The new Ram ProMaster will fill a big gap in the Ram line-up when it reaches dealers late this year.

It might seem the most American of brands — something Chrysler’s Ram division underscored with its well-reviewed “Farmer” spot during last weekend’s Super Bowl – but the maker is taking a very different direction with the product it is unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show this week.

The 2014 ProMaster may be wearing an American nameplate but its roots are clearly European.

Developed from the Fiat Ducato, the new model gets Ram back into the expanding full-size van segment with a vehicle the maker claims will deliver plenty of cargo capacity, solid durability and a unique front-wheel-drive system. It will be offered in a variety of body configurations, including 90-inch and 101-inch roof height packages.

The new Ram ProMaster will offer both gas and diesel powertrain options.

“As Ram takes a larger presence in the commercial truck market, the 2014 Ram ProMaster is a great addition, contributing to a one-stop shop of commercial-duty Ram trucks and vans,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand. “The ProMaster answers to key segment demands with best-in-class features, quality, durability, capability and low total cost of ownership.”

The ProMaster is the latest in an expanding line-up of products that Chrysler will share with its Italian partner Fiat.  That includes the compact Dodge Dart sedan, as well as the upcoming Maserati SUV.

The ProMaster will fill a yawning gap created with the break-up of the old DaimlerChrysler, the Detroit maker no longer having access to Daimler’s Sprinter van. In this case, Ram has tapped into the expertise of the Italian maker’s commercial vehicle arm, Fiat Professional.

The Fiat Ducato is now in its third generation with more than 4.5 million sold worldwide. The Ducato platform offers Ram a proven, award-winning workhorse with an incredible combination of durability, value, efficiency, and capability like no other in its class. Additionally, the ProMaster is the only offering in its competitive set to provide both a chassis cab and cutaway from the factory.

Diaz added while the vehicle was conceived and developed in Italy, Ram’s new van also spent quality time proving itself on this side of the Atlantic undergoing extensive, extreme-duty testing to prepare for its North American debut as the Ram ProMaster.

With the introduction of the ProMaster, Ram will be the latest domestic maker to add a new diesel to its powertrain line-up, the van offering an option 3.0-liter EcoDiesel which is being billed as best-in-class when it comes to fuel economy.

The engine is rated at 174-horsepower and generates peak torque of 295 lb.-ft.

Chrysler also will offer its  280-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission beefed up for the heavy-duty ProMaster.

The ProMaster van will complement its load capacity with an assortment of safety gear, some not typically found in the commercial van segment. Among other things, it will be outfitted with six airbags, according to Ram, as well as a backup camera, parking sensors and trailer-sway control.

The new van will be offered with Bluetooth connectivity as well as Uconnect Web, which will offer full Internet connectivity to allow the van to serve as a mobile office.

The 2014 Ram ProMaster will go into production at Chrysler’s assembly plant in Saltillo, Mexico during the third-quarter. The maker has not yet announced pricing.