Chrysler unveils the Ram 1500 Express

TorqueNews.com correspondent Keith Griffin originally brought us the news of the new trimline then named Adventurer (click here for more on that) and as the production 2011 Ram 1500 Express is unveiled, it appears as though little has changed from Adventurer Concept to Express production. As we saw in February, this new trimline is a low priced entry level Ram, marketed at first truck buyers who want to power and capabilities of the 390 horsepower (407lb-ft of torque) Hemi V8 in a sporty package but without many of the amenities that can often jack up the price of new trucks.

On the outside, the 2011 Ram 1500 Express features a monochromatic paint scheme with a body colored grille along with front and rear bumpers and 20” aluminum wheels. The Ram Express is offered only with a regular cab and the 6’4” bed choice and like the Sport Rams, this Hemi exhausts through a set of large dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear bumper. The Ram Express is available in 8 exterior colors: Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl, Deep Water Blue Pearl, Flame Red, Hunter Green Pearl and Mineral Gray Metallic.

Inside, the Ram 1500 Express features a heavy duty vinyl 40/20/40 split bench seat, a six-speaker stereo system with MP3 and auxiliary input options, a 12-volt plug, the buyers choice of vinyl floor covering or carpeting, and if you want to spend a few more bucks, you can select from a huge variety of interior options similar to those found on other 2011 Ram pickups.

Ram Truck President and CEO Fred Diaz offered the following comment on the new trimline:
“We’re excited about the addition of this new model to the Ram 1500 lineup. There’s nothing that compares to the high-performance value represented by the Ram 1500 Express. Ram 1500 Express combines great looks and MPG along with HEMI horsepower, torque, towing and payload, all at a fantastic price. It gives the youth or first-time truck buyer an opportunity to show off a great looking ride, with unsurpassed V8 entry-level capability, in a tremendous value-priced package.”

To get an idea of how the 2011 Ram 1500 Express compares to the competition, I visited the Ford website and configured a 2011 Ford F150 with similar features to the Ram Express. When I added the 5.0L V8 (the least expensive V8 engine option from Ford) to a 4x2 regular cab pickup, plus 3.55 gears and a comparable trailer tow (class IV) package, the F150 is over $25,000…compared to the Express starting price of just $23,830 which includes destination charges.

The 2011 Ram 1500 Express should begin showing up in dealerships around the country in the 2nd quarter of 2011 which means that these new entry-level trucks should be available soon!

Other Chrysler News:
Chrysler alters production at Charger/Challenger, Fiat 500 plants due to Japanese crisis
Fiat could increase stake in Chrysler within weeks
Chrysler leads the US industry in March sales growth, Fiat arrives
California dealer group files petition against Motor Village LA
The 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio expected to debut in the 2011 New York International Auto Show