Refreshed Ram 1500 range arriving soon with new hybrid powertrain
Wednesday, 26 May 2021
While we have previously had to make do with the last generation of Ram pickups in this part of the world, that is about to change with the local release (‘remanufactured’ into RHD format, of course) of the ‘small’ 1500, complete with a newly electrified powertrain.
The 5.7-litre Hemi V8 is still the star of the show (no need for anti-greenie pitchforks please), making 291kW and 556Nm, but now benefits from a belt-drive motor generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack, which offers a cleaner, faster stop/start function, short term torque-assist and regeneration through braking.
No mention was made of any coasting abilities, but that torque-assist feature adds 176Nm of temporary extra twist, which should help sprint away from lights and towing larger loads.
A bunch of other new tech makes its way into the updated 1500 too, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, self-parking, and the brand’s proprietary SmartBeam intelligent headlights part of the Limited range kit.
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Other extras include air suspension, a 12-inch touch screen, a 900-watt Harman Kardon audio system, a dual-pane electric panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, active noise-cancelling, electric auto-deploy side steps, 22-inch rims.
There’s more space for rear passengers too, thanks to the new 1500 being 80mm longer and a bit wider than before. Second row seats can also recline up to eight degrees.
“We are very excited to be welcoming the next generation Ram 1500 to New Zealand”, said Ram Trucks NZ Marketing Manager, Sarah Williams.
“The new generation model increases the Ram offering to five model variants, all with the same incredible 4,500kg braked towing capacity that New Zealanders have come to expect.
“With the all-new 2500 also arriving later this year – and some other exciting developments – 2021 looks set to be a record year for the RAM Trucks brand.”
Pricing starts with the DT Laramie Crew Cab at $137,990 (retractable side steps and RamBox with tri-fold tonneau are $2000 and $5000 optional extras).
The Limited Launch Edition Crew Cab and Limited Night Edition Crew Cab sit at the top of the food chain, each with a price tag of $159,990.