Time for the Rampage
February 8th, 2006 by Dave
Our Chicago Auto Show correspondent and father of stratusphere.net discovered a brand new concept car, the Dodge Rampage, on the show floor. It appears to be a new pickup truck, though it’s clearly “just a concept” with over-the-top interior details and such. We have been told that it is not based on an existing carline but is unique, and is probably a “what-if” study more than a prototype or shape of definite things to come. See photos at http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/dodge/rampage.html.
We expect that Dodge will release much more information about the Rampage when it is officially announced. For the moment, stratuscaster’s spy shots provide a clear look at what’s comign next.
I like the styling exercise, particularly the front grille and fascia. There are elements in the desiggn that seem to reflect the Avalanche as well as the Ridgeline. I just don’t comprehend, and it may be just me, exactly what DCX intends for this vehicle. The original Rampage, and the Ridgeline are automobile based platforms, so you have to aks, just what platform this came from in the CG group stable. It defys itself with a Front Wheel Drive and a HEMI engine! What sort of torque oversteer unguided missle would this be in a truck? It is interesting that the vehicle seemed to go out of seemingly nowhere and surprise everyone. At this point, truly, it just seems to be some sort ofdesigners concepts. But that it is in metal and drives, also gives one pause to speculate. Also makes you wonder what else DCX might have hidden in their “back” pockets.
In a weird way I like it. Even as a design exercise it seems better than the Ridgeline (which still
reminds me of some Isuzu product) and the Avalanche/Escalade SRT. It is likely to compete against the
Ford Explorer SportTrac, if DC ever decides to build it. There is a niche for a SUV that you can carry
home a washing machine/dryer in. I would have expected it to look more like the Dodge MaxxCab concept
from years before. Putting a HEMI in it is the going thing, so I’m not surprised either. I’m more
concerned about a FWD truck though. If anything makes it defy itself it is that. Even with the grill
and fascia changes (which are better that the ‘06 Dakota), the door wells seem weird though. Almost
like they scooped them out. I’d like to see them build it. I actually like it better than the
Chrysler Aspen.
There is a market out there for such a vehicle.
As grobinso pointed out there is the Ridgeline and the Explorer SportTrac.
However the SportTrac is based of an SUV and not a minivan like the Ridgeline happens to be. (And yes the pilot is on the same platform as the Ridgeline…but that is not an SUV IMO).
However…I believe that this is just an exersice in design more than anything.
One more thing about the Rampage (actually a couple more things), I forgot to read all of the SPECs. 5,000lbs doesn’t quite make it a light truck. Don’t know if that is because of the HEMI or if that is what faciltates the need for a HEMI. MDS on a 5,000lbs truck is asking for single digit gas mileage in the city, which is where a truck like this would be practical. The contractors would buy a RAM or Dakota if they really needed something heavy-duty. The Rampage would be a good candidate for a HEMI V6, if such beast exists.
Also, if built, the Rampage could probably use some Back-up Assist technology considering the high tailgate. I think they should build it and not let this design phase be the only tangible form of this vehicle. Plus Dodge needs a smaller truck considering they elongated the Dakota, put the Durango on steroids, cancelled the M80, and the SUV based off of the Liberty doesn’t really cut it. I’d like to see more of the interior though. The center stack is more flashy and futuristic than practical. One final note, if they won’t make it 4WD, at least make it AWD. Urban truck users need traction too.
After taking many pictures, staring at the press kit, staring at the Rampage itself, and speaking with Ralph Gilles, head of truck design…
It’s a concept. And sometimes a concept is not done to show a future production model, but as a rolling test bed to show off things that might make an appearance in future vehicles. And in other cases, the concept is intended to head to production, but not as the vehicle you see.
As I’ve noted in other posts, we see a truck. And when I saw this truck, I watched the rear wheels as it headed up the ramp to the stage, waiting for them to slip. Which they never did. Because it wasn’t until we read the press kits - they never mentioned this in the actual presentation - it was FWD!
