VWerks 2012 Ram 1500: Doomsday Ram

Since we’re sticking with the post-apocalyptic theme in this issue, it only makes sense that we reference one of the foremost experts at surviving mayhem and extreme villains—Batman. Now, before you go thinking we’ve gone off the deep end again, please allow us to explain. You see, Batman had to deal with creative villains that often wanted to explode his city and with blast him to bits. Time and time again the Caped Crusader dodged harm and defeated the villain.

While the hand-to-hand KaPow! action was always riveting, what we were more fascinated with was his seemingly indestructible Batmobile. No matter how many times Batman has been re-envisioned, his car has always played a vital role in his success.

Doomsday Ram 2012 Ram 1500 Climbing Hill

The 35-inch BFG Baja T/A tires are designed for desert conditions, and that is where this truck excels. The long wheelbase and low belly deters the rig slightly in the rocks, but what it lacks in crawling ability it more than makes up for with stability and desert-soaking suspension travel. Another tactical option for the VWerks Ram is a NVS (night vision system) kit and a high-clearance front bumper that is made for nudging objects in your path.

The 35-inch BFG Baja T/A tires are designed for desert conditions, and that is where this

This got us thinking about what kind of pickup would Batman drive. Seriously, we thought about it—and the answer was obvious as soon as we found out about the Caballo Diablo Ram from VWerks. While we can’t say with any certainty that you’ll see a VWerks pickup appearing in DC Comics any time soon, we will say that this pickup is something just wild enough to fit perfectly in the ultimate fanboy’s garage. Think of the Caballo Diablo (Spanish for the devil’s horse) as a merger of Baja pre-runner meets armored car.

VWerks Caballo Diablo Ram 1500 is designed to safely get you out of a dangerous situation in a hurry. Equipped with bullet-resistant panels, flamethrowers, and a long-travel desert-tuned suspension, we think the Bat would approve. The term tactical was used graciously when describing the Caballo Diablo Ram by VWerks. The idea is for you to be able to blaze (literally) through rugged enemy territory at high-speeds with a full crew and bed full of gear. The VWerks creation started life as ’12 Ram 1500 4x4. From there the rig was upfitted at VWerks Michigan headquarters, where it received a bevy of under-armor, bulletproofing, and a KORE Tactical Series long-travel suspension that offers an impressive 14 inches of vertical wheel-travel. At the present time the vehicle can be ordered just as you see it here, minus the dragon’s breath flamethrower (due to silly U.S. safety regulations)! Overall, it may be one of the safest pre-runners on the planet, and especially good for those looking to cut course through some less-than-friendly areas!

Doomsday Ram 2012 Ram 1500 Front Three Quarter

Since the new suspension and wheel set presented the Ram with a wider footprint, custom Aramid Kevlar fenders were fitted to add style and tire coverage. This particular type of Kevlar is manufactured by DuPont and is similar to what’s used by the U.S. military. Kevlar offers strength and bullet resistance, all while being relatively lightweight. Dropping weight in strategic places helps to compensate for weight gained in other areas.

Since the new suspension and wheel set presented the Ram with a wider footprint, custom Ar

The Details
General
Owner/Hometown: Venchurs Vehicle Systems (VWerks)/ Adrian, Michigan
Vehicle/Model: 2012 Ram 1500
Estimated value: $100,000
Engine
Type: 5.7L VVT Hemi V-8

Drivetrain
Transmission: 65RFE
Transfer case: BorgWarner 44-44

Suspension
Front: KORE Tactical Series, Fox 3.0 internal-bypass coilovers, high-angle forged tie rods, Race Series control arms
Rear: KORE Tactical Series five-link with coil springs, Fox 3.0 internal-bypass shocks with piggy-back reservoirs

Axles/Differentials
Front: ZF 215mm/open
Rear: ZF 9.25/limited-slip
Ring and pinion: 4.56:1

Wheels/Tires
Wheels: 17x8.5 Method Racing beadlock
Tires: 35x12.50R17 BFG Baja T/A

We often joke about something being bulletproof to express just how tough it is. In this case, the VWerks Ram is actually fitted with a custom “dragon skin” that takes the cab up to a level III ballistics armored cabin. This means it’s designed to defeat 7.62x39 AK-47 munitions. And if a bullet does happen to graze one of the BFG Baja T/A tires, the Method Racing beadlocks should keep the rubber in place long enough to get you out of harm’s way.
We often joke about something being bulletproof to express just how tough it is. In this c
A KORE Tactical Series suspension system replaces much of the factory IFS components and widens the Ram’s stance to 90 inches. In addition to a 4-inch lift, the long-travel kit nets an impressive 14 inches of vertical wheel-travel. This is accomplished in part by replacing the upper and lower control arms, which are fitted with OE-style rubber bushings and ball joints. To finish out the long-travel front, Fox 3.0 internal-bypass coilovers were placed on each side.
A KORE Tactical Series suspension system replaces much of the factory IFS components and w
Out back the factory ZF 9.25 rear axle is fitted with a heavy-duty 4.56 gearset. To match the travel of the front suspension a KORE Tactical Series 4-inch kit was installed. The KORE kit uses long-travel coil springs that are tuned to work with the Fox 3.0 internal-bypass shocks. In order to package the long-travel shocks, KORE provides new weld-on shock mounts.
Out back the factory ZF 9.25 rear axle is fitted with a heavy-duty 4.56 gearset. To match

It’s not to say that the interior of the truck is plain, but it is very much stock. Leather trim and navigation add to the luxury, but when you’re blasting through enemy territory, it’s best to plan ahead and not wait around for turn by turn navigation! We think a full-cage along with a set of five-point harnesses and racing seats wouldn’t hurt the Baja-besting pickup.
It’s not to say that the interior of the truck is plain, but it is very much stock. Leathe
The 5.7L Hemi V-8 in the Ram offers up an estimated 390hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. The ’12 model is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission and factory transfer case. If the stock powerplant doesn’t sound like enough muscle for you, then VWerks can drop in a 710hp 8.4L. The 8.4L Viper V-10 option is backed by a heavy-duty four-speed transmission.
The 5.7L Hemi V-8 in the Ram offers up an estimated 390hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. The ’12
While the Caballo Diablo Ram doesn’t have any machine guns strapped to the roof, it still has plenty of firepower—literally. Attached to the side of truck is a flamethrower capable of shooting 30-foot flames from just behind the cab of the bed. And no, this isn’t the old spark plug in the tailpipe gag—this is a real-deal flamethrower. Unfortunately, this feature will not be listed under standard or optional equipment for the U.S. market.
While the Caballo Diablo Ram doesn’t have any machine guns strapped to the roof, it still