Fans of Ram rejoice! Our beloved Ram 1500 is coming to us again as a redesigned vehicle made for the 2019 model year!
Code named DT, this next-gen full-size pickup truck will have its debut in late 2017 or early 2018. We expect a facelift which brings a more modern look with that trademark crosshair grille. On top of that, the headlights should be offered with LED tech this time and also to be a bit smaller.
When it comes to the interior, the Ram will keep its familiar layout however a large display screen will be featured on the top of the center stack with large rotary dials sitting just below. Transmission-wise the vehicle will also keep its rotary dial controller. It will most likely be an 8-speed automatic. If we look at the prototype’s cabin, it seems that the company will offer its Mega Cab option on the redesigned 1500.
Power-wise we expect to see a 3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8 varieties. Oh yeah, there will be a turbocharged option. We also expect a torquey oil-burner despite Fiat Chrysler‘s current diesel woes. Another highly probable thing is the more powerful V-8 option which could also be included so it would be capable to properly fight against Ford F-150 Raptor. Another rumor that circulates around the web is that the company is also thinking about the mild-hybrid technology and how to incorporate it in this vehicle.
A whole new body-on-frame platform will underpin this truck. Its body will be made of steel mostly, but it will also feature some lighter materials, mainly aluminum in order to save some weight.
One of the bright spots for FCA in 2017 were the pickup truck sales. Therefore the launch of the redesigned 1500 must go well. Sales of Ram in the US went over 120,000 for the first five months of the year. Quite an impressive result if you consider the overall market for new vehicles in the US which has shrunken about 1.5% during the same period.
When it comes to its competition, this pickup will have to face updated versions of the Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Jeep’s new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will also use the body-on-frame platform which is being developed for the redesigned Ram 1500. These SUVs were set to arrive in 2018 however they aren’t expected now until 2019 or even 2024.
