RAM Trucks What’s coming to Australia this year. Official importer Ram Trucks Australia plans to increase sales of the popular All-New Model RAM 1500 – and the supercharged Ram 1500 TRX will hit local showrooms in the middle of this year as a fully factory-supported vehicle.
The first factory-supported right-hand drive example in the US of the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX – the world’s fastest and most powerful pick-up – will hit Australian showrooms in the middle of this year.
The official importer of Ram Trucks Australia – the only local distributor backed by a US manufacturer – is known to be in the final stages of developing a right-hand drive version.
Unlike other independent vehicle converters, the Ram 1500 pick-ups sold and distributed by Ram Trucks Australia are locally engineered and converted to US factory standards, and have been crash-tested to validate 500 locally developed parts.
An early prototype of the Ram 1500 TRX 2022 re-engineered by Ram Trucks Australia was caught on camera late last year, tested on the road near the Walkinshaw Automotive Group facility in Melbourne, the former home of Holden Special Vehicles.
A photo taken last year shows the steering wheel already on the right side of the vehicle for our road.
Drive understands Ram Trucks Australia plans to have the Ram 1500 TRX in local showrooms by the middle of this year, pending delays.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but initial estimates peg it at close to or over $200,000.
Powered by an epic supercharged 6.2 liter Hemi V8 (523kW/881Nm) matched to an eight-speed automatic, Ram claims the TRX does a 0-60mph (97km/h) run in 4.5 seconds and a quarter-mile (402m) run in 12, 9 seconds at 108mph (174km/h).
In addition to the Ram 1500 TRX program, Ram Trucks Australia is known to have doubled its US factory orders for the “classic” Ram 1500 DS series, as well as the new DT series.
Ram Trucks Australia has been selling record sales since its founding locally five years ago and is currently outselling its closest rival, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, by nearly two to one in Australia.
As previously reported, Drive understands that Ram Trucks Australia has had several TRX examples here since early last year, for early engineering work.
As these exclusive photos show, Ram Trucks Australia has completed its first right-hand-drive test vehicle in late 2021.
Given the timeline, this likely means Ram Trucks Australia is gearing up to ramp up production in readiness for local showroom deliveries in the first half of the year.
Several Ram dealers that Drive contacted said they had started accepting customer deposits, pending pricing, and trials.
Ram Trucks Australia declined to comment on the exact timing, price, or plans for the arrival of the US factory-backed Ram 1500 TRX.
New RAM 1500: Limited Crew Cabin
RAM Trucks Australia’s success in carving out a small but sustainable niche in the highly competitive 4×4 dual cab market with its Texas-sized 1500 Series pickup is due to some factors.
Undoubtedly, however, the important selling point is that it is the only right-hand drive RAM truck manufacturer authorized by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in the world. So they’re the closest you’ll get to drive the new RHD RAM pick-up off the FCA assembly line if that’s possible.
The latest addition to the fleet is the new DT series, which brings a new style inside and out along with lots of new features. We recently launched a top-shelf model and discovered a full-size US pickup that combines big towing performance with limousine-style comfort.
Price and Features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features are included?
Our test vehicle was the Next-Gen RAM 1500 Limited Crew Cab, which is premium in the three-tier model lineup. With a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 petrol engine, eight-speed automatic and a RamBox load-carrying system, the Limited has an RRP of $139,950.
To say that this impressive vehicle – with its unique 22-inch alloy wheels and spare full-size 285/45 R22 tires – comes fully loaded is an understatement, considering not only its many technical and safety features but also its many luxury items combined in one. luxury specifications.
We can’t list them all here, but just a few highlights include the 4.5-ton tow bar with a 12-pin harness and trailer brake controller, full-length dual-panel panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated leather seats front and rear, powered side ladders.
Automatic, powered tailgate, powered and heated mirrors, power sliding rear window, heated and height-adjusted leather steering wheel, and electronic parking brake.
There’s also a premium 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system (yes 19!) with active noise cancellation that delivers stadium-level performance.
Plus a fully configurable 12.0-inch touchscreen to interface the latest U-connect vehicle functions including climate control, 360-degree and reverse camera, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (but no DAB digital radio), voice-controlled sat-nav, wireless mobile phone charging, nine USB ports, constantly on. Needless to say, this class of premium models offers more than most people can ask for, which is more than most people need.
Design – is there anything interesting about the design?
Our test vehicle had a wide 3672mm wheelbase, 5916mm overall length, 2474mm width including rearview mirrors, 1972mm height, and 14.08m turning circle, so not ideal if you need a lot of tight maneuvering or parking in confined spaces. However, it tends to shrink around you the more you ride it.
It has four-wheel disc brakes, electric-assisted steering, and traditional body-on-ladder frame construction.
