New-generation American pick-up commences local durability testing ahead of launch
The new factory-backed RAM 1500 has hit Australian public roads ahead of its launch later this year, as you can see by this spy shot taken by an eagle-eyed carsales reader.
Official distributor RAM Trucks Australia remains tight-lipped about exact release timing, but we understand right-hand drive conversion of the new-generation DT-series RAM 1500 will commence in the fourth quarter of this year.
First customer deliveries will commence shortly after that, almost three years after the DT’s debut in the US and more than a year after independent Brisbane-based converter SCD American Vehicles sold the first of about 200 DT RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 models it has built since mid-2019.
But between now and its launch, the new American Special Vehicles-badged RAM 1500 will be subject to an extensive local durability testing program by Walkinshaw Automotive Group.
As with previous ASV RAM pick-ups, which found more than 600 buyers in June, WAG has been contracted by Ateco Automotive-owned RAM Trucks Australia to develop and convert the new RAM 1500.
As in the US, where the previous-generation DS-series RAM line-up remains available and is called the RAM Classic range, the DS will continue alongside the new DT in RAM Trucks Australia’s 53 dealerships.
The current DS RAM 1500 range opens with the Express Quad Cab at $79,950 (plus on-road costs) and also includes the Express Crew Cab ($89,950) and Laramie Crew Cab ($99,950) – all powered by a 5.7-litre petrol V8 – and the Laramie EcoDiesel V6 ($109,950).
Therefore we expect pricing for the new DT RAM 1500 to be in line with HSV’s new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ ($113,990 plus on-road costs), which is also powered by a petrol V8, ‘remanufactured’ in the same 24,000 square-metre Melbourne facility and backed by a three-year/100,000km factory warranty.
Following a multi-million-dollar investment by Ateco owner Neville Crichton, we expect the new RAM 1500 – which shares fewer than 10 parts in common with the old DS – to also incorporate about 600 newly developed parts specific to the Australian model.
Also like the MY20 HSV Silverado, the MY21 ASV RAM 1500 will launch in a single specification – likely to be called Limited, to differentiate it from the older DT models.
And just as HSV is developing a supercharged V8-powered Silverado to top its new 1500 line-up, ASV will eventually offer the imminent new range-topping TRX version of the new RAM 1500 — complete with a circa-500kW Hellcat blown V8.
For now, full specs of ASV’s MY21 RAM 1500 Limited 4×4 Crew Cab remain unknown, but expect it to come with a carryover 5.7-litre V8 – matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission – with at least as much power, torque and load hauling capability as the existing RAM 1500.
ASV’s current DS RAM 1500 Express Crew comes with a 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre HEMI V8, can carry 830kg and tow 4500kg, but payload and towing capacities are claimed to increase to 2300 pounds (1045kg) and 12,700 pounds (5760kg) on some DT models.
The new RAM 1500 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) thanks in part to an aluminium bonnet and tailgate (not doors like Silverado or the whole body like F-150). A lower aerodynamic drag coefficient (0.357Cd) is also said to improve fuel economy.
Seven DT RAM 1500 variants are available in North America – entry-level Tradesman and Rebel off-roader plus Laramie, Long Horn, Big Horn and Limited with a bigger, bolder chrome grille.
US 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.
It’s unclear how many of those features will be offered here, but most of the new DT’s key tech advances should be standard, including a Tesla-style portrait 12.0-inch central infotainment touch-screen with split-screen capability.
On the safety front, expect a big step up from the aged DS RAMs, via 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.
Keyword: SPY PICS: New RAM 1500 hits the road