All-New 2019 Ram 1500 Steals The Show at Detroit

TopSpeed

By Mark McNabb

Published Jan 15, 2018

Massive innovations make Ram very competitive

The 2019 Ram 1500 is making big waves at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show thanks to an all-new design that departs from years past, a swanky new interior with the segment’s first 12-inch touchscreen, a completely new frame, revised suspension designs, and a new mild hybrid system on both the 3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8.

Starting with the frame, Ram managed to cut weight by 100 pounds yet make it stronger thanks to its 98-percent composition of high-strength steel. Overall, nearly 225 pounds has been cut from the truck. Aluminum is used extensively in the unseen parts. The transmission crossmember, steering system, front suspension, and even the engine mounts are made from the lightweight yet strong material. The tailgate also uses an aluminum skin.

Aerodynamics are improved thanks to a segment-first active air dam. On trucks not equipped with the active air suspension and the Rebel, the air dam lowers by 2.5 inches at speeds above 35 mph. The active grille shutters return from the outgoing truck, too.

Inside, the Ram 1500 boasts a high-class interior regardless of trim level. Each trim takes inspiration from different hammers – yes, hammers – Ram says represents the different customers the trim levels are geared for. The big news, of course, is the massive 12-inch touch screen running a new version of FCA’s Uconnect software. The screen is basically two 8.4-inch screens stacked vertically and can run two separate applications or operate in a full-screen mode. The 12-inch system is standard in the range-topping Limited and available in the Laramie. The 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch systems fill the lower trims.

The crew cab model is nearly 4.0-inches longer than before, allowing for reclining rear seats. A completely flat load floor is finally included, and the in-floor storage bins return, too.

Under the hood are revised versions of the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Both come with mild hybrid systems called eTorque that use a large electric motor to help twist the crankshaft via a belt-drive system. The motor also acts as the starter for the auto start/stop system and also recharges the Ram’s 48-volt battery pack during braking. The battery is a briefcase-sized unit located along the cab’s bulkhead.

The 3.6-liter V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-liter V-8 is rated at 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. While the same as the outgoing truck, the fuel economy is said to be much improved. Ram hasn’t announced those numbers, yet.

A new 4x4 Off-Road package is now available on nearly every trim. It comes standard with part-time 4WD, an electronic locking rear differential, a one-inch suspension lift, and 32-inch all-terrain tires. It can be had with or without the four-corner air suspension. It also includes hill-descent control and the same off-road-biased rear suspension geometry as the Rebel.

And speaking of the Ram 1500 Rebel, it returns for 2019 with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires on 18-inch wheels, skid plates, and a one-inch suspension lift. Changes include the availability of the Quad Cab, the air suspension as an option rather than standard, a locking rear differential, and new Bilstein shocks.

The 2019 Ram 1500 can be ordered starting in late January and will arrive in showrooms by the end of Q1 2018. Pricing has not been announced at this time, but shouldn’t be long before Ram released the information.

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