2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman on 2040-cars

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Ram pickups to keep it steel through 2020

One of the hottest topics in the industry these days is automakers' expanding use of aluminum, especially for vehicle bodies and platforms. While the lightweight metal has historically been the preserve of premium brands and sports cars, Ford shocked the industry when it announced that its 2015 F-150 would go aluminum-intensive for its new generation. As it turns out, the material change doesn't even mean a big jump in the prices for most of its trims. Possibly in reaction to the big change, General Motors is said to be using the lightweight metal in its next-gen trucks, too. That only leaves Ram as an open question among the domestics, and at least for now, the company is apparently in no hurry to push tin.
According to Reuters speaking with two, unnamed insiders, the Ram 1500 isn't getting an aluminum infusion until sometime after 2020. That's not to say the truck is going to be stagnant for the next half-decade or more, of course. According to Ram's five-year plan, there's a refresh for the 1500 coming in 2015 and much bigger changes on the way in 2017. Those same sources tell Reuters that further revisions aren't expected until at least 2021, which is when the aluminum could be added.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne hasn't minced words about his thoughts on using the lightweight metal in pickups. "I have better use of aluminum in this house than a pickup truck," he said in May. Having said that, Marchionne was clear that if the material turns out to be revolutionary in the segment, the company would be willing to follow.

2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel First Drive | To be continued …

DULUTH, Minn. — Ram gave us a new generation of its 1500 pickup for 2019, and weÂ’ve already had a lot of fun with it. WeÂ’ve driven the V6 and the Hemi V8 versions. WeÂ’ve tried it with and without the eTorque mild hybrid system. WeÂ’ve sampled the humble Tradesman, the rambunctious Rebel, the well-rounded Big Horn and Laramie, and the high-lux Limited. But now we get to sample one of the most anticipated updates, this one made for the 2020 Ram 1500 lineup: the third-generation EcoDiesel engine. With plenty of miles already spent with the new 1500 over the past year, we know the fresh generation of the Ram full-size pickup is already an overachiever. Its interior is class-leading, the ride is surprisingly comfortable, and the 1500Â’s handling is surprisingly agile for its size. So weÂ’ll focus on the heart of the matter: the new engine, starting out in a Rebel for a cruise around Duluth. Slated to go on sale later this year as a 2020 model, this is the third generation of the light-duty turbo-diesel engine, and it has undergone a significant  overhaul. The result is that this 3.0-liter V6 provides 260 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and an impressive (not to mention class-leading) 480 pound-feet of peak torque at 1,600 rpm. In addition, the EcoDiesel allows for up to 12,560 pounds of towing, and a 2,040-pound payload. If weÂ’re keeping score — as we know truck fans are — the Duramax diesel in the 2020 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra makes 277 hp (points to GM) and 460 lb-ft, with towing and payload yet to be announced. The Ford F-150 Power Stroke provides 250 hp and 440 lb-ft, with 11,400 pounds towing and 2,020 pounds of payload. Ram hasnÂ’t announced fuel economy yet, so the DuramaxÂ’s 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway are the figures to beat, while the FordÂ’s gets up to 22 city and 30 highway in 2WD guise. Ram spokespeople wouldnÂ’t budge on providing fuel economy hints, but RamÂ’s U.S. marketing director Mike Koval promised the EcoDiesel would be “very competitive” here. To be continued Â… RamÂ’s new EcoDiesel aims to perform better in all the major areas consumers care about – power, fuel economy, and NVH. To help with all three, the new motor includes low-friction turbo bearings, lower-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, lighter pistons, and a 15-pound-lighter engine block. At idle, the EcoDiesel is muted, with a bassy patter typical of a diesel — no surprises there. Sitting still, the truck is very quiet.

2023 Ram TRX priced at $81,150

The relentless rise of the MSRP on the Ram TRX has slowed. In January of this year, the super truck's base price had climbed to $74,085 after the $1,695 destination charge. Six weeks later, it jumped up $2,295 and the destination charge rose $100, taking matters to $76,880. Since then February, Ram pushed the mark up another $1,910 to $80,585 after destination. Mopar Insiders sourced the pricing sheet for the 2023 Ram TRX and reports next year's truck is only going to be $565 more dear, costing $81,150. MI didn't note any substantive changes to the pickup, which wouldn't be surprising in just its third year on the market. There are other price bumps among the options, however. Diamond Black Crystal will hold over as the only monotone available and cost the same $100 as now. But the 2022 TRX offers six two-tone hues that, according to this early list, will drop to five. Granite Crystal Metallic will go up from $200 to $450; Billet Silver Metallic increases from $200 to $250, and Hydro Blue Pearl climbs from $100 to $350. The other two, Flame Red Clear and Bright White Clear, will cost $250, same as now. On the 2022 rig, however, choosing those latter two-tone paint jobs automatically adds a little more than $10,000 in options with the TRX Level 2 Equipment Group. The Ignition Orange two-tone exterior isn't included on the list MI received, the end of the $9,200 Ignition Edition Package that also required the Level 2 group and so added nearly $20,000 to the price. The $100,080 Sandblast Edition is the special trim for next year. Big-ticket prices like the Equipment Groups and a la carte options such as the dual-pane sunroof, 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, and surround-view camera system don't appear to have budged. We think that's called "small favors." The reptile's heart hasn't changed either, that continuing to be the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 with 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. We think that's called, "If it ain't broke." The 2023 TRX isn't on the Ram configurator as of writing, but dealers are ready to take orders. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.