A quick perusal of Ram's current offerings will show it has something for nearly everyone to choose from. Commercial customers will be delighted at the various vans on offer and, if a pickup is more to their liking, there are any number of dedicated workhorses available. If performance or luxury are your priorities, the truck maker will be all too happy to point you in the direction of the Ram 1500 TRX and Limited models.
One thing that's missing is the addition of a smaller, Ranger-sized truck. However, that's all set to change, according to Autos Segredos. Reportedly, Stellantis will be introducing a Ram 1200 pickup truck from next year, with the newcomer slated for production at a local Jeep factory.
While Stellantis remains extremely reticent over the announcement, local media were able to glean insights into the new model, with Antonio Filosa, COO of Stellantis South America, sharing the news. Reportedly, the upcoming 1200 will boast hybrid technology in Brazil, although we're sure this will carry over to other models - should it make its way elsewhere, of course.
It is rumored that two engine choices - one gas, one diesel - will be offered. The gasoline engine will be a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Tigershark powertrain rated at around 160 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The Multijet II turbodiesel sounds more appealing, with a more substantial 203-hp and around 325lb-ft.
If the Ram 1200 is to arrive in the USA, Stellantis would likely offer punchier powertrains. The hybrid models will utilize the smaller 1.3- and 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engines. Four-wheel-drive is likely to be made standard.
With Ram set to launch an all-electric version of the 1500 very soon, the electrification of its smaller offering would make a lot of sense. Additionally, by 2030, the Stellantis motor plant in Minas Gerais is aiming for the sole production of electric motors. Could a fully electric 1200 arrive at a later date? Only time will tell.
What we do know is that the 1500's baby brother will ride on the Stellantis Small Wide 4x4 platform, as employed by several other vehicles. Interestingly, the 1200 isn't the brand's smallest pickup truck. In South America, a rebadged Fiat Strada is offered as the compact 700.
The numerical nomenclature isn't entirely original; the Fiat Fullback/Mitsubishi Triton is sold as the 1200 in the Middle East. We hope it does make an appearance in the US, albeit with more power and performance. Ram's first foray into the segment will be challenged by some established contenders, not to mention the eagerly awaited next-generation Ranger.