A new video on Twitter may have given us our first look at Ram's new Ford Maverick rival in the metal. A heavily disguised compact truck was spotted on a car carrier in Michigan, and all signs point to its being a new model from the Ram lineup.

Look closely, and you'll notice the test mule sports several similarities with the 700 pickup sold in other markets, including Mexico and South America. The Ram 700 is based on the Fiat Strada, a small truck with several unique styling details. The camouflage makes it difficult to see, but the mystery vehicle spotted below shares the overall profile with the 700/Strada twins. The window lines are also markedly similar, and so too is the prominent sports bar that flows into the roof rails.

The fact that Stellantis went to such great lengths to conceal the body clearly means it has something to hide. If there are plans to introduce a compact pickup truck, now is as good a time as any - the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are selling up a storm, with the Maverick, in particular, capturing the imaginations of myriad buyers across the country.

Stellantis will certainly have to up the ante in the power stakes. Two engines are available, and neither is what you would call powerful. The base 1.4-liter produces a paltry 85 horsepower while the more sprightly 1.3-liter manages to muster up 101 hp. Available gearboxes include a five-speed manual transmission and a CVT.

If the Ram 700 wants to make a dent in Maverick sales, it will need more powerful engines. As a reminder, the Maverick is available with as many as 250 ponies under the hood.

It would make sense for Ram to borrow a sprightlier engine from a sister brand. The new 2.0-liter engine found in the Jeep Compass would be a good match, thanks to outputs of 200 hp and 221 lb-ft. This engine should also be reasonably efficient.

Ram could also knock on Dodge's door and make use of the more powerful turbo-four pot found in the Hornet. Additionally, the Stellantis-owned brand could also offer the electrified 1.3-liter engine that produces a beefy 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It would certainly give the Ram the power advantage.

Chevrolet is also rumored to be working on an electric compact truck that will battle the Maverick and co, so it only makes sense that Stellantis will want to enter the segment. Whether the Ram 700 makes it to the United States or not remains to be seen, but we're hoping it touches down to give the Maverick a black eye.

Ram has been teasing an American-designed truck for Brazil recently - whether this truck seen here is the same as that is unknown.