Ram charges in with new 1500 pick-up

RAM Trucks Australia has simultaneously unveiled and priced its new-generation 1500 pick-up truck with the big load-lugger growing even larger in its new ‘DT’ form, however only the higher-end variants have been released at this stage.

Checking in from $114,950 plus on-road costs, the new model range consists of the Laramie, Limited and Limited Launch Edition (both $139,950) trim levels while the lower end of the range will be made up of the existing ‘DS’ Express and Warlock variants.

Despite being a new model, the new DT variants are still powered by the familiar 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine developing 291kW/556Nm.

With no diesel currently being offered, the big bent-eight has been fitted with a new mild hybrid system which combines a belt-driven generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack to gift the V8 start/stop functionality, short-term torque assist and brake energy regeneration in the name of efficiency.

Much like Mercedes-Benz’s ISG system, the generator can also intermittently contribute some extra torque to the driveline under hard acceleration but Ram has not disclosed an official figure.

Despite the new electrification tech, combined fuel consumption remains pegged at 12.2 litres per 100km.

As before, drive in all variants is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel-drive system, still featuring a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential.

Befitting of a new model, the DTs don updated styling and cabin features with a completely redesigned centre console freeing up more storage space and simultaneously improving ergonomics.

Standard equipment on the highly specified duo includes heated leather-accented bucket front seats with 10-way power adjustment, 60:40 split folding rear seats (stadium style), 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a reversing camera, Bluetooth, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, keyless entry and start, automatic LED headlights, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, cylinder deactivation, disc brakes in all four corners, multi-link rear suspension, heavy-duty towbar and trailer brake control.

The RamBox Cargo Management System has been carried over to the new model, being optionally available on the Laramie – $5000 – and included as standard on the Limited Launch Edition.

Range-wide safety equipment meanwhile still extends to ABS, traction and stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, trailer sway control, hill start assist, collapsible steering column and height adjustable front seatbelts.

Ram Trucks Australia national manager Jeff Barber said he was delighted to welcome the new-generation 1500 and that there would be more to come from the brand.

“The all-new 1500 DT marks the culmination of a detailed planning, development, remanufacturing and testing programme with our local and global partners, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (US),” he said.

“The DT version now swells our 1500 range to five diverse models, from the price-leading Express Quad to Crew Cab, Warlock II, and now DT versions of Laramie, and Limited.

“With the all-new 2500 and 3500 also arriving later this year – and some other exciting developments – 2021 looks set to be a record year for Ram Trucks Australia.”

Ram Trucks Australia has sold 1044 examples of the outgoing 1500 so far this year ending April, accounting for 1.7 per cent of the booming 4x4 pick-up market.

2021 Ram 1500 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs