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RAM Rampage Opens for European Orders: Premium Pickup Combines 272 HP Performance With Everyday Practicality

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RAM has officially opened European orders for the new Rampage, a premium compact lifestyle pickup that aims to bridge the gap between traditional workhorses and high-end SUVs. Available in Rebel 2.2 Turbodiesel and R/T 2.0 Turbo Petrol versions, the Rampage combines 4×4 capability, premium interior technology and everyday usability, with prices starting at €44,000 before taxes. First customer deliveries are expected in February 2027.

The European pickup market is getting a new contender, and RAM is betting that buyers no longer want to choose between the practicality of a pickup truck and the comfort of a premium SUV. The new RAM Rampage is designed around precisely that idea, offering the American brand’s familiar combination of bold styling and utility in a more compact package tailored to European roads.

Following its European preview at Fieracavalli 2025, the Rampage is now moving into the next phase of its market introduction, with orders officially open across Europe. Positioned as a Premium Compact Lifestyle Pickup, it targets customers looking for genuine cargo-carrying capability, four-wheel-drive versatility and a more sophisticated driving experience than conventional pickups typically provide.

RAM Rampage: A More Compact Pickup Designed for European Roads

Measuring 5,028 mm in length and 1,886 mm in width, the RAM Rampage is smaller than a conventional mid-size pickup, making it better suited to European cities, tighter streets and everyday driving conditions. Despite its more manageable dimensions, it retains the imposing presence expected from a RAM vehicle.

Unlike traditional body-on-frame pickups, the Rampage uses a unibody architecture, combined with independent suspension and a multilink rear suspension layout. This configuration is intended to deliver improved ride comfort, stability and handling, particularly during everyday commuting and longer journeys.

Its versatility extends beyond paved roads. An on-demand four-wheel-drive system, 4WD Low mode and Hill Descent Control provide additional traction and control when tackling difficult terrain or challenging weather conditions.

The cargo bed measures 1,450 mm in length and is designed to accommodate a European pallet. Depending on the selected version, maximum payload capacity reaches 1,015 kg, giving the Rampage genuine working credentials alongside its lifestyle-oriented character.

According to Fabio Catone, Head of RAM and Dodge Brands for Enlarged Europe, the Rampage brings together the brand’s traditional strength and capability with premium comfort and everyday usability, while its dimensions make it particularly suitable for European customers.

RAM Rampage Rebel: 200 HP Diesel Power and Up to 1,015 kg Payload

The RAM Rampage Rebel represents the more utility-focused interpretation of the new pickup. Developed for customers who intend to use their vehicle for outdoor adventures, demanding activities and occasional work duties, it combines a rugged appearance with a capable diesel powertrain.

Under the bonnet sits a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 200 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Power is delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the four-wheel-drive system provides additional confidence when driving away from conventional roads.

The Rebel’s practical credentials are further supported by a maximum payload capacity of 1,015 kg, making it the more capable choice for customers who intend to regularly exploit the Rampage’s cargo-carrying potential.

Its exterior features 17-inch All-Terrain tyres and protective design elements intended to reinforce its off-road character. However, the Rebel is not simply a utilitarian pickup. Its suspension configuration, cabin equipment and overall refinement are designed to make it equally comfortable during everyday urban driving.

RAM Rampage R/T: 272 HP and Sports-Car-Inspired Performance

At the opposite end of the range, the RAM Rampage R/T takes a considerably more performance-oriented approach. Rather than focusing primarily on maximum payload and off-road practicality, this version emphasizes acceleration, road dynamics and a more sporting driving experience.

Its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine develops 272 hp and 400 Nm of torque, making it the more powerful option in the European Rampage lineup.

The R/T accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 220 km/h. Those figures are particularly impressive for a pickup, underlining RAM’s intention to create something different from the conventional commercial vehicles occupying this segment.

The sporting character is reinforced by 19-inch wheels, suspension lowered by 10 mm and a specially tuned sports exhaust system. Together, these modifications give the R/T a more dynamic appearance and are intended to provide a sharper road-going character.

Despite its performance credentials, the R/T retains the fundamental practicality of the Rampage platform. It comes with four-wheel drive and offers a maximum payload capacity of 750 kg, allowing owners to enjoy its more powerful engine without completely sacrificing pickup functionality.

Both European versions are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive capability, although their different powertrains and suspension configurations give them distinctly different personalities.

Premium Interior With Digital Technology and Harman Kardon Audio

One of the Rampage’s main selling points is its cabin, which has been developed to offer a more sophisticated experience than buyers might traditionally expect from a compact pickup.

