DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: New RAM 2500, 3500 Heavy Duty coming to Oz

As the humble ute continues to spread its evolutionary wings, with high-performance desert dueling machines like the Ford Ranger Raptor and luxury contrivances such as the Mercedes-Benz X-Class – and don't forget EV utes! – the full-sized US pick-up is evolving too.

Case in the point, the new 2019 RAM 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty range.

Revealed at the 2019 Detroit motor show and coming to Australia in 2020 via RAM Australia, local pricing expected to start at around $140,000.

The new RAM 2500 and 3500 HD models will replace the current range sold here. Imported from Mexico and converted from left- to right-hand drive thanks to American Special Vehicles (ASV), the updated models deliver a fresh new look, new engines, re-tuned suspension, more technology and a sprinkle of luxury.

On top of the outrageously torquey Cummins turbo-diesel engines available, which can tow almost 16,000kg (35,100lbs) and haul just over 3400kg (7680lbs) in the rear tray, the Mexican-built models deliver "…luxury and technology that, until now, was unavailable in a heavy-duty pickup," according to Reid Bigland, who heads up the RAM in the US.

Features

There are basic models with cloth seats and lots of hard plastic surfaces but top-range, fully-optioned model grades offer a large, fully-configurable 12-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - hooked up to a 17-speaker, 750W Harman Kardon audio system.

There are up to five USB ports, three 12V sockets and upgraded interior materials including a leather-wrapped instrument panel.

A new 7-inch screen for the trip computer is wedged between the speedometer and engine rev meter and options like 360-degree parking and customisable cargo and trailer view cameras are offered.

Safety features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – that works in tandem with trailer brakes – adaptive radar cruise control and forward collision warning are standard on all models.

The full-sized RAM pick-up trucks feature push-button engine start and V8 models ditch the column gear shifter for an upmarket rotary gear dial. RAM says drivers will appreciate a quieter cabin, with an active noise cancellation system and acoustic glass reducing ambient cabin noise by up to 10 decibels.

The new exterior design of the RAM 2500 and 3500 HD reflects that of the smaller 2019 model RAM 1500, which will also be shipped to Australia from 2020, showing off more modern design flourishes across the massive grille, headlights and bonnet.

Engines and body styles

Several models are offered, including the Power Wagon, Tradesman 'Dually' Regular Cab, Big Horn Sport, Limited Crew Cab and several more variants that span single and dual cab configurations.

Power? Well, there's plenty of that.

A choice of 6.7-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engines from Cummins are offered as options, while the brand's stalwart 6.4-litre V8 HEMI mill is standard.

In its most powerful state of tune, the turbo-diesel six bangs out 300kW and a whopping 1356Nm of torque. RAM reckons the new engine ensures its offering is "…the most powerful, most capable pickup in the segment" with a towing limit of 15,921kg (35,100lbs) and a payload capacity in the rear bed of 3483kg (7680lbs).

A less powerful but more affordable version of the 6.7-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine bangs out 'just' 276kW and 1152Nm. The diesels are hooked up to six-speed automatic transmissions while the standard engine, the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 (306kW/582Nm) gets an eight-speed auto.

RAM says the new 2500 and 3500 HD models will also set benchmarks for ride and handling with the fitment of Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shock absorbers at each wheel. The updated suspension can be optioned with a self-levelling rear air suspension setup too.

The overall weight of the new RAM trucks has been reduced by adopting more aluminium components, particularly for the body panels.

Australian deliveries of the big rigs will commence in 2020, as RAM Australia spokesman Edward Rowe explained.

"Planning for the new HD range is well underway and it will arrive here next year as a replacement for the current heavy duty range."

He added that RAM Australia "has a long term plan for these models in Australia and New Zealand," but it remains to be seen if that includes the insane RAM 1500 TRX, which goes head-to-head with the Ford F-150 Raptor.