All-new Lightweight Ram 1500 offers Hybrid Technology
Clean Fleet Report recently had a walk-around preview of the all-new 2019 Ram 1500. It has shed pounds without giving up any of its prodigious capabilities. Add to that a mild hybrid system and you can imagine the Ram will continue to challenge Chevy for the number two spot in the hot pickup world.
The biggest move for the 2019 Ram 1500, available in both 2WD and 4WD, was that 225 pounds has been dropped compared to the 2018 version. This is no small thing when considering that towing, ride quality and performance can all be affected by going away from what has already been a successful package.
The biggest weight savings came from the chassis and frame, but also from redesigned individual components. Moving from a mechanical to electric parking brake shaved 22 pounds, and an all-new electric power steering system dropped six pounds. None of this weight diet will affect the robust nature of the 2019 Ram 1500. High-strength steel, aluminum, composite materials and high-strength adhesiveness have been used to improve the rigidity.
The current 2018 Ram 1500, with the 3.0-liter (L) V6 EcoDiesel, is the light truck fuel economy leader (though Ford is looking to top it with its new diesel F-150). Ram has gone one step further with its gasoline-powered engines by adding the eTorque mild hybrid system. The eTorque system adds 90 pounds-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque to the 3.6L V6 and 130 lb.-ft. to the 5.7L V8 Hemi, resulting in improved performance, fuel economy and towing capability.
Interior Gets Upgrades, Too
Most owners will appreciate upgrades that came to the interior, where Ram has made it only a small step-down from the most comfy room in your house. Features include top grade leathers, wood, power everything and ambient lighting. The infotainment systems from Alpine and Harmon Kardon offer up-to 19 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. Ram also touted that driver and passengers can enhance and customize their listening experience through the all-new SiriusXM with 360L service, a first for any vehicle, that includes the very cool “On Demand” programming capability.
The 2019 Ram 1500 offers advanced driver assistance technologies. These include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision and lane sense warning and a Surround View camera system where four exterior cameras provide a bird’s eye view of the truck.
The 2019 Ram 1500 comes in five trim levels: Big Horn, Laramie, Limited, Longhorn, Rebel and Tradesman. Base MSRPs start at $34,795 and go to $44,190. Options and the $1,645 destination charge are extra.
Clean Fleet Report will have a full review on the 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque when it is made available to the automotive media later this year.
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