I've wanted the new SRT Ram badly, so I follow it as closely as I can with my DC contacts. Here's what I know:
1. Don't know where some of you are getting these dates, but it never was planned to be released until the late summer or fall of 2003 to begin with. I think it's very likely we might be looking at late 03 or early 04 now.
2. I'm sure there are SEVERAL people at DC who are probably tired of hearing my MAJOR pleading and whining about the tow rating...... unfortunately....... apparently without results. According to the last I heard about this issue, a month ago, it will be the same disaster as the RT Dakota, and NOT rated for towing... let alone for something as milk-toast as 10,000 pounds for that much power in a full size Ram chassis. From what I hear, it has more to do with engine electronics and long term powertrain durability than anything else.
3. Last I heard, the build location contest was down to either St. Louis or....... Mexico.
Personally, I think it's a major marketing mistake not to have it rated for a decent tow payload. They could probably sell out literally half the production to only Viper guys who want it for dragging the snakes behind. The idea of putting a frilly little "tu-tu" on a RAMMMMMMM, powered by a Viper V-10 makes no marketing sense to me. Not the image of a "Ram Tough" truck, carved in my mind, and I'm sure others, through decades of expensive advertising. But, what do I know? Anyway, what it DOES mean personally is that they will probably lose a sale to me, at least for THAT model. I'll likely be taking a Hemi in a 1500 as soon as those become available..... unless someone tells me much different soon.