The Ram 1500 family of fifth-generation pickups underwent planned modernization and expansion. This model was released five and a half years ago, and for her this is the first comprehensive update, which brought changes not only in appearance, but also in technology. At the same time, there is still a Ram 1500 Classic in service, that is, a fourth-generation model.
From the outside, the new things are not fundamental: the bumper, radiator grille and head optics are barely noticeably altered. In the interior, the list of innovations is also not very voluminous. The rich versions have a new vertical screen of the Uconnect multimedia system with a diagonal of 14.5 inches instead of 12 inches earlier, and an individual 10.5-inch display built into the front panel is now available for the front passenger. Previously, all this appeared in the Ram 1500 REV electric pickup truck, which, however, has not yet entered the market. Improved trim materials and revised interior upholstery colors are also announced.
The main sensation was the rejection of V8 engines, without which, it would seem, American full-size pickups are unthinkable. Both the 5.7 l (400 hp) Hemi atmospheric engine and the 711 hp 6.2 compressor variant, which was equipped with the Ram 1500 TRX pickup going down in history, are excluded from the range. Instead of the “eights” Ram 1500 will now have a three-liter inline “six” Hurricane with two turbochargers.
In a pickup truck, this engine produces 426 hp and 636 Nm, but there is also an option for 547 hp and 706 Nm — this will be put on Ram 1500 RHO, a “warmed up” version that will partially replace the crazy TRX. The basic atmospheric V6 3.6 engine of the Pentastar series (309 hp, 365 Nm) remained in service. All versions of the Ram have an eight—speed “automatic”, the drive is rear or full.
And a hybrid has been added to the range under the historical name Ramcharger (in the twentieth century, passenger SUVs based on Dodge pickups were called that). This version has a serial hybrid system: the atmospheric V6 3.6 installed under the hood is not connected to the wheels, but is used only as a generator for charging a traction battery with a capacity of 92 kWh.
The wheels rotate two electric motors (one on each axis) with a total output of 672 hp and 834 Nm. The promised maximum power reserve (with a charged battery and a full tank) is 1110 km. It is stated that the hybrid can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km / h) in 4.4 seconds, its load capacity is 1.2 tons, and it can also tow a trailer weighing up to 6.4 tons. Interestingly, from the outside, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger hybrid is almost no different from gasoline Ram, although the electric Ram 1500 REV has a different front design. But the STLA Frame platform with the original reinforced frame is the same for a hybrid and an electric car.
Updated gasoline pickups will enter the U.S. market in the first quarter of 2024, but prices have not yet been announced. Now pre-reform cars cost from $38,570 for the simplest rear-wheel drive Ram 1500 Tradesman. A hybrid, an electric car, as well as a powerful gasoline Ram 1500 RHO will arrive only by the fourth quarter.