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New platform, suspension, brakes and updated engine for Ram 2500 pick-up
The new Ram 2500 heavy duty pick-up truck has arrived in Australian showrooms to sit alongside the recently launched DT series 1500, priced from $157,950 plus on-road costs.
Available in just the single Laramie trim level – a Rambox-equipped version is also available – the 2500 is powered by a turbocharged 6.7-litre Cummins straight-six diesel engine developing 276kw of power and a mammoth 1152Nm of torque, allowing for a braked towing capacity of up to 8000kg.
Paired to six-speed automatic transmission, the engine develops all that torque from just 1700rpm with drive typically sent to the rear wheels, unless the standard Borgwarner electronic transfer case is set to either its high or low-range four-wheel drive modes.
To help the 2500 better cope with the demands of heavy duty-haulage, the front and rear axles are both new for this model in the name of improved durability, payload management and refinement.
Its ladder-frame chassis is all-new and has been built with ‘98.5 percent high-strength steel, six separate crossmembers, hydroformed main rails and fully boxed rear rails for optimal strength and mass efficiency’.
Despite this, the new model weighs 64kg less than its predecessor due to extensive use of lightweight materials, including aluminium throughout the platform, body and powertrain.
Ram says the 2500’s ‘frequency response damping’ shock absorbers in all four corners, along with progressive springs and upgraded bushings, ensure maximum composure when loaded and maximum comfort when unladen.
The braking system has come in for an overhaul too, with new callipers, booster and master cylinder as well as a larger-ratio pedal swing.
Those familiar with the cabin of the latest DT 1500 will feel right at home in the 2500 with a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system ruling the centre console.
Drivers score a configurable 7.0inch digital display within the instrument cluster as well as a digital rearview mirror, leather upholstery, active noise cancellation, premium 10-speaker Alpine sound system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
A 360-degree camera system is also included as standard, as are trailer sway control, trailer reverse guidance and camera-based payload monitor.
Headline safety features comprise adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with active braking, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path and trailer detection.
RAM Trucks Australia national manager Jeff Barber said the redesigned 2500 marked the start of the next-gen heavy duty truck rollout with the super duty 3500 not far behind.
“Built for serious assignments, the all-new 2500, which will be joined soon by the next-gen 3500, sets new benchmarks in performance, capability, technology and luxury,” he said.
Ram has sold 2566 vehicles in Australia so far this year ending August 31, the vast majority of which, 2556, have been 1500s with the existing 2500 contributing 10 sales.