FCA reports that 40 percent of its Ram HD
buyers go for one of its top-line trims. Capping the range with another, even
more luxurious model, then, must have been a no-brainer for the product
planners in Auburn Hills.
Called the Tungsten Edition, the new ultra-luxe
model is based on the Limited and sits above the existing Laramie and Longhorn
models at the top of the Ram range.
Borrowing its name from the rare metal that's harder
than steel, the Tungsten
Edition announces its presence with a tungsten-tone chrome grille, black
headlight surrounds from the Sport model, a sportier hood (for the 1500 model),
and body-colored exterior trim – including the tailgate lettering, bumpers,
mirrors, door handles, and running boards.
It's inside the cab where the luxury treatment
really stands out, though. Ram has upholstered the interior of the Tungsten
Edition with special two-tone leather, unique carpeting, real wood trim, and in
an industry first, a suede headliner that you won't find in other pickups.
All of this on top of the luxury accoutrements
already found on the Limited model on which it's based. Naturally, buyers will
have to pay for all that premium equipment: pricing starts at US$ 55,120, which
seems like a heck of a sticker price for a truck that, in base Tradesman spec,
starts at less than US$ 26,500. It's only a slight premium over the US$ 52,875
that Ram charges for the next-best Limited model.
Of course that price is just for the 1500-series
model. Buyers will also be able to order the Tungsten trim on the 2500 and 3500
heavy duty models, and choose from rear- or all-wheel drive, Crew Cab or Mega
Cab, short or long wheelbases, and single or dual rear wheels – not to mention
eight exterior colors and various engine options.
