No, those aren’t random numbers after the word Rebel. It’s the name of Ram’s new package for their off-road warrior, one that includes the jumbo 12-inch Uconnect screen.
Recognizing that some fans of the off-road focused Rebel want to play with technology too, Ram announced today their introduction of the 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel 12. Primarily adding the large infotainment screen found in the Longhorn, Limited, and certain Laramie models, the 12 suffix also brings leather seats and a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.
“Expanding the availability of the segment-leading Uconnect 4C 12-inch touchscreen is a direct response to market demand,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – North America. “Customers have been asking for additional high-end features on Rebel and now we’re delivering with benchmark technology and materials wrapped in off-road capability.”
The exclusion of the company’s largest infotainment screen in the Rebel was a puzzler, given that the off-road bruiser often sells at a sticker price comparable to some of its fancier brothers. This new 12 fixes that oversight. After all, you can be guaranteed there are many customers who want the off-road grunt of a Rebel but still enjoy their technology toys (*your author raises his hand*). Ram’s Uconnect 4C with the 12-inch screen is a unit whose display can be entirely devoted to one task or split in two for duality purposes. The iPad crowd will feel at home with it multi-touch gestures and smartphone integrations.
Selecting this option will not only install a jumbotron in the Ram’s dashboard but will also line the seats with leather, a surface previously unavailable with the 2019 Rebel. The front chairs are heated. Audiophiles – or simply those who enjoy waking up the neighbors – will like the 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with its 900-watt surround-sound amp and 10-inch subwoofer. Unique metal speaker grilles are trimmed in the Rebel’s signature Radar Red anodized finish.
In case you’ve recently smacked your head off an A-Pillar during a recent off-road adventure and forgotten what the Rebel trim includes, let us refresh your memory. A factory-installed lift kit and 33-inch meats jack the truck skyward compared to its mundane brothers, while a host of skid plates keep ‘wheelers from tearing off Expensive Bits. Ram also tosses in Bilstein shocks, a locking rear diff, and 3.92 gears as part of the deal. And, oh yeah, the pickup sneers at traffic with its macho grille.
This new package is an available package on all Rebel cabs, colours, and powertrains. Pricing starts at $46,990 plus destination, a bump of about $1500 compared to a non-12 Rebel configured with the same body and engine. Customers should be able to find these trucks on dealer lots later this year.