Since it launched in 2013, the RAM 1500 has carved out a market for American style luxury pickup trucks in Australia, which to judge by the newcomers in the segment and voracious consumer appetite, is fast approaching a tipping point.
Along with the Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler nameplates, RAM now officially sits under the Stellantis North America corporate stable. AM Trucks Australia converts the vehicles to right-hand drive for the local market with over 400 locally-sourced new parts involved in that process.
The DT versions of the Laramie and Limited bring the growing 1500 range to five models including the Express Quad, Crew Cab and Warlock II.
It’s worth noting that all RAM Trucks Australia vehicles are international-spec vehicles, uniquely coded for the Australian market and the local build process.
The next generation 1500 marks a culimation of detailed planning, development, remanufacturing and a global testing program that saw a test fleet of the new RAM 1500 DTs embark on an epic multi-terrain validation trip spanning Melbourne to Broome and then onto Townville and back down to Melbourne via Alice Springs, with one of the test vehicles undertaking a maximum tow rating exercise for the duration of the 30,000km journey.
Over 50,000 hours went into pre-build development with more than 80,000kms and 10,000 hours of rolling road testing. RAM Trucks Australia also invested in over 50,000km and 7,000-plus hours of real-world road driving in addition to a final 20,000km full vehicle durability test conducted at Anglesea Proving Ground in Victoria.
Boasting an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.357, the RAM 1500 benefits from a design optimised around effectuating reductions in resistance and features active aerodynamics such as grille shutters and active air dams, Active-Level Four Corner air suspension, including the option of retractable sidesteps on Laramie editions.
DT Laramie and Limited models come with an eTorque ‘mild’ hybrid system utlising an electric motor in conjunction with the petrol engine.
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.
Every petrol 1500 features a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine with fuel-saver technology featuring the Multi-Displacement System, also known as cylinder deactivation. The engine, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, reduces emissions in part through its three-way catalytic converters.
For tradies and site bosses who are looking to upgrade on a 4×4 vehicle they may have gone to great pains to get the most out of over the last decade, the convoluted electronic architecture will prove confrontational for any DIY mechanic.
RAM Trucks Australia claims the 1500 offers more than 90 safety and security features.
Limited versions of the DT model come equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Ready Alert Braking and Trailer-sway Damping control, Lane Departure Warning, Hill-start Assist and LED SmartBeam Intelligent Headlamps.
ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park, an increasingly prevalent guidance system using ultrasonic bumper sensors that can feel like an unnecessary mechanism of encroaching automation for more accomplished drivers already in possession of sidemirrors and a reversing camera, is also available.
It’s likely going to be welcomed by owners of a luxury vehicle this size when negotiating hazards offsite like the ever-shrinking domain of the suburban shopping centre carpark.
There’s plenty of creature comforts to improve time spent waiting out rain interruptions and the commute to site on bitterly cold early mornings. RAM has completely redesigned the RAM 1500 crew cab.
Overall cab length has been increased by 8cm making it longer and wider than its predecessor. With a 150 litres of internal storage capacity, the leather-lined cabin invites more natural light thanks to a full-length dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
A Harman Kardon audio system, with 900-watt surround sound amplifier and 10-inch subwoofer can be enjoyed in heated and ventilated leather seats.
What’s more, a fourth generation Uconnect 4 system and class-exclusive, 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen with split-screen display functionality furthers the sense one gets of being fully immersed in a hi-tech environment.
The new RAM 1500 also comes with a 360-degree Surround View Camera with bird’s-eye perspective of vehicle, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, voice-controlled satellite navigation, multifunction USB ports and an integrated wireless charging pad.
An electronic park brake is standard on the Laramie and Limited models.
With a gross vehicle mass of 3,450 kg, the Ram 1500 payload capacity on the Limited edition is 700kg while the Laramie tops out at 833kg or 779kg with a RamBox cargo management system. An optional Driver Assist package is available at additional cost.
Refinement, a word not commonly associated in the pickup truck space, is apt here. Extra consideration has in equal parts been devoted to the convenience of entry and exit while the handling especially in off-road environs is assured, benefiting from a suspension that can be lowered or raised by 51mm from the standard ride height. The top of the range 1500 Laramie Crew Cab RamBox starts at $139,950 before onroad costs.
Working through the large local backorder of its DS Series, RAM Trucks Australia, having withstood delays on the highly anticipated RAM DT version, as a result of a global semiconductor chip shortage, will be looking to capitalise on historic new vehicle sales that are enegising the industry. With new RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles scheduled to arrive later in the year 2021 is poised to become a significant sales marker for the company.