Well, we’re pretty shocked and stoked at the same time! We didn’t think this was possible but just as the good folks at Jeep showed us what they can do when concepts meet reality, Ram Truck seems to be making a move to steal the spotlight from their 7-slat brother. So what could be way cooler than this year’s class of slick rock concepts? How about the return of one of the most uniquely american SUV’s ever to roll out of Detroit, The Ramcharger!

What you’re looking at here is the 2017 Ramcharger Concept that Ram Truck snuck out to Easter Jeep Safari 2015. Not just that but the truck’s maiden voyage was a night run to an undisclosed location deep in the trails behind the town of Moab, Utah. Needless to say we are flat out blown away by how cool this concept is.

We were lucky enough to be part of the secret unveiling out on the trail and we're bringing you exclusive coverage thanks to the Dynatrac Moab Experience where we bring you along for the Easter Jeep Safari ride. Today we were able to witness this off-road beast in its natural environment. Yup, it’s really is quite capable. How capable? Basically Ram has taken the Power Wagon recipe and added it to this new two-door body on frame SUV. We’re talking, 6.4-liter HEMI power, Electronic Locking Differentials and sway bar disconnects, and a manual shift transfer case to sweeten the pot.

From what we can tell, Ram Truck is making a bold statement and showing the rest of the truck industry that they aren’t afraid of bringing back an old workhorse rig that any true off-road enthusiast would be thrilled to own. The Blue Oval and the General better take note because this concept SUV is set to outdo the 2016 Ford SVT Bronco craze that swept the web last year.

Check out the list of specs from this press release we made up!

April 1, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -America’s Most Off-road Capable SUV is Back!

The 2017 Ram Ramcharger is the most off-road-capable Fullsize SUV on the planet and features electric-locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 33-inch off-road tires, underbody skid plate protection, 4.10 axle ratio and a custom-built Warn 12,000-pound winch.

The 2017 Ramcharger is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Single Cab, but features a number of off-road-specific engineering enhancements, which give the Sport Utility Vehicle a significant advantage over all production Sport Utility Vehicles.

Ramcharger will be available in three distinct trim models—Tradesman, SLT and Laramie

POWERTRAIN

Compelling numbers tell the best-in-class story of the standard 6.4-liter HEMI 16-valve V-8 engine: 440 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and a peak torque rating of 460 lb.-ft. (624 N•m) at 4,000 rpm. The engine calibration is unique to Ramcharger in order to enhance its off-road maneuverability and finesse. When driving in four-wheel-drive "Low," the throttle response softens and the idle speed increases by 100 rpm (from 650 to 750 rpm) — providing added control when ascending and descending off-road obstacles at slow speeds.

The 2017 Ramcharger is equipped with Fuel Saver technology, delivering more power as well as better fuel efficiency. When conditions allow, as in highway cruising, the Fuel Saver system seamlessly shuts down four cylinders to conserve fuel.

The engine also features an active dual-runner-length intake manifold optimized specifically for the Ram Heavy Duty lineup. The result is improved low-end torque without sacrificing high-end power.

The 6.4-liter HEMI is offered with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission and connects to a part-time, manual-engagement BorgWarner BW 44-47 transfer case.

Built by American Axle Manufacturing, the axles measure 9.25 inches in the front and 11.5 inches in the rear (increase from 10.5 inches), delivering power via a 4.10:1 ring and pinion ratio. Robust rear axle shafts are upgraded to 38 mm, providing rotating force directly to the 33-inch tire/wheel combination. Both axles include electronic locking differentials driven by electro-magnetic actuators. All Ram Heavy Duty trucks incorporate a segment-exclusive front axle disconnect system to reduce parasitic loss and improve overall efficiency.

Additional axle data:

FRONT

9.25 AAM

Front Pinion: 98.3 mm

Front Ring Gear: 235 mm (9.25 inches)

Front Axle Shaft Diameter: 35 mm

REAR

11.5 AAM Rear Pinion: 121.3 mm

Rear Ring Gear: 292 mm (11.5 inches)

Rear Axle Shaft Diameter: 38 mm

SUSPENSION

The 2017 Ramcharger features a unique suspension system, some of which was specifically engineered for the Power Wagon, including Bilstein shocks at all four corners, control arms, spring rates and more than two inches of lift.

In the front, the Ramcharger features an advanced three-link front suspension to ensure roll stiffness. The Ramcharger packages a design of the standard three-link suspension system. The Ram Articulink design incorporates high movement joints at the control-arm-to-axle mount, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation. Additional suspension flex is achieved via the electronic disconnecting sway bar, which allows the front axle to move more independently of the truck’s frame.

Heavy Duty trucks generally have rear suspension equipped for constant, heavy payloads. This usually leads to a harsher ride when unloaded. All Ramcharger trucks feature an exclusive five-link coil design which provides better articulation over obstacles than a leaf spring system. The robust coil springs are more than up to the task of handling heavy payloads. Although the 2017 Ramcharger is loaded with off-road components, owners appreciate payload up to 1,490 pounds and towing capacity up to 10,810 pounds.

The 2017 Ramcharger combined axle and suspension package adds to greater suspension articulation, a determining factor when negotiating extreme obstacles. With Smart Bar engaged, the Ramcharger reaches a Ramp Travel Index (RTI - a measurement of a vehicle's suspension articulation) of 590 (21-inch vertical height).

GROUND CLEARANCE AND PROTECTION

Providing optimal balance between on-road civility and off-road capability are 33-inch tires, which feature a beefy tread pattern to help grab ledges along the trail and deliver optimum traction through sand, mud and snow. Larger tires and a suspension lift contribute to the Ramcharger’s 14.5-inch ground clearance. The approach angle is an impressive 34 degrees while the departure angle comes in at 23.5 degrees and the breakover angle is 25.5 degrees. This gives the 2017 Ramcharger significant clearance for navigating a variety of severe inclines and declines as well as providing up to 30-inches of water-fording capability.

Underneath the Ramcharger are generous underbody protection components. Fore-aft bars bring together the transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, resulting in armor that minimizes underside damage and rock wedging.

Ultimate SUV capability is now available in three trim levels: Tradesman, SLT and Laramie. The Ramcharger Tradesman offers off-road enthusiasts all of the Ramcharger’s legendary capability in a value-oriented package. The Ramcharger SLT provides a mix of comfort with off-road components and the Ramcharger Laramie offers more comfort and luxury features. Each of the three Ramcharger models has its own distinctive look.

The Ramcharger nameplate was produced from 1974 through 1993 (up to 2001 in Mexico) but if you’ve made it this far into the story, you probably missed that part farther up where we said we made this press release up. That should have been your hint that we’ve played with your emotions once again. Yup, this is our April Fools story for 2015!

Seriously though, don’t you want to see the Fullsize two-door SUV’s make a comeback? Ram, Ford, GM… we’re waiting!