The interior features leather upholstery, carefully finished details and a driver-focused layout. Electrically adjustable seats are included, with up to 12-way electric adjustment available for the front seats, adding another layer of comfort during longer journeys.

Technology is another important part of the package. The dashboard incorporates a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen alongside a fully digital 10.3-inch instrument cluster, creating a modern and connected driving environment.

For audio enthusiasts, RAM has also included a premium Harman Kardon sound system, further reinforcing the Rampage’s positioning as a lifestyle vehicle rather than a conventional work-focused pickup.

The combination of digital displays, premium materials and comfort-oriented equipment is intended to make the Rampage equally appealing to customers who spend most of their time driving on paved roads.

Level 2 Driver Assistance and 4×4 Capability

Safety and driver assistance technologies are also an important part of the European Rampage package.

Both versions benefit from a comprehensive suite of Level 2 driver-assistance systems, including Hands-on Driving assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

These systems are designed to support the driver during everyday journeys, particularly on motorways and in congested traffic, while the four-wheel-drive system adds another layer of confidence when road conditions deteriorate.

The result is a pickup that aims to combine the functionality of a traditional utility vehicle with the comfort, technology and safety equipment increasingly expected from modern premium SUVs.

RAM Rampage Europe: Price and Market Launch

With European orders now officially open, the RAM Rampage is preparing to enter a segment that sits between traditional pickups and premium SUVs.

The European range consists of two models: the diesel-powered Rampage Rebel and the more powerful petrol-powered Rampage R/T.

The suggested retail price starts at €44,000, excluding taxes, while first customer deliveries are expected to begin in February 2027.

Whether customers choose the 200 hp diesel Rebel for its greater payload capacity or the 272 hp petrol R/T for its considerably stronger performance, the underlying proposition remains the same.

The RAM Rampage is designed for buyers who want the versatility of a pickup without accepting all the compromises traditionally associated with one. With compact European-friendly dimensions, a premium cabin, genuine cargo-carrying ability and standard four-wheel-drive capability, RAM is attempting to establish a new niche in Europe’s increasingly diverse pickup market.

Source: Stellantis

News

Bentley Introduces 2026 Infotainment Upgrade for Older Continental GT and Flying Spur Models

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Bentley is bringing its latest infotainment technology to second-generation Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible and Flying Spur models built between 2012 and 2019. The new factory-developed upgrade adds a 9.7-inch 2K touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, faster processing power and updated navigation, giving older Bentley luxury cars a thoroughly modern digital experience without compromising their original interior design.

Bentley is giving owners of some of its most prestigious grand tourers an opportunity to enjoy modern technology without having to trade in their cars. The British luxury manufacturer has introduced a new Bentley Infotainment Upgrade for second-generation Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible and Flying Spur models produced between 2012 and 2019.

Available through authorised Bentley retailers, the upgrade replaces the original infotainment display and conventional climate control switches with a completely redesigned unit featuring a larger touchscreen, significantly improved processing speeds and contemporary smartphone connectivity.

The announcement is particularly interesting for owners who appreciate the timeless design, craftsmanship and performance of these Bentley models but have found their original multimedia systems increasingly outdated compared with those in newer luxury vehicles.

Rather than introducing a universal aftermarket solution, Bentley has developed the system in close cooperation with its design team, ensuring that the new technology integrates naturally into the existing cabin architecture.

9.7-inch 2K touchscreen brings modern technology to classic Bentley interiors

The centrepiece of the Bentley Infotainment Upgrade is a 9.7-inch touchscreen with 2K resolution, representing a substantial improvement over the original display in terms of sharpness, clarity and readability.

The new screen also benefits from a significantly faster processor, delivering near-instant responses to touchscreen commands. Improved digital graphics, inspired by Bentley’s latest-generation models, give the interface a more contemporary appearance while maintaining the sophisticated atmosphere expected from the brand.

One of the most noticeable changes concerns the climate control system. The original physical heater controls are replaced by touchscreen-operated climate settings integrated into the new infotainment interface.

This approach creates a cleaner and more minimalist centre console, bringing the interior closer to the digital design philosophy of modern Bentley models.

Importantly, the upgrade has been engineered specifically for the second-generation Continental GT and Flying Spur, rather than simply adapting an off-the-shelf multimedia system. The result is intended to preserve the visual identity and originality of the original cabin.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto finally arrive in older Bentley models

Smartphone integration is among the most significant improvements introduced by the new Bentley infotainment system.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, allowing owners to connect their smartphones wirelessly through Bluetooth or using the wired USB-A connections located in the centre console.

