(February 16, 2011) Chrysler has added an entry-level Ram 1500 light-duty pickup to its lineup.

Code-named Adventurer, the unnamed Ram is aimed at first-time pickup buyers and seeks to entice younger buyers with the performance of a 390-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine but at a reasonable price that leaves buyers with money left over to spend on Mopar accessories to customize it.

The Adventurer starts at $23,830, including the $975 destination charge, and will go on sale this spring.

The latest truck is in addition to the 2011 Ram Tradesman on display at the Chicago Auto Show. The Tradesman is a regular cab work truck with a V-8, but priced to compete against trucks with a V-6 from other automakers.

“We know we have the formula right,” said Ram Truck President and CEO Fred Diaz. “Now we just need a great name that promotes pride of ownership. This new Ram model will be an attractive alternative for a younger or first-time buyer looking for performance at an affordable price. Case in point, it will have more horsepower and a lower base price than our competitors’ entry-level performance cars with the added benefit of versatility and capability.”

Ram Truck executives had planned to introduce the new Ram 1500 model later in the 2011 calendar year, but based on an overwhelming response to the Ram Tradesman, pulled ahead launch plans and opened the dealer ordering process with only a code name — Adventurer — to work with.

“This is going to be a great-looking, sports truck.” added Diaz. “A buyer will be able to drive off in a new HEMI-powered Ram Truck with money left over for other things, like Mopar accessories. There’s nothing in the market — and that includes other trucks, as well as cars — that can compete with this truck’s blend of style, exhilarating performance and value.”