The twin-wishbone coil-spring front suspension and live 5-link coil-spring rear axle use the latest generation of RAM active air suspension, which not only provides excellent load distribution and ride quality but also a wide range of ride height options at the push of a button. console.
It is also claimed to be one of the most aerodynamically efficient pickup trucks in the world with a drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.357, which is slicker than many famous sports cars of the past including the Porsche 928.
This is achieved not only by a smoother overall shape of the truck but also by an active grille and front air dam that minimizes aero drag at highway speeds.
The highly detailed DT series cab has also been redesigned. It is wider than its predecessor along with an 80mm increase in cabin length, increasing the already class-leading interior space and especially rear legroom.
The second-row seating feels more like a business space, thanks to the very wide, flat floor with no transmission hump plus privacy glass, reclining backrests, individual rear cab heating/cooling controls, reading lights, and more. In other words, it sets the benchmark for luxury in a US-sized pickup.
Engine and transmission – What are the key statistics for the engine and transmission?
The 5.7 liters Hemi V8 petrol engine is a powerful and sturdy unit that produces 291kW at 5600rpm and 556Nm of torque at 3950rpm and meets Euro 5 emission standards.
Fuel-saving technologies include automatic cylinder deactivation and there is a new mild-hybrid system consisting of a generator that is belt-driven with a 48-volt battery, designed to increase engine efficiency and performance through brake energy regeneration, short-term torque increase, and engine stop/start function.
The automatic eight-speed torque converter has an overdrive in the seventh and eighth ratios for economical road use. Drivers also have a choice of four drivetrain settings including 2WD, 4WD Auto (which on-demand sends drive to the front axle when traction is impaired), 4WD High, and 4WD Low.
Fuel consumption – How much fuel is consumed?
RAM Trucks Australia claims a combined consumption of 12.2L/100km, but the dashboard display shows 15.3 at the end of our test covering less than 200km, mostly 2WD driven on the city and suburban roads, with no load in the body and with the engine stopped. /start is disabled.
Dashboard readings are very close to our own 15.8, calculated from fuel bowser and trip meter readings, so based on our real-world urban consumption you can expect a driving distance of around 620km from its 98-liter tank.
Practicality – How practical is the space inside?
Its 2749kg weight may seem huge but it’s actually on par with the much smaller Land Cruiser 200 Series (2740kg) so it’s not mushy by any measure.
And like the LC200, our test vehicle’s 3450kg GVM left a relatively small payload rating – in this case just 710kg. More than half of it can be used by four large adults-only before you can start loading anything.
The same goes for the braked towing capacity of 4500kg, which is a tonne more than the local competitor’s 4×4 double cab.
However, towing that weight will only leave a payload capacity of 464kg, which again can accommodate a crew of four adults but no more to avoid exceeding the 7713kg GCM (or how many can be legally carried and towed at the same time).
The cargo body has a floor length of 1712mm, 1.5 cubic meters of total body volume (plus 210 liters in each RamBox), and an internal body width of 1270mm, meaning it can carry both Aussie and Euro pallets.
It’s also protected by a strong spray body liner and there’s a choice of four fixed load-bearing points on the floor or adjustable anchors with taller slides on each side. The cleverly designed tonneau cover can be removed and installed in seconds and there is also an adjustable body lighting and load divider.
The cabin offers a storage capacity of 150 liters, starting with a large trash can with a bottle/cup holder at the base of each front door and a smaller second tier of storage above.
There are also upper and lower gloveboxes and the large center console closes with a padded lid/elbow holder on the sliding top tray which contains two more bottle holders/cupholders, which sit above the cavern-like storage compartment.
There are also two levels of storage and one bottle holder on each rear door, plus flexible pockets on each front seat back and two bottle/cup holders on the rear of the center console.
Folding the back of the center seat reveals another large console with two more bottle/cup holders, an open tray, and a closed storage compartment.
The 60/40 split rear seat base can be swung 90 degrees to access more storage compartments underneath. The seat base can also be locked in this vertical position on the backrest to create extra cabin cargo space if needed.
How does it feel to be a daily driver?
You’re greeted by the rich scent of leather every time you open the door, along with a neatly hidden electric side staircase that automatically extends from under the floor to help you enter using the large handrails on the A (and B) pillars.
Once up, there is good visibility for the driver thanks to the large rearview mirror equipped with a 360/reverse camera.
It’s impossible not to find a very comfortable driving position, given the combination of the luxurious driver’s seat with 10-way power and memory settings, a nice thick leather frame steering wheel with height/reach adjustment, and an ideal large left footrest. positioned.
Excellent variable-ratio steering, the light at parking speeds but getting firmer and more direct as road speeds increase. The overall steering feel is great for a vehicle of such size. The ride quality without a payload is also commendable thanks to the four-coil suspension and active ride input.
It’s supple yet well planted on the road, with disciplined suspension movement that largely eliminates the sense of heaviness often associated with vehicles of this size and weight.
