DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: New RAM 1500 has landed

The bold new 2019 RAM 1500 has emerged bigger, lighter and with two distinctive new front-end designs at the North American International Auto Show, just hours after its rejuvenated arch-rival, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, did likewise.

Like its GM nemesis, RAM’s new full-size pick-up brings big gains in performance, safety and efficiency, and is certain to be sold in Australia – either in locally converted or perhaps even factory right-hand drive form.

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However, the new RAM 1500 goes further, bringing mild hybrid power to American pick-up segment, as well as a gigantic 12-inch portrait touch-screen and big payload and towing capacity claims.

It will also hit US – and therefore Australian – showrooms sooner since it enters production this month, while first 2019 Silverado 1500 deliveries won’t take place until early next year.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ top-selling US model found half a million homes last year for the first time, and is fast closing in on Silverado sales, although Ford’s F Series remains North America’s most popular new vehicle (and pick-up, for over 40 years).

For 2019, it grows in length by up to nine inches (230mm), four of which is in the cab and wheelbase, allowing the rear seats to recline up to eight degrees, and its stronger ladder frame is now 98 per cent high-strength steel.

The RAM 1500’s 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines continue, alongside an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission, but will be available with a new eTorque mild-hybrid system, boosting torque by 112Nm and 176Nm respectively.

Fuel consumption is yet to be announced but, despite being roomier and bigger in all directions, kerb weights reduce by up to 225 pounds (102kg; half as much as the Silverado 1500) thanks in part to an aluminium bonnet and tailgate (not doors like Silverado or the whole body like F-150).

The RAM 1500’s aerodynamic drag coefficient improves to 0.357Cd thanks to active grille shutters, higher frame rails, bumper air-dam and air suspension.

As well, all models will be fitted as standard with a belt-drive generator, 48-volt battery and regenerative braking, offering short-term torque assist, plus active frame modules to lower cabin house to 96dBA.

It’s not yet clear if the RAM 1500’s 3.0-litre EcoDiesel will continue, but payload and towing capacities are claimed to increase to a respective 2300 pounds (1045kg) and 12,700 pounds (5760kg) on some models.

Offering more front and rear legroom and a new rear centre armrest, the redesigned interior is headlined by a large Tesla-style portrait 12-inch central infotainment touch-screen with split-screen capability and toggle switches, plus overhead console controls and new technologies like 360-degree camera and a bigger, configurable 12-combination centre console.

Standard features should include automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, with options extending to adaptive front lighting, 19-speaker, 900-Watt Harman Kardon sound with relocated door speakers, RamBox tray storage with 115-volt power outlet, F-150-style panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate, matching Silverado.

The number of 2019 RAM 1500 variants will reduce from 11 to eight, including the entry-level Tradesman, the Rebel off-roader with matt-black sheep horn-shaped grille, and the Laramie, Long Horn, Big Horn and Limited with a bigger, bolder chrome grille.