric configurations. Notably, the truck will not utilize the STLA Large architecture, which is exclusively reserved for unibody vehicles. Instead, there's speculation that Stellantis might adapt a shortened version of the STLA Frame platform, initially developed for the Ram 1500 Ramcharger and a previously planned electric 1500 model.
The STLA Frame platform, in its standard configuration, supports vehicles with considerable dimensions, ranging from 216 to 234 inches in length and 81.2 to 83.6 inches in width, with wheelbases spanning 123.7 to 145.3 inches. Electric variants built on this platform are projected to offer impressive range capabilities, potentially reaching up to 500 miles on a single charge, or an extended 690 miles with a gasoline range-extender. Furthermore, the platform boasts a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a payload rating of 2,700 pounds. While these specifications apply to full-size models, the smaller Ram truck, while robust, is unlikely to match these figures directly.
Regarding the new truck's branding, it is improbable that it will revive the \"Dakota\" moniker. This name is slated for a distinct truck model destined for the South American market next year. To avoid any market confusion, Ram is expected to select a different badge for its U.S.-bound mid-size offering, which will be a larger and entirely separate product. Early reports also suggest a streamlined approach to body styles, with the truck potentially being offered exclusively as a four-door Crew Cab. Pricing is a critical factor for market penetration. To effectively compete with established rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, Ram will need to adopt an aggressive pricing strategy. Entry-level models are anticipated to start in the low to mid-$30,000 range, positioning them significantly below the $40,700 starting price of the last Ram 1500 Classic sold in the 2024 model year.
Ram's forthcoming mid-size pickup represents a significant strategic initiative for Stellantis, aiming to re-establish its presence in a crucial automotive segment. With a confirmed 2027 launch, advanced platform technology supporting diverse powertrains, and a commitment to competitive pricing, the new truck is poised to challenge existing market leaders. Its anticipated design and technical capabilities underscore Stellantis's ambition to deliver a compelling product that resonates with a broad spectrum of truck buyers.