The Hemi V8, aided by its mild hybrid system, has more than enough punch to quickly hit triple-digit speeds from a standing start, along with a heady soundtrack that only a hard-revving V8 can deliver. It will also glide effortlessly at highway speeds with just 1700rpm at 100km/h and less than 2000rpm to maintain 110km/h.
The fact is, at 556Nm of torque, you can drive around town with just the weight of your big toe on the accelerator if you want, comfortable in the knowledge that the V8’s sizable burst of performance just requires pushing harder.
The eight-speed automatic is a joy to use, with smooth shifting and gearshift calibration that gets the best out of this machine every time.
If considering this vehicle as a daily driver, you need to be realistic about what you need to do and especially where you need to park it regularly (work, school trails, grocery shopping, daycare center, etc.) due to its tough dimensions. can make it impractical for many everyday tasks.
What does traditional use look like?
We weren’t able to load the Limited test but we’ve previously moved the near-maximum load into the tightly linked 1500 Express RAM.
On that occasion, there was considerable compression seen in the large, squat rear coil springs visible at the tail, but still with considerable rear-wheel travel remaining and it refuses to bottom out in the notoriously rough rear end.
Given that Limited has a lower payload rating, we expect similar results. However, it can’t be helped by the fact that our test vehicle’s 710kg payload limit is very small for a vehicle of this size, given that many of the smaller mainstream 4×4 dual-cabs have a genuine one ton-plus payload rating.
The Hemi V8 also features strong engine braking on steep descents without us having to touch the brake pedal, which will be very useful when carrying and/or pulling heavy loads, especially on hilly terrain.
So, given that the Limited can easily accommodate up to five large adults in ultimate comfort, has a large tray with RamBox, and the ability to tow up to 4.5 tons of braked trailer, this could be ideal for multiple trucks depending on their job requirements.
Safety – What safety equipment is installed? What safety rating?
There is no ANCAP rating, but the latest DT series offers more than 90 safety and security features including (on the Limited version) adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, braking ready warning, trailer sway control, lane departure warning, parallel park /perpendicular assist, hill start assists, and LED smart headlights.
This is in addition to blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic warning, front and rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring, 360 degree/reverse camera, and dozens more.
There are also front driver and passenger front and side seat airbags plus full side curtain airbags and three-point child seat restraints including ISOFIX in the two outer rear seat positions.
Ownership – How much does it cost to own? What warranty is offered?
1500 is covered by a three-year/100,000km Ram warranty, plus three years/100,000km of roadside assistance. Scheduled service every 12 months/12000km whichever comes first.
Decision
The new DT Series RAM 1500 Limited Crew Cab is unmatched for its impressive presence, cabin space, limousine-style luxury, Hemi V8 performance, and 4500kg brake rating.
However, its substantial six-figure price tag, broad length, and relatively low load limit could be a deal-breaker. So, like any major purchase, you need to carefully consider whether this vehicle will suit your needs. And if you do, you won’t be disappointed.
- Build quality/luxury
- Crane rating 4.5 tons
- Hemi V8 . drive system
- $119,900 Based on new car retail price
New RAM 2500 Trucks
The first heavy-duty pick-up of the two Rams has arrived, with prices starting at $157,950 before on-road costs.
- The new Heavy Duty pick-up is now on sale in one variant
- Cummins 6.7 liter turbo diesel offers 1152Nm
- Prices from $157,950 before on-road fees
Joining the Ram 1500 DT series introduced earlier this year, and predating the higher-paying Ram 3500 due between October and December 2021, the new generation 2500 is now on sale at Ram showrooms across Australia, with prices starting at $157,950 before on-demand fees. road – with the RamBox storage system available for an additional $4950.
Fitting all Australian Ram models, Next-Gen Dodge RAM 2500 Review is converted from left to right drive at the brand’s facility in Victoria, with “over” 400 locally produced parts involved in the “remanufacturing” process.
Powering the Ram 2500 Laramie (the only variant sold in Australia) is a 6.7-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine designed by Cummins, developing 276kW (at 2800rpm) and 1152Nm (from 1700rpm).
Drive is sent to the ground via a “significantly upgraded” six-speed automatic transmission and an electronic transfer case that offers 2WD (two-wheel drive), 4WD High, Neutral, and 4WD Low modes.
Maximum brake towing capacity is rated at 4500kg with a 70mm ball, or 3500kg with a 50mm ball, or up to 8000kg with a goose-neck crane hitch and air brake.
Gross vehicle mass sits at 4495kg, curb weight comes in at 3660kg (or 3724kg with the RamBox), while the payload is claimed at 835kg (or 754kg with the RamBox).
In comparison, the smaller 2021 Ram 1500 DT lists the same 3500kg and 4500kg towing capacities with the 50mm ad 70mm towing balls, respectively, and very similar payloads, at 833kg, or 779kg with the RamBox for the 1500 Laramie, or 701kg less for 1500 Limited.
