Yes, you can buy a V8-petrol ute again
The new ‘baby’ Ram 1500 pickup truck for New Zealand is still a monster size. And now with a monster 5.7-litre V8 engine, writes
Team America is here to save the day. With the carbased Australian ute consigned to history, thumping V8-powered tray-backs have been off-limits for the past year or so in New Zealand. That’s no longer the case, thanks to pickup specialist Ram.
Does the thought of a starspangled, super-sized sandwich loaded with eight thirsty cylinders, a dozen cupholders and optional gun racks churn your stomach? If not, read on.
The Ram 1500 is Americana writ large. But customers will need to be reasonably wellresourced, as the most affordable Ram yet does not come cheaply.
Priced from $89,990 in tradefriendly Ram 1500 Express form, the more luxurious Ram 1500 Laramie costs $114,990.
Standard features include a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with on-demand four-wheel-drive. You get 20-inch wheels, easy-access side steps, a spray-in bed liner and more in both models.
The Laramie version tested here also brings leather trim, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, sat nav and a reversing camera, along with a 10-speaker Alpine stereo home to a subwoofer mounted under the rear seat.
The Ram has the official backing of its parent company in Detroit. We’ve witnessed the intense process in place to convert these machines to Australian specs, where the Walkinshaw Automotive Group (parent company to HSV) works meticulously on the Ram and Chevy Silverado.
While the Ram 1500 is the smallest model offered by the brand, it is larger than most rivals, both inside and out. Express versions have almost two metres of length in the back for storage, and both variants are able $89,990-$114,990. 5.7-litre petrol V8 (291kW/556Nm, economy 9.9-12.2 l/100km). Eight-speed automatic, AWD. Ute with Quad Cab or
Crew Cab. Now.
to tow up to 4.5 tonnes – 1000kg more than dual-cab rivals.
The space makes it more comfortable than you expect, particularly in a back seat which easily accommodates large adults behind equally sizeable front occupants.
Of course, the petrol V8 is the main selling point as you will not find that in any other ute on sale today.
Then again, the Ram is home to more than a few features unfamiliar to Kiwi motorists. An optional RamBox storage arrangement ($4000) transforms the tray into three segments – a central area big enough to hold a dirt bike or two, flanked by illuminated and lockable storage units. Each side, according to Ram, is capable of holding 140 drink cans, six fishing rods or two long guns of your choice.
Yep, owners can order a lockable RamBox Holster which ‘‘gently, yet securely cradles two rifles or shotguns’’ for $US294, plus shipping.
Any way you cut it, the Ram is an incredibly practical and versatile machine.
And that’s before you consider a vast range of accessories available in the US which could lead to long nights prowling eBay or Amazon for deals you might not find in New Zealand.
This really is a different sort of vehicle to the dual-cab contenders commonly found on local roads. Heated front and rear seats are augmented by a heated steering wheel for the driver and ventilation for the front two occupants. Electronically adjustable pedals help you find the perfect driving position – inevitably a relaxed slouch which suits its laid-back character.
Naturally, the climb into the cabin is a little more involved than slipping into a Corolla. But standard side steps and grab rails make it reasonably easy to do so.
The cabin’s roominess extends to a broad array of storage options, including a choice of two spots to store and charge your phone. That flexibility extends to an infotainment system designed to switch seamlessly between phones, and an optional load bed partition that can also be used as a frame to extend the cargo area – clever stuff.
All of that pales compared to the engine, a melodious 5.7-litre petrol V8 which represents the heart and soul of the Ram. Smooth, sonorous and responsive to driver input, it feels so much more rewarding than the laggy rattle and chatter of most turbo diesel alternatives.
Impressive 291kW and 556Nm outputs suggest the Ram will be significantly quicker than rival machines, but a hefty 2.6-tonne weight works against it when measured against the clock. Brand insiders say the 1500 is unofficially good for 0-100kmh in a little less than eight seconds, which isn’t much quicker than the latest V6 utes offered by VW and Mercedes.
Then again, this isn’t a performance car. The Ram’s promise is to get you where you need to go – or to get the job done – with comfort, panache and more than a little feel-good factor.
The downside of running such an engine is comparably thirsty fuel use. An official claim of 9.9 litres per 100km in Combined running feels overly optimistic, particularly if you like to savour the sound of a muscular V8.
That figure only applies to Ram Laramie models fitted with the standard 3.21 final drive ratio – switching to perkier 3.92 gears as a no-cost option necessary to tow 4.5 tonnes sees official fuel use climb to 12.2l/100km.
We tested the model in Laramie form with the tall final drive ratio, coming away impressed by its flexibility in a variety of driving conditions.
Responsive steering makes it easy to place the Ram with confidence on winding country roads and back routes, allowing you to hustle the pickup along at a surprisingly brisk clip.
Quieter than expected on the highway, the Ram represents an easy place to unwind and let the scenery drift by.
That said, work-ready suspension understandably jiggles somewhat without a load on board, and you’re always aware of its sheer size – particularly when the nose dives under firm braking input.
Speaking of which, we’re not fond of a foot operated parking brake which lives on the right side of the driver’s footwell. While it doesn’t get in the way of driving duties, the awkwardly-placed feature represents an ergonomic compromise which shouldn’t feature in a $100,000 vehicle.
Though it isn’t cheap, there’s plenty to love about this ute. The thumping V8, comfortable cabin and sheer utility of the Ram 1500 should give diesel pickup buyers pause for thought when choosing their next vehicle.