Detroit show: Ram unloads new Heavy Duty 2500/3500

RAM Truck’s new Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 full-size pick-ups have been revealed at this week’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, with three engine options, revised styling and an upgraded interior, confirmed to land in Australia from next year.

Speaking to GoAuto, Ram Trucks spokesperson Edward Rowe said the revised Heavy Duty trucks will replace the existing 2500/3500 pick-ups from 2020, and will also be bolstered by the new-generation ‘DT’ 1500, which was revealed at last year’s Detroit motor show, that will be sold alongside the existing ‘DS’ 1500.

In the US, the top-spec Ram Heavy Duty 2500/3500 is powered by a gargantuan 6.7-litre Cummins turbo-diesel engine that outputs 298kW of power at 2800rpm and a mountainous 1356Nm of torque from 1800rpm.

Mr Rowe confirmed that this will be the only engine choice available to the Australian-spec 2500 and 3500 models coming in 2020.

While outputs have risen 13kW/95Nm over its predecessor, the new engine is now also about 27kg lighter than before thanks to new pistons, a reworked cast-iron cylinder head and a revised exhaust manifold.

As a result, Ram says the top-tier Heavy Duty 2500/3500 sports a 15,921kg towing capacity and 3484kg payload capacity.

A lower-output Cummins turbo-diesel is also available, producing 276kW at 2800rpm and 1152Nm at 1700rpm, while a petrol option is also on offer that is propelled by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 outputting 306kW at 5600rpm and 582Nm at 4000rpm.
 
Both diesel-powered engines will be hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the petrol Ram Heavy Duty truck will be mated to an eight-speed automatic.

Built on a new ladder frame, the Ram 2500/3500 features “98.5 per cent high-strength steel, six separate crossmembers, hydroformed main rails and fully boxed rear rails for optimal strength and mass efficiency,” according to the brand.

Ram has also fitted Frequency Response Damping shocks at all four corners for what it says is “sportscar-like suspension for handling and a supple suspension for rough terrain”.

Air suspension is available to both Heavy Duty trucks as an option, which does not affect load capacity, while the standard set-up involves five-link coils for the 2500 and leaf springs for the 3500 – the latter of which is available with dual-rear wheels.

Bringing the full-size pick-up to a stop is a braking system that includes upgraded callipers, booster and mast cylinder, although Ram did not detail the size of the grabbers or rotors.

Overall, the Ram 2500/3500 has lost around 65kg of weight, while improvements to noise, vibration and harshness levels also feature in the update.

Ram is also touting an upgrade of in-cabin materials in the Heavy Duty line-up, which is now fitted with a new instrument panel, a 7.0-inch multi-information display, push-button start, active noise cancellation, an improved climate control system and a central storage bin that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop.

Five USB and one USB type C ports also feature throughout the cabin.

Also standard is a reversing camera that is fitted to the tailgate handle, outputting to either a 12.0-, 8.4- or 5.0-inch display inside the cabin that also offer satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a surround-view monitor, tyre pressure monitoring and a cargo-view camera.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) head of Ram brand Reid Bigland said the new uprated engine and improved interior will better cater towards customer needs.

“Ram Heavy Duty owners constantly demand the highest levels of capability to tackle the biggest jobs,” he said.

“We’ve also surrounded owners in luxury and technology that, until now, was unavailable in a heavy-duty pick-up. The highest quality interiors, active safety systems and of course our award-winning Uconnect technology contribute to the best Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks we have ever built.”