Stellantis is launching a new line of “muscle trucks” under the Ram brand, including the Rumble Bee pickup. Despite high gasoline prices due to the Iran war, Ram emphasizes that the trucks will appeal to performance enthusiasts. The Rumble Bee will feature a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V-8 engine with 777 horsepower and a target top speed of 170 mph. Ram’s leader, Tim Kuniskis, believes this is an ideal time for the launch, as traditional muscle car offerings are limited while the demand for full-size pickups grows.
He acknowledged that although high-performance models typically take a smaller market share, they carry higher profit margins and enhance brand visibility. The new trucks will be priced more than current models, with the entry-level 5.7-liter version expected to start at over $60,000. The production will take place in Saltillo, Mexico, and the lineup will debut in late 2026 or early 2027.
Analysts remain skeptical about mass sales but see potential in drawing attention to the brand. Kuniskis noted that while high-performance trucks have struggled in the past, the strategy for this revival will differ. This launch coincides with Stellantis’ first investor day under new CEO Antonio Filosa, aiming to improve profitability after a significant loss last year. Filosa supports the return of the Hemi engine, which was previously canceled.
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