The system also introduces more convenient communication and entertainment functions. Drivers can make and receive telephone calls directly through the touchscreen or voice commands, access contact lists and review previous calls.

Music and other media stored on connected smartphones can be played through the vehicle’s existing audio system, with access to sound adjustments including bass, treble and balance settings.

Bentley has also improved the available radio functionality. Depending on the original equipment and market, the upgraded system supports DAB+ digital radio, where DAB was previously available, alongside FM and AM reception. SiriusXM satellite radio is also supported in the United States.

The wired USB connection serves an additional purpose by charging the connected smartphone, making the system more practical during longer journeys.

Updated navigation with 2D and 3D mapping

Navigation is another area where the new infotainment system delivers a substantial improvement.

Bentley Introduces 2026 Infotainment Upgrade for Older Continental GT and Flying Spur Models

The integrated navigation software features the latest available mapping data, with drivers able to choose between traditional two-dimensional maps and more immersive three-dimensional representations.

Enhanced graphics make route information easier to read, while integrated speed-limit information provides additional assistance when travelling on unfamiliar roads.

Another important advantage is the ability to update navigation maps, helping ensure that the system remains relevant as road networks and navigation data evolve.

For owners who regularly use their Bentleys for long-distance grand touring, these improvements should make everyday journeys considerably more convenient.

Keeping older Bentleys relevant without compromising their character

The introduction of the new infotainment system reflects an increasingly important trend in the luxury automotive industry: extending the technological life of vehicles whose mechanical engineering, craftsmanship and design remain highly desirable.

The second-generation Bentley Continental GT, introduced in 2010, and the corresponding Flying Spur have aged remarkably well. Their elegant proportions, handcrafted interiors and powerful engines continue to offer an ownership experience that remains distinctive even alongside much newer luxury vehicles.

However, infotainment technology has developed considerably over the past decade. Features that are now standard in many modern cars, particularly smartphone integration and responsive touchscreen interfaces, were not necessarily available when these Bentleys were originally manufactured.

Bentley’s solution addresses this technological gap without requiring owners to abandon the vehicles they already appreciate.

By developing a dedicated replacement unit that follows the original interior design, the manufacturer is attempting to strike a balance between contemporary functionality and traditional British luxury.

Bentley gives its grand tourers a digital second life

The new Bentley Infotainment Upgrade is more than a simple multimedia replacement. It represents an opportunity to extend the appeal and everyday usability of some of the manufacturer’s most admired grand touring models.

With its 9.7-inch 2K touchscreen, faster processing hardware, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, updated navigation and integrated climate controls, the system brings several important elements of the modern luxury-car experience to Bentley models manufactured between 2012 and 2019.

Just as importantly, the upgrade has been designed to respect the craftsmanship and interior architecture that made these vehicles special in the first place.

For Bentley owners who intend to keep their Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible or Flying Spur for many more years, this factory-developed technology upgrade could make an already desirable luxury car considerably more enjoyable to live with.

Source: Bentley

Restoration

Porsche 924 Police Car Returns to Life: UAE’s First Sports Police Car Restored to Its Former Glory

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A unique piece of United Arab Emirates automotive history has been brought back to life as Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi and Al Ain completes the restoration of the historic Porsche 924 police car. Originally acquired by Abu Dhabi Police in 1979 to escort Queen Elizabeth II during her first visit to the newly formed UAE, the iconic sports car will make its public debut at the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai on November 21–22, 2026.

Long before the United Arab Emirates became internationally recognised for its spectacular fleet of high-performance police vehicles, including the Porsche 911 and all-electric Taycan, one particular sports car established the tradition. That car was the Porsche 924, the first sports car to join the UAE Federal Police fleet, and a vehicle whose story is closely connected to one of the most significant moments in the country’s early history.

Now, more than four decades after it first served Abu Dhabi Police, the historic Porsche 924 has been meticulously restored and returned to its former identity, preserving an important chapter of both Porsche and UAE automotive heritage.

The restoration was completed by Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, part of Ali & Sons Holding, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police. The project was officially presented at a ceremony at Al Maqta Museum in Abu Dhabi, a historically significant location that once served as one of the emirate’s earliest police facilities.

Porsche 924: The Sports Car That Escorted Queen Elizabeth II in 1979

The story of this particular Porsche 924 dates back to 1979, just seven years after the formation of the United Arab Emirates as an independent country comprising seven emirates.

