Ram Heavy Duty: The Anti-Christ from Overseas
The most important news first: No, this monster is not coming to Europe. One can now be happy about this (rational people and eco-fans) or regret it (petrolheads and carmaniacs). With a length of 6.40 meters, a displacement of 6.7 liters and a diesel V8, the RAM Heavy Duty would be absolutely out of place here. But you can still dream and so we take a closer look at the big thing that has just been presented in the USA.
The good news for all Americans first: RAM's heavy pick-ups are still equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 gasoline engine as standard. The power has dropped slightly (405 hp compared to 410 hp last year), but the torque has remained the same.
RAM develops new super diesel engine
The big news is the 6.7-liter turbodiesel eight-cylinder called "Cummins I-6", which is now only available in the high-performance version with 430 hp. The torque is an incredible 1,458 Nm! The new engine is available for all RAM HD trucks from the Laramie trim level. This also applies to the Ram 2500, for which there was previously only the gasoline Hemi or the diesel with standard power.
The diesel engine's numbers sound largely the same compared to the previous version, except for peak power, but Ram insists that the latest Cummins is an all-new engine. The block and cylinder head have been redesigned. It has larger valves, heavy-duty pistons, a new turbocharger and higher fuel pressure.
The oil burner is connected to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and at the rear you can now reach the maximum towing capacity of 16.6 tons with a rear axle ratio of 3.42. Simply put, the Ram HD can still tow an aircraft carrier. But when driving without a trailer, the longer rear axle ratio allows for lower engine speed and better fuel economy.
The exterior changes are limited to the new grille with split headlight motif and updated taillights. Inside, the innovations are more extensive, starting with a new 14.5-inch infotainment screen in portrait mode, available for certain trim levels. The standard 12.0-inch screen has been optimised for a higher resolution, and there is now an optional 10.25-inch screen for the front passenger.
If all this sounds like the little brother RAM 1500 (which is also available in Germany), which was refreshed last year, you are not entirely wrong. These screens are powered by the latest Uconnect 5 system, which is connected to a variety of features such as wireless mobile phone charging, towbar sides, a digital rearview mirror and much more.
Other notable features include a 2.4-kilowatt inverter that is accessible via two 110-volt outlets on the charging bed. Adaptive cruise control and collision warning are now standard, and if you opt for the 'Big Horn', you also get drowsiness detection, traffic sign recognition and active lane management.
The final piece of the puzzle of the Ram HD 2025 is the price. Prices for the Ram 2500 HD Tradesman start at $47,560, which is an increase of just $315 from last year's model. The same increase applies to the Ram 2500 HD Tradesman, which starts at $48,565.
There are certainly good reasons why such cars don't come to us in Europe. Space, environmental awareness and social unacceptance are just a few. In America, on the other hand, pick-ups are still the best-selling vehicle class and the big trucks continue to enjoy great popularity. There is enough space over there. Let them enjoy it as long as it is still politically and socially possible.