Truck Trends

Ram Even Tougher
Nearly two years ago, Dodge put the all-aluminum Viper version of its 8.0-liter V-10 in a half-ton Ram pickup, backed it up with a six-speed transmission, painted the whole thing blue with white stripes, and proclaimed it the "Ram VTS." That show truck is now nearing reality.

Unfortunately, no amount of electronic manipulation could emissions-certify the iron truck V-10 in the half-ton, short-wheelbase, regular-cab pickup chassis (and the Viper's engine is prohibitively expensive). So the production VTS will be powered by the 5.9-liter Magnum V-8. The V-8 may even be treated to certain Mopar Performance Magnum R/T components (see our test on the following page) to boost power from 230 horsepower up to somewhere near 280. It's likely the only available transmission will be a four-speed automatic.

Even better news is that Dodge is supposedly working on a comprehensive sport tuning of the Ram truck suspension, resulting in a lower stance over 17-inch wheels and tires, and much better handling and unladen braking.

But the best news is that most of the Ram VTS prototype's good looks will make it to production. That includes the deep-blue paint, subtle body modifications, and radical white stripes. Combine that with an improved driving experience and the Ram's already outstanding interior comfort, and Dodge may have record numbers of sport-truck customers pounding on dealer doors this summer. Keep your fingers crossed.

Mitsubishi To Expand Its Sport/Utility Family
Mitsubishi's Montero has matured into a sophisticated, upscale sport/utility vehicle of outstanding ability. Unfortunately, it has also become rather pricey, out of reach for many potential buyers. Mitsubishi is rumored to be planning a new sport/utility vehicle, however, based on its upcoming redesigned pickup, to compete head-on with the Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport.

With a projected price hovering below $20,000, the new sport/ute likely will share some sheetmetal, interior bits, and its four- and six-cylinder drivetrains with the compact trucks. Because of the yen's current value, the vehicle may be assembled in the U.S. or at Mitsubishi's plants in Australia.

The vehicle in the photo is the Pajero Jr., which blazes new trails in SUV tininess and is now on sale in Japan. Powered by an infinitesimal 1.1-liter engine, the Pajero Jr. shares styling cues with the Montero (which is called Pajero in Japan) and may eventually show up in the United States. At only 137.9 inches long, it's nearly seven feet shorter than a Suburban, and at 2552 pounds, it weighs half as much-perfectly sized for four-wheeling in the Lilliput National Forest.

Truck Test
Mopar Performance Magnum R/T Ram And Dakota
Three decades ago every manufacturer in Detroit was doing all it could to pump out youth-oriented musclecars. Today, those same manufacturers are doing all they can to make even more trucks. Obviously, the way to span the two eras would be to layer some musclecar performance and attitude onto today's trucks-hence the Dodge Dakota and Ram pickups featured here, both equipped with Mopar Performance's Magnum R/T package for their respective engines.