- The Ram Dakota Nightfall concept previews a new midsize pickup for South America.
- It shares a ladder-frame chassis and turbodiesel engine with Fiat and Peugeot pickups.
- The new Dakota is larger than the Rampage and will be manufactured in Argentina.
Stellantis executives have been dangling the prospect of a new midsize Ram pickup for North America for what feels like forever, but don’t get too excited just yet. While that one is still in the works, Ram has just introduced the Dakota Nightfall concept in Brazil, previewing a new truck for South American markets.
The new Dakota has a tough, purposeful design, although it can’t hide the fact it based on the Fiat Titano and Peugeot Landtrek. Still, unlike the Ram 1200 which was a simple case of rebadging, the Dakota has more Ram-specific styling features differentiating it from its siblings.
Design details
At the front, the large grille is flanked by aggressive headlights and a full-width LED bar. The amber lights on the sculpted hood are a reference to the Ram 1500 TRX, although it is not clear if they will make it to the final product. The front bumper features a rugged skid plate and vertical intakes. The sheet metal on the profile looks familiar, but the back features Ram-specific LED taillights and badging.
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The Nightfall concept is equipped with 18-inch beadlock wheels shod in 33-inch all-terrain tires, and rides on a raised suspension with Fox dampers. It also gets wide fenders, side steps, a tow hook, an electric winch, and a sports bar with integrated LEDs that carries a full size spare tire. The custom wrap with a matte finish and the bronze accents contribute to the adventurous stance of the show car that will be toned down for production.
Platform and Powertrains
While Ram didn’t get into details about the specifications of the Dakota, it is clear that the truck rides on the ladder-frame platform found in the Chinese Kaicene F70 and Changan Hunter / Lantazhe, as well as the South American Fiat Titano, Ram 1200, and Peugeot Landtrek.
Its dimensions should be close to the Fiat’s 5,331 mm (209.9 inches) length, placing it above the unibody Ram Rampage at 5,028 mm (198 inches). Key competitors will include the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Amarok.
Stellantis
Under the hood, the most likely choice is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel that was recently added to the Fiat Titano lineup producing 197 hp (200 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4×4 badge on the tailgate confirms the presence of a full-time 4WD system.
Launching In 2026
While sharing mechanical roots with its Fiat and Peugeot stablemates, the Ram will aim for a more premium appearance. The company didn’t show us the interior, but it could bring a more upmarket feel with high-tech features and unique options for the trim.
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The Ram Dakota will be launched in Brazil and various South American markets in 2026. It has been confirmed that production will take place at Stellantis‘ Cordoba Assembly Plant in Argentina. More information about the truck will be announced in the near future.
As for the similarly-sized model that is rumored for North America, this could enter production in 2027 at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. Chances are it will be unrelated to the South American Dakota, shedding any connection to Chinese products.