Ram Trucks unveiled its new midsize cargo van, called the C/V, today at the 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show.
The 2012 Ram C/V is based on the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, but it’s been modified inside and out to handle the hard-life duty of a delivery and utility hauler. It’s also a quick way for Ram to tackle competition from the Ford Transit Connect while Chrysler works on importing the Fiat Doblo small van into North America.
The Ram C/V features dual sliding doors, rear quarter windows and backlight privacy panels in place of clear glass windows. It can also be equipped with several combinations of solid and glass panels, including a choice of solid or glass backlight.
Storage and cargo management is a priority inside the C/V. There’s 144.4 cubic feet of space and a rugged aluminum flat load floor that's 99 inches long by 49.1 inches wide between the wheel wells — enough to swallow a 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood.
The load floor will be available as a flat surface with three covers or with optional Stow 'n Go bins to store items securely. Maximum payload inside the van is 1,800 pounds.
The C/V can also tow up to 3,600 pounds with its all-new 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 283 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque. To improve gas mileage, drivers can “select a special fuel economizer mode that changes the transaxle shift schedule with a flip of a switch to maximize their fuel economy,” according to a Ram press release.
Ram didn't announce fuel economy figures but promised the van's driving range will be almost 500 miles with a standard 20-gallon fuel tank.
Standard features include covered 16-inch steel wheels, a 160-amp alternator, all-season extra-load capacity tires, 730-amp maintenance-free battery, commercial-duty suspension, engine oil cooler, quad halogen headlamps, load leveling and height control, power rack-and-pinion steering and fold-away power exterior mirrors with heating element.
On the outside, the C/V sports a unique blacked-out grille with a new hood and quad headlamps. In back, there’s a restyled liftgate and LED taillamps.
Pricing hasn’t been announced. Ram reps say it will be competitive with similar vehicles.
