The next-gen Ram 1500 is counting its last days ahead of the official debut and is much as we think that we know pretty much everything about the future vehicle, the manufacturer always keeps some surprise for the official introduction. This time, however, may be different because we’ve managed to see almost everything. The popular workhorse is wearing some camouflage here and there, but it shows its completely new nose and dashboard. Plus, there are no too many secrets regarding the powertrain options.
Exterior Changes
Let’s start for the face, shall we? The pickup truck is featuring a completely new, sharper grille, which appears to be a bit larger than earlier. Though, the new grill is also showing a great resemblance with today’s Laramie Ram grille. Don’t get us wrong, it’s very handsome piece of work, but we’ve expected to see something totally new. It’s pretty much the same story with the headlights. They are more updated than all-new. The shape is familiar, yet LED strips up and down is making them more attractive. All the way down, the next-gen Ram 1500 is hosting a new chrome bumper with redesigned air intakes. As for the hood and roof, they are also restyled. More precisely, the future workhorse will definitely look more dynamic thanks to these two. The back of the half-ton pickup truck is showing a pair of the new taillight, which appears to be longer and larger. As for the tailgate, it’s definitely more sculpted. Actually, the overall exterior design seems to be rounder from the current, which is a pleasant surprise.
Interior Changes
We don’t have a full cover of the cabin yet, but the parts we managed to see inside are promising total enjoyment for both driver and passengers. The truckmaker is focusing on the latest technologies here, so the 2019 Ram 1500 is definitely getting a far better infotainment and entertainment. The new touchscreen infotainment is the most dominated part without any doubt. We can’t say what the screen controls, but taking into account that there are significantly fewer buttons, we don’t need the genius to conclude that it’s going to have significantly more options. There will be several upholstery combinations offered inside. However, the prototype we saw seems to combines some fine black leather and chrome. Though, the cab will probably host some real wood, as well as a few additional leather choices.
New Spy Shots: https://www.motor1.com/news/223564/next-ram-1500-spy-shots/
Engine and Platform Improvements
Don’t be surprised if the 2019 Ram 1500 gets a hybrid badge when it arrives at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. The electrified truck will happen for sure, yet we still don’t know what to expect from it. As far as we know, it’s going to be a mild hybrid, which combines a new turbo four with some electro aids, probably the small motor-generator. Of course, the workhorse won’t give up on its gasoline and diesel options. Both V6 and V8 gasoline powerplants are coming and both will be rather updated than all-new. It’s pretty much the same story with the current 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. Though, the diesel truck isn’t going to arrive right away, but sometime later.
Every carryover engine (no matter whether it’s going to be updated or not) will provide a far better fuel economy numbers. That’s thanks to the all-new body-on-frame platform, which is going to incorporate plenty of aluminum and other lightweight materials. We don’t expect to see Ford’s “aluminum obsession”, but the next-gen Ram 1500 will definitely burn plenty of calories. Of course, today’s eight-speed automatic is a safe bet for the future. Still, the gearbox should suffer some improvements as well.
Arrival and Price
The all-new half-ton pickup truck from Ram will make its official debut next January at 2018 North American International Auto Show. However, the dealerships will not get the redesigned workhorse before next spring or summer. The price will likely start between $28K-$29K in order to keep track with the biggest rival form Blue Oval.