2019 Detroit Auto Show: RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty unveiled

RAM has lifted the very big covers off its 2019 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pick-ups, revealing the show-stopping 1355Nm (1000lb-ft) Cummins turbo-diesel engine atop its three-engine line-up.

Unveiled at the 2019 North American Auto Show in Detroit, the high-powered 6.7-litre inline-six Cummins engine delivers 400 horses (298kW) at 2800rpm and the as-mentioned 1355Nm. It’s mated to an Aisin AS69RC six-speed automatic.

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The engine weighs 27kg less than the previous-gen engine and features changes including a cylinder block made from compacted graphite iron, a new cast-iron cylinder head, new exhaust valves and springs, new rocker arms, and lighter and stronger pistons.

A second variant of the Cummins engine nets 370 horses (276kW) at 2800rpm and 850lb-ft (1151Nm) at 1700rpm, running through an upgraded 68RFE six-speed auto; while the petrol-powered 6.4-litre HEMI V8 version has been upgraded to produce 410hp (306kW) at 5600 rpm and 429lb-ft (582Nm) at 4000 rpm, and it’s connected to a TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed auto.

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“Ram Heavy Duty owners constantly demand the highest levels of capability to tackle the biggest jobs and with 35,100lb (14,288kg) of towing capacity [7680lb; 3483kg payload], pulled by 1000lb-ft of torque (1355Nm) from our Cummins engine, we now hold the most important titles within the segment,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand, FCA.

“We’ve also surrounded owners in luxury and technology that, until now, was unavailable in a heavy-duty pickup. 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.”

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A BorgWarner part-time transfer case is fitted to all 2500/3500 HD 4x4s, with the 1355Nm-powered model getting an all-new BorgWarner variant codenamed BW 44-48, said to cater for higher input loads. The 2019 models also get new front and rear axles, with 3500 HD offered with an all-new, larger 12-inch AAM rear axle.

Suspension runs to Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks, while progressive springs and upgraded bushings were added, as well as the 2500’s five-link coil design; while Active-Level rear air suspension is available for both variants.

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Courtesy of new 98.5 per cent high-strength steel, in addition to an aluminium hood and lightweight materials in the frame and powertrain, the new models have shed up to 143lb (65kg).

Safety kit runs to a new 360-degree surround-view camera with trailer reverse guidance, an upgraded braking system, Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system, adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and AEB with trailer brakes.

Expect a 12-month wait before we can start to see the diesel-powered pick-ups at importers and distributors, including at Ateco Automotive, the official factory appointed importer and distributor of RAM Products for Australia and New Zealand.