Aznom Palladium: The Strangest Luxury Saloon Based on a Ram 1500

The Aznom Palladium is almost certainly the oddest automotive creation you will see today. It answers a question nobody ever posed: what would a luxury saloon fashioned from a huge pick-up look like? The answer is instantly apparent, and not for the most flattering reasons.

It is difficult to call it attractive. More surprising still, it comes from an Italian coachbuilder - a country better known for producing the most beautiful vehicles on wheels.

So, what exactly is it? This is a Ram 1500 subjected to an extensive makeover and turned into a vast, unconventional luxury saloon. Aznom even describes the Palladium as a hyper-limousine.

It retains the exceptionally generous proportions of its donor vehicle, as its 5.96 m length demonstrates. Several Ram 1500 body components, including the doors, are also easy to spot. The most substantial changes compared with the original pick-up are concentrated at either end of this enormous vehicle.

The front end has been given a somewhat more elegant appearance, although it is possible to detect hints of other luxury models from His Majesty's realm. Its headlights and grille are now connected by a panel in a contrasting body colour, while the grille itself is illuminated.

It is the side view and rear that prove most challenging to the eye. The proportions are… peculiar: turning a conventional pick-up into a three-box saloon - particularly one with this short fastback-style rear section - highlights just how poorly aligned the rear axle is with the passenger compartment. The rear axle ought to sit several centimetres further forward… or, alternatively, the cabin should be positioned further back.

The load bed has been removed, replaced by the aforementioned and unprecedented fastback section. It also features a pronounced shoulder over the rear axle - Bentley-style - and a drawer-type opening for the luggage compartment.

Luxury in abundance

Inside, its Ram 1500 origins remain recognisable, but the Aznom Palladium takes on-board luxury to an entirely different level. Entering the cabin means stepping into an environment trimmed in leather and wood, punctuated by aluminium details. Rear-seat accommodation is fit for aristocrats: the two available seats resemble luxurious sofas, there is a refrigerator at hand, and there are even storage compartments for drinks and their glasses. Ahh… they also have an air-conditioning system independent from that serving those in the front.

Also visible are a Harman Kardon sound system, two Microsoft Surface Pro X tablets and a handmade clock - crafted from gold and… palladium, which gives the Palladium its name - that can be removed from the vehicle. Clearly, this is a vehicle conceived for its rear passengers rather than its driver, who will undoubtedly be a chauffeur.

V8 POWERRRR…

The Aznom Palladium does not lack firepower, however. Beneath the bonnet sits the same 5.7 l V8 fitted to the Ram 1500, though here it is assisted by the addition of two turbochargers. The result is a far more substantial 710 hp (522 kW) and an equally generous 950 Nm of torque.

With the twin-turbo V8's power sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Aznom Palladium can reach 100 km/h in just 4.5s and achieve a top speed of 210 km/h - do not forget that beneath this unusual suit lies a sturdy pick-up, complete with a ladder-frame chassis.

How much does the Aznom Palladium cost?

We do not know, although it is safe to assume it will cost a small fortune. Just 10 will be built and, as expected, each one can be customised by its future owner down to the smallest detail. Potential Aznom Palladium customers are expected to come from China, Russia, the Middle East and the United States of America.