Ram 1500 Gets Lighter, Tows More

*See images of the new Ram 1500 in the photo gallery above

Fiat-Chrysler has introduced the new 2019 Ram 1500 with a redesign that starts with the truck’s new frame.

The company this week revealed the following facts about the new truck:

Engineering

• Overall weight reductions totaling nearly 225 pounds net when compared to previous model
• New frame features 98 percent high-strength steel to improve durability, weight and rigidity for improved handling-all while weighing 100-pounds lighter
• Maximum payload increased to 2,300 pounds, and maximum trailer tow to 12,750 pounds
• FCA claims that Ram 1500 is the segment’s most aerodynamic pickup, with .357 coefficient of drag. The truck features exclusive active aerodynamics, including grille shutters, air dam and air suspension
• All-new Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks
• Air suspension programed to enhanced fuel efficiency, improve ride, and give greater off-road capability, load-leveling and entry/exit convenience
• Large 14.9-inches brakes and a new electric parking brake
• New 4×4 Off-road Package includes suspension with one-inch lift, electronic locking rear axle, tuned shocks and hill-descent control

Powertrain

• Truck delivers gains in fuel efficiency with eTorque mild hybrid system on second generation 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines
• eTorque combines belt-drive motor generator unit with 48-volt battery pack to enable start/stop function, short-term torque assist and brake energy regeneration
• eTorque adds up to 90 lb.-ft. of torque to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and up to 130 lb.-ft. to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
• Frame-mounted active tuned mass modules (ATMM) and Active Noise Cancellation in cabin expand use of Fuel Saving Technology cylinder cutoff on 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and enable quiet cabin at 67.1 db
• New generation of TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmissions provide improved efficiency with more powerful control computers
• New electronic locking rear differential is standard on 4×4 off-road package and Rebel, and available on all models
• Heat exchanger system now includes thermal axle to quickly warm rear axle gear oil, maximizing axle during warm-up

Uconnect

• 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen display features split-screen capability for dual-application operation
• SiriusXM with 360L personalized listening experience with more variety, smart content, recommendations and thousands of hours of on-demand audio
• SiriusXM Guardian Connected Services deliver advanced in-vehicle connected services, including 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• Harman Kardon audio system with 19 premium speakers, 900-watt surround sound amplifier, 10-inch subwoofer and active noise cancelation
• 360-degree Surround View Camera with bird’s-eye perspective of vehicle
• New multifunction USB ports and optional integrated wireless charging pad
• Available navigation system accommodates one-step, voice-controlled destination entry and enhanced 3D navigation map graphics
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enable link with Uconnect 8.4-inch and 12-inch touchscreens

Design

• New face of Ram includes a chiseled Ram’s head logo and RAM grilles
• New full LED Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), including twin bi-functional projector headlamps, fog lamps and tail lamps
• Overall cab length increase of four inches, creating a more spacious interior
• Nearly 100 percent more storage capacity at 151.1 liters
• First FCA application of 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen includes tailor-made graphics for various Ram models
• Reimagined center console with 12 different storage configurations offers never-before-seen customization for the most active interior real estate
• Second row includes slide reclining seats to eight degrees, a true flat-load floor with integrated RamBins with tie-down rings and expandable under seat storage
• New switch bank with dedicated toggle switches, wireless charging dock and up to five USBs, including four type C/A ports

Safety and Security

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Go and Hold
• Forward Collision Warning-Plus warns the driver if impact appears imminent, and assists driver response by deploying brakes
• Ready Alert Braking and Trailer-sway Damping control
• LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus alerts and assist the driver with corrective action
• ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park and Hill-start Assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help the driver perform technical maneuvers