That year, Abu Dhabi Police acquired the German sports car specifically for an important diplomatic occasion: escorting Queen Elizabeth II during her first official visit to the newly established nation.

The British monarch travelled to the Gulf region aboard the royal yacht Britannia, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and her entourage. During their visit to the UAE, the royal party was personally guided by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the United Arab Emirates.

The Porsche 924 therefore became more than an unusual addition to a police fleet. It was part of a highly visible moment in the country’s early diplomatic history, representing the growing international profile of the young federation.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Hammadi, Head of the Police Legacy Department at Abu Dhabi Police, the restoration provides an opportunity to maintain a tangible connection with this important period and share the vehicle’s story with future generations.

He also highlighted the significance of cooperation with Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and Ali & Sons Holding in bringing the historic vehicle back to its original identity.

Meticulous Porsche 924 Restoration Preserves Its Original Police Identity

Recognising the historical importance of the vehicle, Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi and Al Ain undertook a comprehensive restoration earlier in 2026, moving the car to its Abu Dhabi service facility for the project.

The objective was to return the Porsche 924 as closely as possible to its original condition while preserving the details that made it such an important part of UAE history.

One particularly interesting aspect of the restoration was the recreation of the original police markings. Rather than relying on modern decals, the restoration team carefully reproduced the painted signage, ensuring that the vehicle retained its authentic appearance and historical character.

This attention to detail was central to the project, which focused not simply on refurbishing an old sports car but on preserving an important historical artefact.

Saeed Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of Ali & Sons Investments, explained that Porsche has been part of Abu Dhabi’s automotive story for generations and that the restoration offered an opportunity to protect an important chapter of that relationship.

He emphasised the team’s commitment to maintaining the vehicle’s original character and historical significance for future generations.

From Porsche 924 to Today’s Supercar Police Fleets

Today, the UAE and the wider Gulf region are internationally recognised for their extraordinary police fleets, which regularly feature some of the world’s most desirable performance vehicles.

Dubai, in particular, has become famous for its collection of exotic and high-performance patrol cars, while Porsche models have also become an important part of the region’s automotive identity.

The Porsche 911 and the all-electric Taycan represent more recent chapters in this relationship. However, the restored 924 reminds enthusiasts that the story began much earlier.

As Dr. Manfred Bräunl, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa, pointed out, the 924 was the first Porsche sports car to serve in the UAE police fleet, establishing a connection that has continued through subsequent generations of performance vehicles.

Its restoration is therefore particularly meaningful, providing a historical link between the early years of the Emirates and the modern image of its high-performance police forces.

Porsche Celebrates 50 Years of Transaxle Sports Cars

The restored police car will also feature prominently during an important anniversary year for Porsche. In 2026, the German manufacturer is celebrating 50 years of its transaxle sports cars, a technical concept that played a significant role in the company’s product history.

Introduced in 1976, the Porsche 924 was the first model in this family. Unlike the traditional rear-engined 911, the 924 featured a front-mounted engine and a rear-mounted gearbox and differential.

This configuration, known as a transaxle layout, helped achieve a more balanced weight distribution between the front and rear axles, contributing to the car’s handling characteristics.

The 924 was subsequently followed by other important Porsche transaxle models, including the 928, 944 and 968.

Although the 924 initially occupied a different position in the Porsche range from the iconic 911, it became an important part of the company’s sporting heritage and helped establish a technical direction that continued for decades.

Restored Porsche 924 to Make Public Debut at Icons of Porsche 2026

Following its official return to Abu Dhabi Police, the restored Porsche 924 will make its first public appearance at the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai on November 21–22, 2026.

The event will provide Porsche enthusiasts and visitors with an opportunity to see a vehicle that represents both an important moment in UAE history and the beginning of the country’s relationship with Porsche performance police cars.

After the festival, the historic 924 will find its permanent home at Al Maqta Museum in Abu Dhabi, where it will be preserved and displayed for future generations.

More than simply restoring a classic sports car, Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi and Al Ain has brought back an important piece of national automotive heritage. The 1979 Porsche 924 may not have the power or technological sophistication of today’s supercars, but its historical significance is arguably far greater than its modest performance figures suggest.

It was the first Porsche sports car to join the UAE police fleet, it escorted Queen Elizabeth II during a landmark royal visit, and it helped establish a tradition that continues to capture the imagination of automotive enthusiasts around the world.

Now, thanks to an extensive restoration, this remarkable chapter of Porsche and UAE history is ready for its next generation of admirers.

Source: Porsche

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