2013 Ram Black Express starts a Sports Truck War against F-150 Tremor

2013 ram 1500 black express grill

It was on June 27th, 2013 that Ford unveiled the turbocharged F-150 Tremor sport truck.  Ram was not to be outdone and on July 11th it announced the 2013 Ram Black Express.  Black Express name draws lineage to the classic 1978-79 Dodge Lil’ Red Express.  Not sure why Ram did not name it the Lil’ Black Express, but this sporty version of the Ram 1500 is truly blacked out.  Aside from  the black exterior paint, it’s sporting black chrome 20 inch aluminum wheels, black grill, headlights, bumpers, and even black ram badges.  In fact, if you left it in a dark alley, you may never find it again.

dodge lil red express
1978-79 Dodge Lil’ Read Express

Where the Ford F-150 Tremor is powered by a EcoBoost V6, the Black Express relies on the good old 5.7-liter HEMI V8 power.  It’s rated at the same 395 HP and 410 lb-ft of torque and has cylinder deactivation fuel saver technology.  Other features include 3.55 rear axle gears and heavy duty engine and transmission cooling.  I can sense a burnout coming.  The Tremor comes in a regular cab and short bed configuration only.  The Black Express can be had in regular, quad, and crew cab.  You can also choose between 2WD and 4WD models.

Pricing on the Black Express starts at $26,955 before shipping charges, and it arrives at the dealerships in July 2013.  Yes, it’s going on sale this month.

Here is a fun TFLtruck video where the 2013 Ram 1500 HEMI goes up against another foe – the 2013 GMC Sierra Denali.

 

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.