SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Chrysler’s Ram Truck division said it will add two models to its Ram Power Wagon lineup, the ST and Laramie.

The Ram Power Wagon ST package is designed for customers who have off-road use needs for the vehicle, for example mining companies, oil exploration, fire and emergency services, and daily off-road duty.

The Ram Power Wagon ST features single-tone paint, a black grille, black front and rear bumpers, black fender flares, and black mirrors with optional clearance lamps. The interior is unchanged from the ST trim level with the exception of additional controls for Power Wagon’s unique features.

The Ram Power Wagon Laramie edition features a number of additional features, though the vehicle is off-road focused as well. Features include leather seats, premium audio, dual-zone A/C, woodgrain dash, and door panels. The Power Wagon package also includes a floor-mounted, manual transfer case shifter. On the outside, the exterior features body-colored fender flares, chrome mirrors, bumpers and grille, and unique badging.

The Ram Power Wagon is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab. The 5.7L HEMI V-8 provides 383 hp at 5,400 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. When driving in four-wheel drive in the "Low" setting, the throttle response softens and the idle speed increases by 100 rpm, from 650 to 750 rpm, which gives a driver more control when ascending and descending off-road obstacles at slow speeds.

The Power Wagon has a 14.5-inch ground clearance, compared to 12 inches on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty. The vehicle's approach angle is boosted to 35 degrees, the departure angle is increased to 26.5 degrees and the breakover angle is enhanced to 25.5 degrees to better navigate off-road trails.

Underneath the 2012 Ram Power Wagon are underbody protection components that include a steering damper skid plate and fore-aft bars that bring together the transfer case and fuel tank skid plates.

The 2012 Ram Power Wagon's electronic disconnecting stabilizer bar, which the automaker calls a "Smart Bar," delivers additional wheel travel for driving on off-road trails. The driver-actuated stabilizer bar disengagement is possible in both four-wheel drive "High" or four-wheel drive "Low" at speeds less than 18 miles per hour. As a safety feature, the Smart Bar automatically re-engages at speeds greater than 18 miles per hour.

Chrysler said the front and rear electronic axle lockers provide low-speed maneuvering when climbing boulders and ascending steep inclines by evenly splitting torque between both wheels, which forces them to turn in unison for extra traction.

The Ram Power Wagon offers a 460, or 23-inch vertical height, Ramp Travel Index (RTI), which is a measurement of a vehicle's suspension articulation, with the stabilizer bar engaged. With the stabilizer bar disengaged, the RTI is 655, a 32-inch vertical height.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

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