herberd877: Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch

2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is banking on the warm reception that the Ram 1500 Tradesman received at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show this year by unveiling another low-buck model targeted at first-time vehicle buyers. For now, the pickup is cruising under the "Code Name: Adventurer" moniker, and Chrysler says that when it arrives in the second quarter of this year, it will come packing more horsepower and a lower MSRP than the competition. For $23,830 (including a $975 destination charge), buyers can look forward to sinking their teeth into the same 5.7-liter V8 found in the Tradesman. That means that there will be 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque on hand to do whatever deed needs done.

In addition, the Adventurer will be differentiated from the rest of the company's pickup flock thanks to monochromatic paint, body-colored front and rear fascias and a dual-tip exhaust. The truck comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels as the standard rollers and a 3.55 axle ratio. Buyers can also choose a 3.21 or a 3.99 ratio if they so desire. With the latter choice mated to the hearty V8 on board, we're guessing that this will be a pretty solid factory-bred street machine - at least in a straight line.

In addition, Chrysler has announced that it will accelerate the launch of the Tradesman thanks to "overwhelming response," though it isn't immediately clear how soon buyers can expect to see the work truck in their neighborhood Ram Truck showroom. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer