As a brand, Dodge is one of the rare names in the modern automotive industry that keeps legendary nameplates alive. The Charger and Challenger are perfect examples and both models feature not just a familiar nameplate, but also feature designs that closely resemble the classic models from the 60s and 70s. These days, we can find reports that suggest another familiar name could come back, as the 2021 Dodge Rampage.
Of course, the Rampage is not even close to Charger and Challenger when it comes to legacy. However, the recent resurrection of the compact/mid-size truck segment has brought many familiar and brand-new names in the business. These vehicles are getting more and more popular every year, so there’s no doubt that Dodge, as a major truck manufacturer, wants its share as well. At this point, it’s all just a rumor and the company, as well as our reliable insiders, are still quiet and very cautious on this matter. Therefore, take the following paragraphs with a big reserve.
2021 Dodge Rampage Design
If you wonder how the 2021 Dodge Rampage could look like, there are actually two possibilities for the new model. If we stick to the tradition, the logical approach would a coupe/ute design, something that the original model features. On the other side, keep in mind the 2006 Concept, which presented something completely new in the world of pickup trucks.
Coupe/UTE
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the original model from the ’80s. This type of vehicle was pretty popular in the past but somehow, Dodge hesitated to offer such a vehicle. While Ford Ranchero and Chevy El Camino were present for decades, the Rampage wasn’t introduced before the early 80s.
We presume that FCA won’t make the same mistake and that the 2021 Dodge Rampage will come pretty soon. It looks like this segment is becoming popular again. We can already hear rumors about new El Camino and Ranchero models, so there’s no doubt that FCA will do something as well. If that happens, we presume the new model would come with a design based on the company’s muscle cars, particularly the Challenger. Moreover, we can already see some rendering images on the network that suggest how a coupe/ute version of the legendary muscle car would look like.
Dodge Rampage Based On 2006 Concept
The 2006 Rampage was one of the most interesting concept cars at the time. Of course, the first thing you can notice is the look, which features a nice combination of muscular and futuristic elements. However, the most interesting thing about this concept is that although it looks like a pickup truck, it rides on a unibody platform. At the time, that was a pretty untypical design solution for the segment. These days, things are completely different and the new 2021 Dodge Rampage designed in such manner would have much bigger chances to make solid sales numbers than before. Honda Ridgeline features a similar design and after 15 years on the market, we can say that it has brought some obvious advantages compared to traditional body-on-frame pickup trucks.
First of all, such design ensures much better driving characteristics. Translated to simple language, such a truck is nothing more than a crossover with a cargo bed. So, you may count on similar benefits to those crossovers have over traditional SUVs. Better handling, better efficiency and better overall driving experience are some of the things that come to mind first.
Of course, there are also some drawbacks. Such design means lower capabilities, particularly in terms of towing and hauling. Still, that doesn’t necessary have to be a bad thing. As the truck market is becoming bigger, there are also new types of pickup truck drivers on the road. Many of them simply don’t need such impressive numbers in terms of towing. Many of them don’t have the intention to go off the road. Such drivers simply want to enjoy the benefit of an open cargo bed and to drive something that is generally a little bit more versatile than a typical crossover.
2021 Dodge Rampage Engine
No matter the design approach, we expect that the 2021 Dodge Rampage will come in a couple of interesting engine options in the offer. Of course, we may presume that base models will come equipped with a familiar 3.6-liter V6 engine. This delivers around 305 horsepower. Still, the real deal would start with eight cylinders, and a 5.7-liter unit is the first one that comes to mind, with a max output of 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are available with a new mild-hybrid system called eTorque, which provides better fuel efficiency.
More powerful versions are also possible.
Release Date
The 2021 Dodge Rampage is still just a rumor, but there are reports that suggest the new pickup truck could arrive pretty soon, maybe already in the next year. Expect more details in the near future.
