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Looking Back: Ram’s Macho Power Wagon Concept:

The Concept That Influenced Today's Power Wagon...

With Ram Trucks celebrating the 75th anniversary of its beloved Power Wagon nameplate, we figured we would take a look back at the concept that inspired the current iteration of the 3/4-ton off-roader. The 2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept owed its moniker to the popular Power Wagon trim from the 1970s. The Mopar-modified Ram was a bold take on the Power Wagon’s reputation for off-road capability with the added versatility with some of the latest Mopar goodies at the time.

2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).
2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).

Showcased in the 6-foot, 4-inch bed of the Macho Power Wagon Concept, was a Mopar conceptual Satin Black accessory called the RamRack which securely stored toys to fit a variety of lifestyles over the bed. The RamRack was designed to neatly slide up and stow under the cab’s sail panel when not in use. The bed rack worked in concert with the RamRack roof system that locked down items with 6 unique tie-downs.

2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).
2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).

The Macho Power Wagon Concept was elevated by a 4-inch custom lift kit and giant 37-inch x 12.5-inch Nitto Trail-Grappler MT tires, set on conceptual 18-inch Beadlock wheels. The vibrant Macho Mango exterior color, which also extended to the Beadlock wheel rings, was accented with painted black graphics on the side and rear of the truck. The aggressive conceptual hood was Satin Black and a new front bumper was equipped for the trail with a WARN winch, winch guard, and of course, tow hooks.

2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).
2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).

Further exterior customizations included one-piece Mopar conceptual off-road running boards, larger conceptual fender flares (which made it into production on the 2019+ Power Wagon), low-gloss black door handles, and a 21-inch heavy-duty light bar and LED clearance lights on the roof. Black “R-A-M” lettering on the grille and body sides was outlined in Macho Mango.

2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).
2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).

The Macho Mango paint also brightened the interior, coloring the steering wheel Ram logo and the trim on the gauges, HVAC, infotainment system, and side door panels. Interior Mopar accessory upgrades included a wireless charger, a bright pedal kit, front and rear all-weather mats, and “R-A-M” letter logo sill guards.

2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).
2016 Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept. (Ram).

Under the Macho Power Wagon’s hood, of course, was the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. It was paired with 66RFE 6-speed automatic transmission. A Mopar cold-air intake added performance, while a dual-wall 5-inch Mopar exhaust tips were powder-coated black and provided a deeper note.

Although a concept, the Macho Power Wagon Concept helped lay the groundwork for the launch of the 2019 Ram 2500 Power Wagon.

Ram Macho Power Wagon Concept Image Gallery:

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