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Ram 1500 PHEV Receives Jolt from Canadian Government

This past March, the U.S. Dept. of Energy provided a grant for up to $48 million in order for a test fleet of 140 Ram 1500 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) to be produced in the United States.

These Ram 1500 PHEVs will be powered by a 5.7L V8, providing 390 horsepower, 407lb-ft of torque mated to a two-mode hybrid transmission and a 12KwHr lithium ion battery system.

This week, the developer of this battery system, Electrovaya, recently received a contribution of $5 million (CDN) by the Sustainable Development Technology Canada as part of the Canadian Government. This funding will support their further research and development needs in high energy density Lithium Ion SuperPolymer® battery systems that will be in this fleet.

The vehicle is expected to be able to drive up to 20 miles on pure electric power, resulting in zero emissions. Once the vehicles are completed, these extremely efficient Ram 1500 PHEVs will be utilized for a three-year test program throughout the United States showing how quickly this technology can be brought to market.

Cummins 6.7 Biggest Fan [Part 2]: Test Track

This week, Tim gets behind the scenes at the Cummins test track where he catches up with Cummins Worldwide Chief Engineer, Scott Henry. Henry took Tim (and lucky viewers) inside the test truck and around the test track, providing an in-depth view of the rigorous tests Cummins’ world-famous engines undergo.

To follow all six legs of Tim’s trip, head to the Cummins YouTube channel to catch every new episode as it goes live. For more information about the real star of this series, check out Cummins Engines’ official website.

Biodiesel Ram 2500 Grabs the Bullrun by the Horns

Each year, the fastest, loudest, and some might even say craziest enthusiasts come together for the annual Bullrun Rally. This year, running amongst the pack of performance cars is a very different type of raw strength: a 2008 Ram 2500 Diesel. Navigated by Chris Morrow and his friends Blake & Doyle, the 2500 has been converted to run on biodiesel and outfitted with auxiliary tanks to meet the rigorous, long-distance demands of the cross-country trek.

While a behemoth like the 2500 might not seem like a natural fit for the 8-day, time-sensitive run, Morrow and his rig have a unique advantage thanks to the fuel-efficient set-up. According to Morrow, the 2500 can average about 1300 to 1500 miles between fuel-ups, making the race from NYC to Vegas a lot less daunting.

The rally officially kicked off on July 9th, and the guys are committed to documenting their exhilarating journey from start to finish. For a glimpse behind the scenes (and into the cab) of their homegrown operation, check out their blog: GreeningMan.org.

On behalf of Ram Trucks and all our loyal Ram fans – good luck, Greening Men!

Ram Throws Down The Gauntlet

If you’re looking to kill a little time in the office and have already beaten your best Minesweeper score, look no further than the Ram Gauntlet game.

Once you’ve registered, you can virtually take the wheel of a Ram 3500 and battle the best Mother Earth has to offer in a fight to the finish. You can rely on either a Cummins Turbo Diesel or a gas-powered HEMI to see you safely through the course, it’s your call. Once you’ve chosen, you’ll then be tasked with successfully navigating through a variety of courses, including everything from rocky terrain to a bustling construction site. With any luck, you’ll be able to walk away from the grueling gauntlet with a first-place finish, but even if you don’t you still have a chance to win big. Each gauntlet you finish earns you another shot at snagging one of our great prizes like $25 & $50 Gander Mountain gift cards. On October 1, 2010, one lucky winner will be selected to receive the grand prize: a $1000 prepaid MasterCard gift card.

Participation is limited to one game per person per day, and the promotion will close September 30th, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. ET – so go get your game on!

Cummins 6.7’s Biggest Fan (Part 1): Inside Cummins HQ

This week, Cummins Engines launched a 6-part behind-the-scenes video series aimed at bringing Cummins fans behind the brand and under the hood. In this first episode, Tim and his trusty 2010 Ram Heavy Duty rolled up to Cummins headquarters in Columbus, Indiana to snag some face time with Cummins Chief Technical Officer, John Wall. Although he’s an extremely busy man, Wall was generous enough to take a few minutes to explain all the nuts and bolts (literally) of the legendary 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel.

To follow all six legs of Tim’s trip, head to the Cummins YouTube channel to catch every new episode as it goes live. For more information about the real star of this series, check out Cummins Engines’ official website.

2010 Ram Heavy Duty Resonates with American Heartland

At Ram, there is nothing that we cling to tighter than our commitment to the basic traits of the traditional American pickup truck. We build our trucks to be rough-and-tumble rigs capable of outliving even your mother-in-law, and we have a fierce sense of pride in our product. So, too, do our customers.

Amongst the most notable of those customers are Terry and Barb Hogan of Decatur, Illinois. Owner and operator of Hogan Grain & Equipment Company, Terry has spent years putting his various work trucks through the wringer, and he knows a workhouse when he sees one. Up until November 2009, Terry’s fleet consisted of an eclectic mix of pickups, the bulk of which were in need of some form of maintenance. Busy at the helm of Hogan Grain & Equipment and farming over 4,000 acres of land, Terry had neither the time nor the inclination to spend hours laboring over repairs. Instead, he turned to a brand he’s held synonymous with dependability since he first crossed paths with a Power Wagon in 1974: Ram Trucks. Trading in two Fords, a Chevy, and an older Dodge pick-up, Terry & his wife eventually exited Bob Brady Chrysler Dodge with three new Rams in tow: a 2009 Ram 3500, Ram Chassis Cab, and a 2010 Ram 2500 ST Crew 4×4. The latter was the first 2010 Heavy Duty model to ever reach a customer’s hands – and we’d be hard-pressed to find a better match. “We’re targeting both lifestyle and vocational customers,” explained Ram Heavy Duty Brand Manager Steve Johnson. “One of our key vocational targets is Agribusiness – like the Hogans.” According to Terry, our “targeting” and the countless man hours spent engineering a truck specifically for buyers with needs like Terry’s has not gone unnoticed. “I think it’s great you’re spending the time to listen and talk to the customer,” said Terry. “That’s how this country was built. You have to listen to the customer – understand them. Provide them what they need to keep them loyal and make your business grow.” Which is exactly what we strive to do – for both Terry and his fellow American craftsman.

For more photos, hit up our Flickr page.

Jam With Ram: Enter The Zac Brown Band Sweepstakes!

What could be better than spending a thrilling weekend in the cradle of lazy summer fun, jamming to your favorite band? Answer: doing it for free. Right now, Ram Trucks is offering you the chance to bag a 3-day/2-night trip for two (2) to Charlotte, NC to catch the Zac Brown Band live in concert. But don’t get it wrong folks – these aren’t lawn seats. The winner will get exclusive VIP tickets to the ZBB show, with the opportunity to attend an Eat ‘N Greet with the Zac Brown Band.

Sound like your cup o’ joe? Then head on over to the Zac Brown Band website and fill out the entry form – could be the most valuable 60 seconds you spend this year.

Hit the jump for the official contest rules & regulations. More