The 2012 Dodge Ram C/V Cargo Van
The Ram Cargo Van (Ram C/V) is based on the popular Dodge/Chrysler minivans, but have a solid (window-free) sliding door, and, instead of the standard rear glass, solid privacy panels or glass panels. Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand said the C/V had “a lower total cost of ownership.”
Changes include a structural aluminum rear load floor with two flooring options: one with a flat, uninterrupted, high-capacity surface, and another witih through-the-floor access to three storage bins and load floor tie-downs.
Ram C/V provides a Class 1 commercial vehicle-leading 1,800-lb. cargo payload and category-exclusive towing capability, up to 3,600 lbs; its maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is 8,750 lbs. A 20-gallon fuel tank and 25 mpg highway also deliver best-in-class fuel range. A commercial-tuned ride and heavy-duty load-leveling suspension maximize hauling capability, while a heavy-duty radiator and heavy-duty transmission oil cooler help meet heavier powertrain demands. Ram C/V is also engineered with unique hydraulic power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, front anti-sway bar and rear twist-beam axle with coil springs.
Safety features include LED taillamps, standard electronic stability control (ESC), commercial load-tuned tire-pressure monitoring (TPM), and a four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system (ABS).
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle; it generates best-in-class horsepower (283) and torque (260 lb.-ft.) without sacrificing fuel economy. Drivers can change the transaxle shift schedule to maximize their fuel economy. A rear spoiler and reduced brake caliper and rear bearing drag all contribute to Ram Cargo Van’s class-leading aerodynamics and excellent fuel economy.
A modern, new one piece instrument panel is more intuitive for the customer with improved ergonomics and larger, redesigned gauges. Trim rings in the console glow and ambient blue-green color, allowing passengers to find items they are looking for at night.
With 144.4 cubic feet of interior storage, Ram C/V leads the segment, and unlike other Class 1 competitors, provides ample space to haul four by 4x8 sheets of building materials. Cargo access is maximized via the front seats, Ram C/V’s rear liftgate and dual sliding doors.
The Ram Cargo Van is distinguished by prominent Ram badging, front and rear, and a monochromatic paint scheme with body-colored front and rear fascias and side moldings and a chrome C/V badge. Colors are silver, black, white, and blue pearl.
Standard features include covered 16-inch steel wheels, a 160-amp alternator, 20-gallon fuel tank, all-season extra-load capacity tires, 730-amp maintenance-free battery, commercial-duty suspension, engine oil cooler, quad halogen headlamps, load leveling and height control, power rack-and-pinion steering and fold-away power exterior mirrors with heating element.
Inside, Ram Cargo Van gets air conditioning with dual-zone temperature control, an instrument cluster with 120 mph speedometer and tachometer, outside temperature display, an overhead console, A-pillar passenger assist handle, 120-volt auxiliary power outlet, 12-volt front and rear DC power outlets, air filtering, audio jack input for mobile devices, AutoStick automatic transmission, cloth low-back bucket seats, “Ram” interior accents, door courtesy lamps, driver and passenger-side sun visors with mirrors, rearview auto-dim mirror, dual glove boxes, front courtesy / map lamps, headlamp shut-off delay, cargo compartment observation mirror, a liftgate floodlamp, lower instrument panel storage bin, dual sliding doors with alert warning, power locks, power front windows, rear dome lamp, speed control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, tilting and telescoping steering wheel, tip start and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Ram Cargo Van options include an engine block heater, media center with 30 GB hard drive and 6.5-inch touch-screen display, audio jack input for mobile devices, Garmin® navigation system, ParkView® back-up camera, a Mopar® cargo compartment floor mat, Mopar exterior vinyl window shading, a Mopar full-width cargo divider, power eight-way driver’s seat with lumbar adjust, front and rear power windows, security alarm, Sirius Satellite Radio and Uconnect handsfree voice command with Bluetooth®, remote USB port, rearview auto-dim mirror, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, rear window defroster, rear window wiper and washer and supplemental side curtain airbags.
The 2012 Ram Cargo Van will be built at the Chrysler Group Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant and will go on sale third quarter 2011. The Ram Cargo Van will replace the Dodge Grand Caravan C/V in the Chrysler Group’s product lineup. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.