RAM 1500 range to expand

RAM Trucks Australia’s RAM 1500 range could be in for a shake-up, given a new trademark application for the ‘Big Horn’ nameplate.

Filed with IP Australia on October 11 by FCA US LLC, the application was submitted exclusively under the trucks subclause of Class 12 (motor vehicles and structural parts) and suggests the local RAM Trucks operation is eying an expansion of its new DT-series RAM 1500 that launched here in May 2021.

A quick scour of the North American RAM website reveals the Big Horn (pictured here in US-spec) to be the second lowest 1500 variant of a seven-grade model range headed by the formidable RAM 1500 TRX.

The RAM 1500 range actually comprises two different pick-up generations: the aforementioned DT and the older DS ‘Classic’ that accounts for the lower end of the local range, namely the entry-level Express and tougher Warlock; the more lavish and expensive variants are all DTs.

Connecting the dots suggests Ateco Automotive – the local RAM trucks distributor – could be about to update the more affordable end of the Aussie 1500 range and replace some of the aging DS grades with the more modern DT.

Comparing the Australian and North American line-ups tit for tat, the Big Horn would most likely succeed the existing DS Warlock as the second-tier offering Down Under, leaving the base DS Express to soldier on as the budget-friendly workhorse of the range, priced from $82,950… at least for the time being.

Similarly, when supplies of the DS RAM 1500 dry up, the Express could theoretically be replaced by the aptly named Tradesman, however, that nameplate hasn’t been submitted for local trademarking – yet.

While most RAM 1500 variants offered in North America are offered with a variety of engines, tub sizes, transmissions and drive configurations, Australian examples – besides the TRX – are all offered exclusively as dual-cab 4x4s with a 5.7-litre petrol V8 and an eight-speed automatic.

Laramie and Limited variants launched here with a 48V mild-hybrid system intended to lower the fuel consumption of the almost-six-metre-long ute, but their claimed economy figures are no better than the purely internal combustion versions.

It’s more than likely then that the local mainstream RAM 1500 range will continue to comprise solely of 5.7-litre powertrains, with the Big Horn potentially offering all of the key DT-series upgrades – full-time 4x4 system, overhauled cabin, more room, enhanced safety, longer wheelbase and chassis tweaks – for a lower asking price than the decked-out DT Laramie (from $123,900) and Limited (from $148,950).

There is of course another possibility for the new trademark, and that’s the emergence of a more affordable equipment grade for RAM Trucks Australia’s heavy-duty RAM 2500 and 3500 ranges, which presently consist exclusively of the high-end Laramie grade and prices above $160,000.

A cheaper RAM 2500 or even 3500 wouldn’t go amiss, given the two are already the best-selling heavy-duty trucks in the country, even with the $15,000 price gap between the most expensive 1500 and the most affordable 2500/3500.

carsales has contacted Ateco Australia for comment and will update this article when a response is received.