New RAM 1500 here soon

The new RAM 1500 is finally on the starting blocks for Australia, where it will compete directly with the newly launched Silverado 1500.

Both new-generation US pick-ups were revealed at the 2018 Detroit motor show and both will be converted to right-hand drive with high-volume ADR compliance at the Walkinshaw Group facility in Melbourne and sold nationally.

Now on sale via 55 HSV outlets for $113,990 plus on-road costs, the single-variant MY20 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium Edition V8 auto will likely be followed by cheaper entry-level and pricier diesel variants, plus all-new Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD models following the discontinuation of the existing 2500/3500 on sale here since mid-2018.

Meantime the all-new DT-Series RAM 1500, which is already available via a number of low-volume Australian ‘remanufacturers’ including SCD, will be launched within months barring any coronavirus-related supply delays from the US, following the completion of its local re-engineering program.

Like its Silverado equivalent, the MY20 RAM 1500 is expected to be launched as a single dual-cab 4x4 ute variant equipped with a petrol V8 auto powertrain – in this case a 5.7-litre HEMI – and a three-year/100,000km warranty.

Like the 5000-plus RAM 2500s sold here since 2016, the new RAM 1500 will be available from 50 RAM Trucks Australia dealers nationwide, and pricing is expected to be lineball with the Silverado at 1500 at under $115,000.

It’s not yet clear how long RAM Trucks Australia will continue to offer the previous-generation DS-series RAM 1500 range, which is known as the RAM Classic in the US and priced from under $80K here, or when it will launch the latest DT-series RAM 2500/3500.

But also like its Chevy rival, the MY20 RAM 1500 will bring a new level of technology as only the second new-generation full-size pick-up to be released in Australia.

The MY19 RAM 1500 was already better equipped than most mid-size 4x4 utes with all but the base Express Quad Cab offering an 8.4-0inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and dual-zone climate control.

But as well as being bigger, bolder, safer and more capable yet lighter and more efficient, the MY20 RAM 1500 will offer a new standard of technology, led by a bigger new interior headlined by a huge Tesla-style portrait 12.0-inch central infotainment touch-screen with split-screen capability.

Australian specifications are yet to be revealed, but in North America the RAM 1500 is available with advanced driver aids like front crash protection (AEB), adaptive LED headlights, rear cross-path and trailer detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, lane departure warning, automated parking, 360-degree camera and six airbags.

There are seven RAM 1500 variants on offer in the US – entry-level Tradesman and Rebel off-roader plus Laramie, Long Horn, Big Horn and Limited with a bigger, bolder chrome grille – and options include a configurable 12-combination centre console, 19-speaker, 900-Watt Harman Kardon sound, RamBox tray storage with 115-volt power outlet, panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate.

The new RAM 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.

Despite being roomier and bigger in all directions, kerb weights reduce by up to 225 pounds (102kg; half as much as the new 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, while active frame modules lower cabin house to a claimed 96dBA.

Payload and towing capacities are said to increase to 2300 pounds (1045kg) and 12,700 pounds (5760kg) on some models. Fitted with a 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre HEMI V8, Australia’s DS RAM 1500 Express Crew can carry 830kg and tow 4500kg.

The same V8 continues in the US, alongside a 3.6-litre V6. Both petrol engines are matched with an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission and available Stateside with a new eTorque mild-hybrid system with belt-drive generator, 48-volt battery and regenerative braking system to boost short-term torque output by 112Nm and 176Nm respectively.

Further afield, RAM Trucks Australia is keen to add the range-topping RAM TRX, which is yet to be revealed but was previewed by the previous-gen RAM Rebel TRX concept way back in 2016.

The production version of RAM’s answer to the Ford F-150 Raptor is now expected to be powered by Fiat Chrysler’s most potent engine – the supercharged 6.2-litre Hellcat V8.

That engine delivers 522kW/868Nm in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, 594kW/959Nm in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and up to a whopping 626kW/1044Nm in the Dodge Demon.