Chrysler expands the 2012 Ram Power Wagon lineup

Since being introduced, the Ram 2500 Power Wagon has been offered only in the SLT trimline (shown on the right) with few options inside and out but buyers of the 2012 Power Wagon will get to pick between the SLT, a new low-line ST and the new premium Laramie trimline. The Ram Truck brand management believe that this will make the Power Wagon even more appealing as the Power Wagon ST will appeal to those who want the rugged capabilities without the interior goodies and chrome trim while the Power Wagon Laramie will include more upscale features inside. You know, for those who need leather, heated seats and a high end sound system when tearing through the wilderness.

The 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon ST is expected to appeal most strongly to commercial uses like fire services, mining companies and forestry services so many of the main changes from the SLT trimline are things that you would expect from a work truck. The heavy amounts of chrome found on the previous Power Wagon are removed in favor of black trim on the bumpers, the mirrors, the fender flares and the grille treatment. Inside, the Power Wagon ST offers an interior layout similar to the standard Ram 2500 ST with the exception of the control specific to the Power Wagon.

The 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Laramie takes the tried and true workhorse capabilities of the Power Wagon package and add a taste of luxury. This begins on the inside with new leather seats, a high end audio system, dual zone climate control and a heavy dose of woodgrain finish on the dash and door panels. On the outside, the Power Wagon Laramie retains all of the chrome from the SLT models but the Laramie models come with body colored wheel flares as opposed to the contrasting flares found on the earlier Power Wagons. The Ram Brand states the following for the purpose of the new high end Power Wagon package: “The addition of Power Wagon to the Laramie model gives the off-road linebacker a tuxedo and builds on the success and heritage of the Power Wagon nameplate.”

All 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon models regardless of the trimline chosen come with the standard amenities that made it an award winning truck. This begins with the 5.7L Hemi V8 that packs 383 horsepower and 400lb-ft of torque sending the power through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front and rear differentials; both of which are equipped with class-exclusive electric-locking control. A unique Bilstein suspension system prepares the Power Wagon for the worst conditions on road and off with help from a class-exclusive electronic disconnecting sway bar, 4.56 front and rear gears, and 33 inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A off-road tires. All said, the Power Wagon has unbeatable off-roading capabilities while also being able to tow over 10,000 pounds and thanks to the custom-built Warn® 12,000-lb. winch, the Power Wagon can pull out any Japanese trucks stuck along the trail. New for 2012, the popular RamBox storage system is available with the 6’4” bed option which means that new Power Wagon owners can enjoy the unique storage compartments.

The 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon lineup starts at $42,620 for the ST level while the middle of the line SLT starts at $46,560 and the premium Power Wagon Laramie starts at $51,995 (all prices include the $995 destination fee). The 2012 Power Wagon SLT is in dealerships now, with the ST and Laramie models arriving in December 2011.

Click any of the thumbnails on the right for a closer look at the 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Laramie gallery.

Other Chrysler News:
Marchionne confirms diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2013
Major Chrysler UAW locals vote "no" on the new contract
Chrysler covers the HQ with a gigantic 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
The 2012 Fiat 500 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick
Marchionne: no more Dodge Caravan after 2012
Chrysler leads the nation in September growth, bests Toyota in sales