Well, it finally happened. Somebody built a truck that puts out four figures of torque straight from the factory. That “somebody” is Ram with their new line of 2019 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks. Under the hoods of the plus-size Rams is an available 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo-Diesel engine that offers a hefty 1,000 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. Anybody that uses their truck to tow or haul knows that torque is king. Horsepower is fun, but torque is what moves heavy loads and big trailers. Plus, it is great for extremely smoky burnouts.
The new Ram Heavy Duty trucks are not just one-trick ponies with gobs of torque though. Ram went to work on the rest of the truck with extensive upgrades seen throughout. Backing the HO diesel is a new Aisin AS69RC electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. The regular Cummins diesel, with “only” 850 lb-ft of torque, is backed up by an upgraded 68RFE six-speed automatic. Those who opt for the gas engine get one of our favorite transmissions, the eight-speed TorqueFlite 8HP75 automatic.
Besides upgraded drivetrain options, the new Ram Heavy Duty trucks also receive enhanced suspensions. The solid axles still thankfully remain in place, but Ram now uses Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks on all four corners. They automatically adjust for vertical wheel input to allow for a more supple suspension on rough terrain. Active-Level air suspension is available on both the 2500 and 3500 with coils on the 2500 and leaf springs on the 3500. Of all it attaches to a new frame that is 98% high-strength steel.
Ram has definitely been killing it lately with their interiors and the Heavy Duty trucks get much of the same treatment seen in its revised half-ton trucks. Most noticeable is the giant 12-inch fully configurable touch screen that is available as an option. A 7-inch full-color display sits in the center of the instrument panel. There is no word on pricing yet, but expect luxury and capability like this to put a serious dent in your wallet.
• Ram outpowers, out-tows and outhauls every other pickup available — 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque milestone achieved by Ram and Cummins with all-new 6.7-liter Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel
• The highest capability numbers for diesel- and gas-powered pickups — 35,100-lbs. towing and 7,680-lb. payload
• Ram redesigns Heavy Duty line to be the best riding, handling and towing ever with an emphasis on comfort and confidence
• Standard 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 power with cylinder deactivation and Variable Cam Timing (VCT) delivers class-leading 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque
• New, class-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic for 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 brings shift refinement not seen in heavy-duty trucks
• Active noise cancellation, anti-vibration devices and acoustic glass contribute to quietest cabin yet
• Improved ride quality with new suspension tuning that includes Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks, progressive springs and re-engineered bushings
• Exclusive rear air suspension now features driver-activated Bed Lowering Mode, Normal/Payload Mode and Trailer-Tow Mode
• New braking system upgrades calipers, booster and master cylinder help shorten stopping distances, increase capability and improve brake feel
• New 98.5-percent high-strength steel frames offer greater capacities, reduced weight and the highest levels of torsional rigidity
• Lightweight materials in the frame, powertrain and an aluminum hood reduce overall weight by up to 143 lbs
• New 360-degree surround-view camera with trailer reverse guidance view provides a single display-screen view of both sides of a trailer to assist drivers in maneuvering towing setups
• New auxiliary exterior camera improves visibility with custom positioning in and behind trailers
• Advanced trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) systems accommodate up to six pickup tires and 12 trailer tires with up to four trailer profiles
• More than 100 safety and security features, including exclusive active safety systems in all models: adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and AEB with trailer brakes
• Completely redesigned interior with new, authentic premium materials, colors and textures, including hand-wrapped leather instrument panels for unexpected luxury throughout
• Uconnect 4C NAV with a 12-inch fully configurable screen, including SiriusXM 360L customized listening experience through a powerful 750-watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Reimagined center console with 12 different storage configurations includes optional dedicated/assignable switches, wireless charging dock and up to five USBs, including type C ports
• Mega Cab offers most interior storage capacity in the segment at 258 liters, more than twice the amount of closest competitor
• Bold interlocking exterior design with all-new wheels, bumpers and grilles with differentiation across six distinct price classes
• Three new headlight designs, including advanced LED with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
• Designers worked collectively with engineering to deliver a segment-leading drag coefficient of .409
• New Ram Power Wagon offers new equipment, upholding Most Off-road Capable Pickup title
• America’s longest-lasting pickup with unsurpassed diesel powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles
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