A couple of haulers well worth seeing Ram 1500
The return of the mid-size and an all-new half-ton carry the load of this segment at the show
Even if gas hits two bucks a litre, there’ll still be a place for the tried-and-true pickup truck. And these two all-new models are sure to get their tires kicked during the show:
Ford Ranger
After a too-long absence, Ford brings back the mid-size pickup. The 2019 Ranger comes with a new exterior design, high-strength steel frame, and powertrain developed specifically for the North American truck market. The pickup is equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine mated to the only 10-speed automatic transmission in the segment. It comes in entry-level XL, mid-level XLT and high-level Lariat trim series with available Chrome and Sport appearance and FX OffRoad packages, and in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurations. Inside, the Ranger offers room for up to five people, their gear and accessories. A centre stack includes an eight-inch touchscreen for the available Sync 3 system, while the instrument cluster features dual LCD productivity screens for real-time vehicle, navigation and audio information.
Durability, technology, efficiency and convenience with features never before offered in a pickup. That’s FCA’s mandate for its new Ram 1500. The 1500 uses, says the automaker, the longest, lightest and most efficient frame in the half-ton truck segment. The chassis has reduced its weight by 54 kilograms — 45 kg from the frame alone while still delivering a maximum payload of 1,043 kg pounds and maximum trailer tow capacity of 5,761 kg. Overall weight for the pickup has been reduced by 102 kg. The addition of the eTorque mild hybrid system is one of several changes made to the powertrains. The eTorque system replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit that performs several functions. The motor generator unit works with a 48-volt battery pack to enable quick and seamless start/stop function.