February 10, 2006

Dodge unveils new Rampage concept vehicle in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois - The Chrysler Group has unveiled its new Dodge Rampage concept vehicle, which combines the width of a Dodge Ram, the length of a Dodge Dakota, and a host of innovations.

Dodge Rampage concept. Photo: Grant Yoxon. Click image to enlarge

"It's the truck for the non-traditional buyer," says Scott Krugger, principal exterior designer. "This is a truck for the person who wants the functional aspects of a truck yet doesn't want a traditional vehicle. The Rampage has the capability of a pickup without sacrificing occupant space."

The Rampage features unitized body construction, front-wheel-drive and unique independent rear-wheel suspension. The truck's largest portion is its passenger cabin, combined with a five-foot cargo box and a short engine compartment with 5.7-litre Hemi engine. When either door is opened, the sill pivots down to expose a step assist; while the front door is hinged conventionally, the rear door slides open, without a B-pillar.

A floating centre stack can be pulled rearward and rotated toward the driver or passenger to access the navigation, HVAC and entertainment functions, while the freestanding instrument cluster moves with the adjustable steering column. An overhead front-to-rear console contains storage and entertainment units. The right front seat and 60/40 rear seats fold into the floor, marking the first time the company's Sto-N-Go system, currently used on production minivans, has been used in a pickup truck or on a front seat.

The backlite retracts into a midgate, which in turn folds down into the forward part of the cargo bed, while the three-position tailgate can be upright, folded down 98 degrees, or dropped to an angle of 117 degrees, where a stored-in-the-tailgate slide-out ramp can be extended to the ground.

More 2006 Chicago Auto Show News....