word on the street | The Latest News, Rumors and Changes in the Truck World

Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept Unveiled at CES 2023

The Ram Truck brand introduced a visionary roadmap at CES 2023 with its Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept, which provides a glimpse into the future and demonstrates how Ram Truck will once again redefine the pickup truck segment. The leading-edge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept showcases a truckload of innovative features that will be seen in future Ram trucks and in particular on Ram’s electrification journey.

Ram will differentiate itself by offering a portfolio of fully electrified solutions to better meet customer needs, including a segment-redefining Ram 1500 BEV in 2024. The entire Ram lineup will offer electrified solutions with disruptive, leading-edge advanced technology in the years to come. The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept establishes how Ram will push past competitors’ future EV offerings.

The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is part of Ram’s significant contribution to Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan to lead the way the world moves by delivering innovative, clean, safe, and affordable mobility solutions.

Ram will once again redefine the pickup truck segment with its revolutionary Ram 1500 BEV production model in 2024. It will be the leader in a combination of areas customers care about the most: range, towing, payload, and charge time. More news on the production version will be available in the coming months.

Hennessey Announces VelociRaptoR 1000 Upgrade for Ford Raptor R

Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has announced an engineering and development program for the new V-8-powered Ford F-150 Raptor R. The Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 is anticipated to boast nearly 1,000 bhp and more than 850 lb-ft of torque—engine output that would make the off-road pickup one of the quickest and most powerful in the world.

Boasting two more cylinders than the standard F-150 Raptor and fitted with a 2.65-liter supercharger as opposed to a twin-turbocharger configuration, the flagship Raptor R boasts Ford’s 5.2-litre Predator V-8—with stock output rated at 700 hp. Hennessey’s engineers plan to replace the stock blower with a larger 3.8-liter supercharger. It will be complemented with high-flow induction, larger fuel injectors, upgraded fuel lines, and a new supercharger belt. When the final calibration is complete, the result is expected to be a 40% increase in output.

With 30 years of experience in “making fast cars faster,” Hennessey’s engineers have a solid process in place to fast-track vehicle R&D. The Predator V-8 under the hood of the Raptor R shares architecture with that of the Ford Mustang GT500—a vehicle that Hennessey reliably upgrades to more than 1,200 bhp. After fitting the larger supercharger, the team will calibrate and test using its in-house suite of dynos, plus perform extensive on and off-road evaluations at Hennessey’s testing facility. All this experience, research, development, and refinement will deliver a VelociRaptoR 1000 with manufacturer levels of quality and reliability, backed by a two-year/24,000-mile Hennessey warranty.

In addition to the increased engine output, the VelociRaptoR 1000 will also feature exterior enhancements to boost its appearance and off-road capability. New front and rear VelociRaptor bumpers, a front LED light bar, 20-inch Hennessey wheels, and 37-inch off-road tires bring added road presence and boost its go-anywhere assurance. VelociRaptoR 1000 badging and a serial-numbered build plaque will identify the model as something extra special.

The new Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 is set for build in 2023. Customers may place orders now at authorized Ford retailers or directly with Hennessey by calling 979-885-1300 or visiting HennesseyPerformance.com.

F-150 Lightning Wins MotorTrend Truck of the Year for 2023 Sets Precedent with Unanimous Vote by Judges

The new F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck adds the prestigious 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year award to its trophy case. The win sets a precedent—the F-150 Lightning is the first electric truck to win by an unanimous vote among the judges. It’s also only the second time an electric vehicle has won unanimously in the history of MotorTrend’s of the Year competitions.

“The F-150 Lightning and its nearly instant torque with ride and handling make it without a doubt the best truck Ford has ever made,” said Ed Loh, MotorTrend group head of editorial. “If that feels like a bold statement, consider that amongst our judges, the F-150 Lightning won Truck of the Year by unanimous decision—the first EV truck to convince all judges across the board. The Ford F-150 Lightning is no less than a milestone achievement in the history of American mobility.”