The GVM is listed at 3450kg to 1500, and curb weight is between 2617kg and 2749kg depending on variant and configuration.
The Ram also highlights a weight savings of 64kg versus 2500, a drag coefficient of 0.409 (compared to the smaller 0.357 1500 DT), and a five-link coil-spring rear suspension, enabling “industry-leading payload and towing capabilities”.
Standard equipment includes a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with split-screen Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation support, a 7.0-inch digital driver display, leather seats with heating and front outboard ventilation, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, and a safety suite. Extensive actives include adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
A full list of standard specifications can be found at the bottom of this story.
The 2022 Ram 2500 is on sale now, with the 3500 leaf-sprung, featuring the same 6.7-liter Cummins six-cylinder engine but higher payload capacity, to follow in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December).
2022 Ram 2500 Australian price
- 2500 Laramie – $157,950
- 2500 Laramie with RamBox – $162,900
2022 Ram 2500 standard features:
- 6ft 4in (1939mm with closed tailgate) cargo body with optional RamBox system
- 12-inch Uconnect 4 infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite navigation
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- Leather-accented chair with the six-seat layout
- Heated and ventilated front outdoor seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 40:20:40 folding seats front and 60:40 rear
- Alpine 10-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer
- Full LED headlights
- 18 inch polished aluminum wheels
- Digital rearview mirror
- Side staircase with Ram. logo
- Acoustic glass
- Dumped tailgate with power release
- Active noise cancellation system
- Adaptive browsing control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Trailer brake control with sway control
- Lane departure warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
Features added by the optional Driver Assistance Package ($1950) include:
- Blind-spot monitoring with trailer detection
- Rear traffic warning
- The RamBox system can be selected for an additional $4950.
RAM 3500 Laramie
- Ram launches its biggest truck to Australia
- The single high-spec variant tops the local Ram lineup
- Price from $162,950 before on-road fees
Ram Trucks Australia will begin offering the new-generation 2022 Ram 3500 Laramie heavy-duty pick-up in Australia, with a new version of the manufacturer’s biggest local offering at the top of the revised three-model line-up.
The updated All-New Update RAM 3500 Specs, Price and Review sits above the new DT Series 1500 and the recently revised 2500, delivering some of the largest towing and payload capacities in the business.
Heading into the local RAM Truck lineup, the Ram 3500 Crew Cab will only be offered in Laramie specs and will start at $162,950 before on-road costs.
Like all Ram vehicles sold by factory-backed Ram Trucks Australia – not independent importers and converters with no factory affiliation – the 3500 was converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne by Walkinshaw Automotive Group, which also manufactures Chevrolet pick-ups and does final assembly on Volkswagens. Amarok 580 W Series.
Like the smaller stablemates 1500 and 2500 – both entering new model generations in early 2021 – the Ram 3500 underwent the same design and homologation process involved in bringing this new generation of pick-ups to Australia.
Ram Trucks Australia says the process included 50,000 hours of pre-built development, 80,000 km of rolling tests, and 50,000 km of real-world driving.
Powering the high-spec Ram 3500 Laramie is a Cummins 6.7-liter inline-six turbo-diesel engine that delivers 276kW/1152Nm to the road via a four-wheel-drive system. The six-speed torque-converter automatic is the only transmission available.
The two-stage elongated solid leaf axle, together with that high engine output, allows a payload of 1724kg. The Ram 3500 also can tow up to eight tons (when equipped with the appropriate hitch and air brake).
Standard equipment includes a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a 10-speaker Alpine stereo system, a 7.0-inch display in the instrument cluster, partial leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and taillights. , 360-degree surround-view camera, and dual-zone climate control.
Safety systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring.
Additional Driver Assistance Package ($1950) adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path and trailer detection. Metallic and pearlescent paints cost an additional $950.
2022 Ram 3500 Laramie is in the showroom now.
- 2022 Ram 3500 Australian price 3500 Laramie Ram Crew Cabin – $162,950. Note: Prices above do not include on-road costs.
2022 Ram 3500 Laramie standard features:
- 6 ft 4 inch (1939mm) cargo body
- 12-inch Uconnect 4 infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite navigation
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- Leather section chair with the six-seater layout
- Heated and ventilated front outdoor seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 40:20:40 folding seats front and 60:40 rear
- Alpine 10-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer
- Full LED headlights
- 18 inch polished aluminum wheels
- Digital rearview mirror
- Side staircase with Ram. logo
- Acoustic glass
- Dumped tailgate with power release
- Active noise cancellation system
- Adaptive browsing control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Trailer brake control with sway control
- Lane departure warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
The optional $150 Driver Assistance Package adds:
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path and trailer detection