There is an overwhelming change on the 2019 Ram 1500: Fiat Chrysler altered one of the most recognizable grilles in the industry for its signature pickup truck in the search for a more aerodynamic shape.
The move shows that FCA engineers are committed building the best truck possible, officials claim.
“The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 delivers a no-compromise approach to the full-size truck segment with strength, durability, technology and efficiency,” said Mike Manley, head of Ram Brand.
“The Ram 1500 offers truck buyers leading-edge innovation with 225 pounds of weight reduction, 12,750 pounds of towing capability, a stunning Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen display and active systems that improve fuel efficiency and assist drivers. The Ram 1500 stands out as the benchmark in a very competitive segment.”
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The 2019 Ram will serve as a benchmark with features never before offered in a pickup, Manley said.
Overall weight for the Ram 1500 has been reduced by 225 pounds. As the truck’s backbone, the frame uses advanced materials and engineering to eliminate 100 pounds while increasing stiffness and durability for 12,750 pounds of towing capability and 2,300 pounds of payload.
The fuel efficiency in both V-6 and V-8 configurations with the addition of an 8-speed transmission.
In addition, the Uconnect 4C with a massive 12-inch touchscreen leads the pickup world with technology featuring split-screen capability, 360-degree camera views and exclusive content from SiriusXM with 360L.
Active safety and security systems have been added along including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and ready alert braking.
The 2019 Ram 1500 is built on the lightest and most efficient frame in the half-ton truck segment. The weight of the chassis has been reduced by 120 pounds but is still the strongest Ram 1500 frame ever produced. It includes the same impact countermeasures across all configurations, and is made from 98% high-strength steel.
A front splayed frame rail technology, with its patent pending, also creates a highly efficient energy absorbing structure for all impact modes, including front-offset with frame integration forward of front tire.
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Helping to create the most spacious cab in the segment, three new, longer frame lengths are offered: a 144.5-inch wheelbase on Crew Cab short beds and a 153.5-inch wheelbase on Crew Cab long beds – both four inches longer than their predecessors. The Quad Cab long bed has a wheelbase of 140.5 inches. Ram’s newest pickup offers a turning radius of just 46.2 feet, curb to curb.
Besides changing up the iconic front grille that had served Ram for so long, FCA’s designers also worked to make the 2019 Ram more aerodynamic while accommodating the large cabs on latest version of the Ram.
FCA’s engineers also worked at trimming the weight of various components on the new Ram 1500 to improve fuel economy and to allow for more content while raising payload and towing capability. The use of high-strength steels, composites and aluminum, the 2019 Ram 1500 balance out added content to boost comfort and fuel-saving.
New independent front suspension components combine lightweight composite upper control arms, aluminum lower control arms and retuned geometry for improved responsiveness and handling. The front stabilizer bar is relocated behind the front tires, further improving roll stiffness by 20%. A new front coil-over shock design is standard equipment on all Ram 1500s regardless of configuration.
The third generation, exclusive rear five-link coil suspension design provides better articulation over obstacles than a leaf spring system, and the new progressive coil springs are more than up to the task of handling a payload.
The “Frequency Response Damping” technology has been used on the 2019 Ram 1500 shocks at all all four corners. When driving normally or exposed to faster shock inputs – which is common on rough roads or at higher speeds – the valve will open to soften the damping, giving the driver more comfort, confidence and control.
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The new aluminum tailgate features damping during opening and also uses a lift assist measure. making easier to close but strong enough to stand on during the work day.
What, an aluminum tailgate? Wait till GM starts dropping boulders on it.