Pretty sure the roll bar serves three functions: 1) protects rear passengers in the event of a rollover, 2) houses the rear seat airbags, and 3) carries the third brake light for the Open Air. If no rear passengers, no need for the roll bar. The Cargo Kit topper can support itself without the roll bar.
For some dumb reason, I just think Dodge release this piece of Sh^$ Daytona EV is simply to allow those who talk much sh^$ about EV to have more Sh^$ to talk about EV...stupid thinking but....people to hates EV after seeing this Daytona EV will have even more sh^$ to talk...just another way to lead people back to ICE vehicles ??
I could be wrong, but given available information this is what (I think) the key kits will include:A "Slate SUV Kit without a topper" is fundamentally different from the type of topper that's been around forever for covering a pickup truck bed. The squareback version functions more like a table leaf.
If you want to be pedantic, the Slate is a Coupe Utility Vehicle that can be turned into a Sport Utility Vehicle by adding an extension piece to the roof (think: table leaf) that simply moves the rear window further rearward.
Here's another way to look at it: You could buy an 80's K5 Blazer SUV with or without a seat in the back. It's always an SUV, never a pickup with a topper. The reason is because the Blazer's removable roof, while similar to a pickup topper that's been around forever, is fundamentally different.
I doubt the removable back wall of the Slate's cab functions as a rollbar. If you think it does, then how do you explain the Cargo Kit being available? The purpose of the SUV Kit's rollbar with airbags is to protect rear passengers in the seats.
Panel Trucks have been around forever, too. Probably longer than pickup toppers.
50's:
60's:
The Cargo Kit shown on the fleet page of Slate's website is windowless and makes your Slate look like a 20's Panel Truck... I suppose because that's what it is!
👆 Could use a pop-up sunroof for ventilation.
The cab rear wall doesn’t get removed. It’s a fascia body panel with hinged glass and third brake light that gets removed/relocated to make the SUV and Cargo. That fascia body panel is bolted to the cab rear wall.
Didn't forget, just presumed it was obvious that the front of the bed (lower part of the "wall") would be removable. I had it in there, but removed it for brevity. (Brevity... ha!)
RAM owned by Stellantis. No saying here
remember: RAM is owned by Stellantis. No saying here.
I understand that Stellantis made the Charger EV slower and perform a little less than the ICE version.
Adding on this the other aspect is every single person who is interested in the Slate Truck has a price in their head they aren't going to go over. So people will be adding and subtracting customization options to get as close to that price as possible. If they are still a little over than they need to decide whether they are willing to go over for that one feature they really want or to hold off on it and maybe buy it later.
I disagree to an extent, Slate being basically an American Kei truck and going the minimalist route is one of the appeals of the truck and honestly will likely be the majority of Slate truck owners. Where the configurator is just a question of how barebones of a truck you actually want.
Without the additional seat I see no need to remove that lower portion. Only window needs to open, removal OK, doubt it is structural. Would actually prefer lower panel stays in. pickup with a topper, not a van.
Oh I heartedly agree, that's why I said above "pickup with a topper" was the appropriate description and not "two seat SUV".
Possibly something that gets a closer look? Wonder if more than 1 assembly line?
With the topper installed the window moves to the very back and re-attaches to the topper. The topper acts similar the leaf in an expandable dining table, not like a typical pickup camper shell.
