RAM Trucks Australia’s all-new RAM 1500 has officially arrived, with the first ‘DT’ models coming off the production line at the Melbourne Manufacturing Facility and heading straight to RAM dealers across the country.
Following a detailed design, homologation and manufacture process, a test fleet of DTs embarked on a Covid-safe final validation trip around Australia. This epic, multi-terrain, route went from Melbourne to Broome to Townsville, and back down to Melbourne again via Alice Springs. One of the test vehicles undertook a maximum tow rating exercise for the duration of the 30,000km journey.
The final test and development figures are impressive: over 50,000 hours of pre-build development hours; over 80,000kms and 10,000+ hours of rolling road testing; over 50,000km and 7,000+ hours of real-world road driving; and a final 20,000km full vehicle durability test conducted an Anglesea Proving Ground in Victoria. A successful ADR 85/100 Side Impact Crash test was the final tick for the DT 1500 to be given the green light for full-volume production to commence.
“We’re delighted to officially welcome the next generation 1500,” said RAM Trucks Australia National Manager Jeff Barber.
“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).
“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 is the world’s only Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (US)-authorised manufacturer of right- hand drive RAM trucks. The relationship with RAM Trucks began back in 2013 and continues to innovate and progress to deliver a no compromise, full-size pickup truck that leads in durability, technology and efficiency.
All RAM Trucks Australia vehicles are international-spec vehicles, uniquely coded for the Australian market and the local build process. With over 400 locally-sourced new parts involved in its transformation journey from left to right-hand drive, the all-new RAM 1500 sets new benchmarks in the full-size pickup truck segment – a segment RAM Trucks Australia first created more than six years ago.
The sculpted design of the all-new RAM 1500 means it is one of the most aerodynamic trucks in the world, with drag coefficient of just 0.357. It also features exclusive active aerodynamics including active grille shutters and active air dams, next generation Active-Level® Four Corner air suspension, and powered/retractable sidesteps (optional on Laramie editions) to help deliver the best combination of ride, handling, off-road capability, load-levelling and entry/exit convenience.
Every petrol 1500 features the legendary 5.7-litre HEMI® V8 engine with fuel-saver technology featuring the Multi-Displacement System, also known as cylinder deactivation, to further drive efficiencies.
In addition, the all-new 1500 DT Laramie and Limited models now come with the new eTorque mild hybrid system to improve efficiency and drivability. This system combines a belt-drive motor generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack to enable start/stop function, short-term torque assist, and brake energy regeneration. Power and torque outputs are 291kW @ 5600rpm and 556Nm at 3,950rpm respectively.
The all-new Ram 1500 offers more than 90 safety and security features including (on Limited versions) Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Ready Alert Braking and Trailer-sway Damping control, Lane Departure Warning, ParkSense® Parallel/Perpendicular Park, Hill-start Assist and LED SmartBeam® Intelligent Headlamps.
Inside, the all-new RAM 1500 sets new benchmarks for luxury full-size pick-up trucks, thanks to its first- class levels of space, full-length dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated leather seats. Its premium Harman Kardon audio system, 900-watt surround sound amplifier, 10-inch subwoofer and active noise cancellation give stadium levels of performance.
The state-of-the-art fourth generation Uconnect® 4 system and class-exclusive, 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen with split-screen display functionality make for a hi-tech environment. 360-degree Surround View Camera with bird’s-eye perspective of vehicle, Android AutoTM and Apple CarPlay® functionality, voice-controlled satellite navigation, multifunction USB ports and an integrated wireless charging pad add to the fully-connected experience.
The all-new RAM 1500 crew cab has been completely redesigned, further enhancing the already class- leading cabin space and best-in-class rear legroom. Being longer and wider than its predecessor – including an overall cab length increase of 8cm – the spacious leather-lined cabin has over 150-litres of internal storage capacity.
The second row includes 60/40 stadium-folding and reclining seats to eight degrees, and a true flat-load floor with integrated RamBins, tie-down rings and expandable under seat storage. A class-leading reimagined centre console with multiple different storage configurations offers never-before-seen customisation for the most active interior real estate. Out back, a 1.5cu m tray can be specified with the favoured RamBox® Cargo Management System for added usability, while a powered tailgate allows ease of access.
The all-new RAM 1500 sets new benchmarks in the full-size truck segment it first created. With a range of class exclusive features – including mighty V8 Hemi® power, Active-Level® Four Corner air suspension, 12” touchscreen, premium Harman Kardon audio, dual pane electric panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, active noise cancelling, electric auto-deploy side steps, 22” rims, the list goes on – the all-new RAM 1500 shifts the goalposts in the full-size, luxury, truck segment.
The all-new RAM 1500 will start at $114,950 plus on road costs for the volume-selling Laramie. The 1500 Limited and Limited Launch Edition are priced at $139,950 plus on road costs.
Detailed specification, brochure and launch images accompany this press release, while press loan cars will be available for testing and assessment from both Sydney and Melbourne from 1 June 2021.
Ram Trucks Australia – Recommended Retail Price List | ||
Model | RRP | |
1500 Express Quad Cab | ||
1500 Express Quad Cab | $79,950.00 | * |
1500 Express Crew Cab | ||
1500 Express Crew Cab | $89,950.00 | * * |
1500 Express Crew Cab RamBox | $94,450.00 | |
1500 Warlock Crew Cab | ||
1500 Warlock Crew Cab RamBox | $108,950.00 | * |
1500 Laramie Crew Cab | ||
1500 Laramie Crew Cab | $114,950.00 | * * |
1500 Laramie Crew Cab RamBox | $119,900.00 | |
1500 Limited Crew Cab | ||
1500 Limited Crew Cab RamBox – Launch Edition | $139,950.00 | * * |
1500 Limited Crew Cab RamBox (MY21) | $139,950.00 | |
Options | RRP |
|
All models: | ||
Metallic/Pearlescent Paint (including Flame Red) | $950.00 | * |
1500 Laramie only: | ||
Driver Assistance Level 2 Package | $4,950.00 | * * |
Power Side Steps | $1,950.00 | |
*Recommended Retail Price excluding on-road costs | ||
