Buzz-Worthy: 10th Anniversary Ram 1500 Rumble Bee Takes to Detroit

Waterville, 09/12/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Ten years ago, a special-edition Ram 1500 didn't just buzz onto the scene, it roared. To honor the 10th anniversary of the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee, a new concept model of the unique pickup truck recently swept into Detroit. Inspired by the Super Bee muscle car from the 1960s, the new Rumble Bee concept sports a matte Drone Yellow paint job that extends to its bumpers, fenders and Mopar ground effects kit.

Both sides of the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee feature a black Speed Bee logo within a gloss-black stripe, which slashes vertically at the rear before traveling horizontally into the front fenders. Custom 24-inch gloss-black wheels and a lowered suspension also contribute to the pickup truck's aggressive and streamlined look. Inside, Drone Yellow and black leather sport-mesh seats don yellow Ram badges and "Rumble Bee" lettering, while an actual amber-encased bee has been integrated into an eight-speed rotary shifter knob that illuminates to reveal a honeycomb pattern. Under the hood, the new Rumble Bee houses a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 generating 395 horsepower, while two buttons inside the cockpit can allow the engine's full sound to bypass the Mopar cat-back dual-exhaust system.

"Power and style blend seamlessly in the Rumble Bee concept, but unlike the muscle car it's based on, the truck also has a lot of utility built in," said Scott Pinnette, general manager of Central Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, a Waterville, Maine Ram dealer. "While we don't yet know whether the new Rumble Bee will go into production, buyers can get the same capability and similar Mopar products in current Ram 1500 models."

Though it doesn't offer a real bumblebee as standard equipment, the redesigned 2013 Ram 1500 is packed with plenty of other interior features, including available wood-grain trim and leather upholstery. An optional six-ring instrument cluster surrounds a customizable seven-inch screen that provides relevant vehicle and driving information, while the new rotary shifter allows for easy transitions out of park, even when drivers are wearing work gloves. Owners can also stay connected and entertained with the available Uconnect Access System, which includes Bluetooth hands-free calling, an 8.4-inch touchscreen and the option of SiriusXM satellite radio.

More changes are in store for the 2014 Ram 1500, which will receive an all-new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine, the first-ever diesel powerplant in a light-duty pickup truck. Available late this year, the EcoDiesel will produce a best-in-class 420 pound-feet of torque and 240 horsepower, as well as a tow rating of up to 9,200 pounds. Fuel economy is expected to surpass 25 mpg on the highway.

"As the only diesel in its class, the new V6 powerplant proves Ram is committed to fuel economy, but not at the expense of power and capability," added Pinnette. "Fans have come to expect big output from the Ram 1500 pickup, and the EcoDiesel builds on that tradition while breaking new ground for a light-duty truck."

About Central Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram:
Part of the Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Central Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has surpassed the expectations of Maine motorists for years with its new and used vehicle sales, service and parts. Whether its customers are looking for a Chrysler sedan, a Jeep or Dodge crossover SUV, or a Ram pickup, their Maine auto dealership always has a broad inventory from which to choose, as well as the expert service to keep their customers' vehicles on the road where they belong. Visit their dealership at 300 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, contact their team by phone at 877-263-6733 or browse their inventory online at www.centralmainechryslerdodgejeep.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentralMaineChrysler.