Update: Ram is set to kick off the live stream at 11:00 a.m. ET, so grab some popcorn and find out what this new product will be!
When Fiat Chrysler executives were spilling the beans last May about the big-picture-plans concerning nearly every single product under the corporate umbrella, Ram Trucks->ke4211 CEO Reid Bigland got his turn to divulge future product plans for Ram. Well, it seems we’re only a week away from that first debut.
Ram Trucks released an invitation to a livestream event scheduled for Thursday, June 26th at 11 a.m. EDT. The invitation simply says it's a “new product announcement.” What exactly Ram is announcing, we can’t be completely sure. However, we have a pretty strong suspicion.
Within last month’s Fiat->ke30 Chrysler->ke21 five-year plan layout, Ram was listed as giving a mid-cycle refresh to the Ram 1500->ke4684 for the 2015 model year. Though we haven’t seen any camouflaged 1500s roaming the streets, we’re sure this will be topic on the 26th.
Like always, the heavy-duty lineup->ke4685 gets its refresh the following year -- and Fiat Chrysler’s plan follows that pattern. The Ram 1500’s refresh for 2015 will serve to keep the truck selling big numbers until its next scheduled generation change in 2017. Then the HD cycle starts over again with new 2500 and 3500 trucks rolling out in 2018.
As always, stay tuned to TopSpeed for the update next week as Ram pulls the covers off its latest truck.->ke1311
Click past the jump for more info on the current 2014 Ram 1500
2014 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is the best selling half-ton truck Chrysler has ever made, nearly bumping Chevrolet out of its number two position its held since nearly the dawn of time. Ford still holds the lead. The Ram 1500 makes itself competitive with a strong engine lineup, a refined suspension setup, good exterior looks, and a rather luxurious -- for a truck -- interior.
The powertain includes the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the venerable 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, and the new-for-2014 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. All three engines are very capable, though the EcoDiesel represents the best bang-for-the-buck in terms of fuel economy (28 mpg on the highway) and towing capacity (7,300 pounds) while costing only some $2,000 over the price of the HEMI V-8.
The Ram also offers functions like the eight-speed, ZF-sourced, automatic transmission, the RamBox cargo management system, an optional air-ride suspension, standard five-link rear suspension with coilover springs, and a high-quality interior that is ergonomic, useful, and good-looking.
While we don’t know what Ram’s plans include with the 2015 refresh, it’s a sure bet that a new front clip, a revised interior, and upgraded electronics will be included. Perhaps the split tailgate design that’s been floating around the internet will also be a part of the refresh.