Who’s still with me here?
Let me first state that I don’t anything about the future plans CG might have for the Rampage. I am merely speculating based wpon what I’ve seen and read and heard. Don’t come to me looking to challenge these things as facts, OK?
We are seeing a truck. But what we ought to be seeing is…perhaps…the next evolution of the venerable minivan.
I could be wrong - it happened once before. ;)
To me the biggest thing to watch for is the trick cargo area and how it moves into the passenger compartment. I think they’re looking at the Ridgeline & Avalanche and think there’s a market for people who want the look of a pickup, but don’t really want a pickup. It follows the evolution of the car-based SUV: people wanting something that looks like a truck but not actually *being* a truck. Which on the one had makes it a poser, and on the other avoids wasting heavy duty truck components that would never be used. The styling, IMO, is out there but the underlining concept is what’s being tested and likely closer to reality than anything but muted interpretations of the styling.
It definitely bears watching. The FWD Hemi thing however is…just nuts.
First let me say I was thrilled to hear that Dodge might be considering a modern version of its Rampage. I am currently restoring a 1983 Rampage.
After viewing the new Rampage Concept vehicle and reading the other posts I agree that it very well may be the next evolution of the mini van. A Mutli passenger vehicle with open air pickup bed.
I think Dodge needs to consider remaking the Rampage based on the Caliber platform and here is why:
. Those who need a multi passenger or cargo carrying vehicle have many choices currently available.
. From observation, mainly at rush hour, most if not all cars, trucks, minivans have one or two people in them.
. Fuel prices will only continue to rise.
. Emission standards will only get stricter.
. Alternate Fuels/ Hybrids will get more attention.
. A FWD two seater with maybe with a little more room behind the seat, and a short pickup bed with the disappearing
rear window would make a great PUV (personal utilty vehicle. Its small, fuel efficient, has open air cargo
room or enclosed with a camper top or bed cover.
. With all the modern computer technology it could have engine and transmission settings that at the flip of a
switch it could go from mild mannered high mileage commuter to a hi powered street racer.
. Could wind up being very popular with the NOPI tunner crowd.
. Could make a good platform for Dodge’s first Hybrid vehicle.
I want more information on the FWD/Hemi combination. I’ve been asking for a minivan with a real engine for 20 years now. Is it possible that the parts now exist?
I think basing the “real thing” on either the Liberty platform or the Avenger would make the most sense. They’ll need more size. Ther’es a reason the original didn’t sell. Size still sells in America.
High HP and FWD has been possible, and is possible today.
Chevy’s Impala, Buick’s Lucerne, Cadillac’s DTS - among others - all offer high HP engines with front wheel drive.
Go back further, and the Olds Toranado offered 385HP in a V8 and front wheel drive. Study the drivetrain solution and I think you’ll see the answers as to how they put the 5.7L Hemi together with front wheel drive.
Things like torque steer will affect a smaller, lighter, FWD car more than it will a larger, heavier, FWD car.
Interesting. That Toronado is the intriguing one since I’d assume it also had boatloads of torque. The scary thing though isi that pickups can have their weight distribution change dramatically. I found the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 became almost dangerous to drive when there was one person in front and two people in back… I wonder how they would work with that.
I’d really rather they spend their time putting the Grand Cherokee on a diet or making a compact pickup - even if they based it on the Mitsubishi (not just importing the MMC, but actually adapting it to becomem a Dodge), though, especially since it looks as though Ridgeline sales have been surprisingly low.
I wonder if the car-up is just an idea whose time never actually comes? The Ranchero, El Camino, VW Pickup, and Rampage never really made it…
I think the new rampage is ok but it would look better on the caliber platform. allpar had a photochop contest and some guys had some nice caliber truck ideas. but i think the magnum wouldn’t be a bad choice you could get a longer pickup bed with it and do either 2 door or 4 door versions, and you gotta have a hemi :) just beef up the suspension some and add all wheel drive and your set.