Ram 1500 Limited Crew Cab by TR-Carstyling

It literally rolls off the tongue automatically: “Dodge Ram.” And this even though Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has already been marketing the pick-ups – which have been enjoying steadily increasing popularity in this country, too – for 11 years under its own flag as an independent brand: Ram. Forming part of the AEC dealer network and located about an hour north of Frankfurt am Main, the Schotten-based TR-Carstyling not only offers performance and styling parts for Ram trucks but can also supply the American heavyweights brand new – fitted out in accordance with the customer’s wishes and optionally with or without tuning. But there’s no question about it, they look better WITH tuning – just like the two Ram 1500s pictured here. TR-Carstyling furnished them with similar upgrades in keeping with an in-house special edition, giving the American pick-ups an even more predatory appearance.

Off-road upgrades: higher and wider

Both the Ram 1500 Limited from the current 2020 model year and the 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie with Sport Appearance Package were fitted with mighty La Chanti 12×20-inch LC-OF10 rims. The glossy black wheels with milled, brightly contrasting spoke contours were fitted with all-terrain Toyo Open Country 35×12.5R20 off-road tires, which makes raising the Ram seem almost obligatory. TR-Carstyling accomplished this on the 2020 Limited with factory-fitted air suspension using a BGS chassis with Fox dampers, increasing ground clearance by a total of six inches. Meanwhile, the 2019 Laramie, equipped with a conventional steel spring suspension, gained ‘only’ four inches in height by means of a leveling kit. Both Rams were identically equipped with Bushwacker fender flares, which makes them appear even more rugged. Contrary to their appearance, the matt black attachments are only screwed to the inner fender, making it easy to downgrade them if necessary.

As regards the load space cover, the two Rams exhibit different solutions. While the 2020 model is equipped with a flexible Bakflip cover, the 2019 model has a more solid hardcover – both variants have their pros and cons, which depend on the application. Looking somewhat darker thanks to the Sport Appearance Package, the Laramie also features an LED floodlight behind its lower radiator grille in the bumper, which turns night into day in front of the vehicle whenever necessary.

Power upgrades for the V8 engines

Meanwhile, unanimity prevails again under the hoods, where the 5.7-liter V8 comes to life when the start button is pressed. The Hemi engines were both given aFe cold air intakes and Borla exhaust systems, which optimize air flow on the intake and on the exhaust side and deliver a power upgrade to 431 hp and 600 Nm in combination with software optimizations (standard: 401 hp and 556 Nm).

While the Laramie’s passenger compartment was left untouched, the cockpit of the Limited has been rounded out with additional Alcantara refinements to the steering wheel and door trim.