The Night Dawns:
2017 Ram 1500 Adds Night Package Customization to Sport Trim

the new 2017 Ram 1500 Sport Night Package Special Edition

As we walked up to the new 2017 Ram 1500 Sport Night Package Special Edition (whew! ed.) at the Chrysler Proving Ground in Chelsea, Michigan a couple months back, we knew we wanted to drive and write about this one right then and there. Well, we got to drive it in both the Flame Red and Bright White (several times) that day, but with an embargo had to wait until Labor Day to write about it. And now we can.

In a few words, if you like the look and performance of the performance-centric Ram 1500 Rebel, you will love the many features on the new 2017 Ram 1500 Sport trim with the Night special edition package, as it includes features and options that enhance both the performance and appearance of this new straight-from-the-factory custom full-size Ram pickup.

Ram introduced their Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab in 2015 to test the waters for a straight-from-the-factory customized full-size pickup and – to noone’s surprise – has not been able to build enough to meet customer demand since. Taking the cue that there was pent-up demand for factory-custom trucks, Ram brand reached back to the distinctive look of the monochromatic 2013 Ram 1500 Black Express Package to create another, the new and bolder Night Package for their 2017 Ram 1500 Sport.

The 2017 Ram 1500 Sport with Night Package starts with the already well-equipped Ram Sport trim level that is available as a Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab, in both two- and four-wheel drive, long and short bed lengths and with a choice of 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines.

The 2017 Ram Sport is already distinctive, with body-color fascia and body-color rear bumper, dual chrome exhaust tips, body-color power-folding mirrors and door handles, black-bezel bi-functional projector headlamps with LED marker lights and black-bezel tail lamps to match forward lighting. On the inside, the Sport features standard high-back heated cloth bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment, power-adjustable pedals and automatic temperature control with dual-zone climate control.

The new Ram 1500 Night Package customizes it further by adding a black grille surround with black “Hex Perf” pattern inserts, Bold “RAM” stamped tailgate with blacked-out lettering from Ram 1500 Rebel model, Black Ram’s head grille badge, Flat black Ram 1500 door badge, 20 x 9-in. gloss black aluminum wheels, P275/60R20 black sidewall all-season tires – and – if applicable – flat black 4×4 tailgate badge and flat black 5.7L HEMI door badging.

There are many more upgrades and options that can be selected by a buyer, including the lighted and lockable RamBox cargo management system with adjustable tie-down cleats and dual-purpose bed extender/divider, a bold sport performance hood and Black running boards. From Mopar, the Night Edition can be equipped with many performance options, including a catback exhaust and cold-air intake. Even the Ram 1500 Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension System with multiple driver-selectable ride heights and load leveling features can be added.

We prefer the Flame Red and would power ours with the 5.7L HEMI mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission, just like the one tested at Chelsea.

The Ram 1500 Night is available in Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Brilliant Black, Flame Red and Granite Crystal Metallic. We prefer the Flame Red and would power ours with the 5.7L HEMI mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission, just like the one tested at Chelsea. And yes, the 5.7L HEMI comes with a wicked dual exhaust that lets you (and everyone else) know you are driving something very special – built just the way you like it.

Ram says to expect the 2017 Ram 1500 Sport trim level with Night Package to be available in early fourth quarter with final pricing and performance specs revealed closer to launch. Good night – and good luck.

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