Mild-hybrid DT generation of XXL class pick-up makes quiet entry into NZ

THE only big American pick-up that benefits from electric impetus that Kiwis can definitely lay hands on has started to release in New Zealand.

The new DT series RAM 1500, which has just landed in $137,990 Laramie and $159,990 Limited crew cab formats, certainly doesn’t commit anything like as completely to battery-enhanced driving as the Lightning version of its long-standing Ford rival, the F-150, which unveiled to the world last week.

Under the RAM’s big-as bonnet resides the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine, developing 291kW/556Nm, immediately familiar to fans of the DS line that has served here for years and will remain in circulation.

However, there is a slight nod to Green sentiment with the new drivetrain. With no diesel currently being offer, the big bent-eight has been fitted with a new mild hybrid system which combines a belt-driven generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack to gift the V8 start/stop functionality, short-term torque assist and brake energy regeneration in the name of efficiency.

Much like Mercedes-Benz’s ISG system, the generator can also intermittently contribute some extra torque to the driveline under hard acceleration. RAM has not disclosed an official figure.

The new electrification tech allows for a quieter start-up and also enacts when the vehicle is rolling off-throttle yet it never allows for full electric motivation, so combined fuel consumption remains cited at an optimal 12.2 litres per 100km.

As before, drive in all variants is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and part time four-wheel-drive system, still featuring a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential.

RAM’s national distributor, Ateco Group, has not made any great fuss about the new DT, but first examples are in dealerships, a price and equipment list has been circulated and, although only the higher end 1500 variants have been released at this stage, more are coming, including in 2500 and 3500 choices. Plus, as previously mentioned, the TRX performance flagship.

DT means the RAM family has grown as some of the old-school DS editions – which are now identified under the ‘Classic’ mantle – will be retained in service so the brand can maintain a pricing presence that keeps it relevant if anyone wants to check out how the marque compares with very high-end one-tonne utilities.

The DT brings a fresher, if still highly derivative, design approach that is even more obvious when climbing up into the cabin – a process made easier by another new feature, electric motor-driven side steps (standard to the Limited, a $2000 option on Laramie) that can be manually activated or programmed to automatically deploy when the vehicle stops and the door is opened then retract when it moves off.

The cabin adopts a completely redesigned centre console freeing up more storage space while ergonomics are also much improved – the adoption of an electronic park brake will be celebrated by anyone who bashed their left ankle on the DS’ clunky foot-activated item.

In typical US style, the models are richly-provisioned. Standard equipment on both includes heated leather accented bucket front seats with 10-way power adjustment, 60:40 split folding rear seats (stadium style), 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a reversing camera, Bluetooth, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, keyless entry and start, automatic LED headlights, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, cylinder deactivation, disc brakes in all four corners, multi-link rear suspension, heavy-duty towbar and trailer brake control.

The RamBox Cargo Management System has been carried over to the new model, being optionally available on the Laramie for $5000 and included as standard on the Limited Launch Edition.

Range-wide safety equipment ticks off ABS, traction and stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, trailer sway control, hill start assist, collapsible steering column and height adjustable front seatbelts.

As before, the RAM product sold in New Zealand is certified as a brand-new factory model though it actually progresses to the showroom via two production lines; RAM’s own in America then another in Melbourne, Australia, where the US-made left-hand-drive products are carefully deconstructed then remanufactured to factory standard in right-hand drive.

The programme has been so successful the facility that undertakes the work has been operating 24 hours a day since the middle of 2019.

The whole operation now employs more than 250 staff including local suppliers.

Ateco Group, which has invested $100 million to bring RAM trucks to life, attributes much of the RAM 1500's success to the vehicle’s towing capability – up to 4.5 tonnes with the correct hitch, versus 3000kg to 3500kg for most double-cab utes – its roomier cabin, which can comfortably fit three adults across the back seat and massive cargo box.

The conversion programme is in the hands of Walkinshaw Automotive Group, which also converts the Chevrolet Silverado that is sold in New Zealand by General Motors Special Vehicles.