RAM 1500 coming to Australia priced from $80k

naddis01 · 12-06-2018, 08:00 PM

I can't wait for these. Well the updated 2019 model anyway. They look fantastic. I was thinking of upgrading the Ranger next year but I think I might wait for the new model of these when they come out.

https://www.motoring.com.au/ram-1500...om-80k-113112/

RAM 1500 priced from $80k

June 12, 2018

American ute manufacturer makes a tilt at the competitive dual cab segment

Sam Charlwood

American ute manufacturer RAM has launched a fresh, V8-powered tilt at the Australian utility market: the RAM 1500.

Launched in Sydney today ahead of its official on-sale date of July 1, the 1500 joins the existing RAM 2500 and takes aim at the highly competitive dual cab ute segment. It is priced from $79,500 drive away – making it the most expensive vehicle in the bourgeoning ‘premium’ utility segment, according to RAM.

Shorter, lower and lighter than the existing RAM 2500 utility, the 1500 tips the scales at 2420kg. It measures 5816mm long, 1924mm high – slightly bigger than the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Toyota HiLux and Holden Colorado that it will compete directly against.

The 1500 will be available in two different grades: the Express and the Laramie. Both will be fitted with the same petrol-powered 5.7-litre V8 Hemi engine.

The entry model Express ($79,500 drive away) features 20-inch wheels wearing Hankook tyres, side steps, fog lamps, 5-inch touchscreen with reversing camera and a spray-in bed liner. The Express is pitched primarily at load carriers, with a cloth interior and large load area measuring 1.93cm metres long and nearly 1.3 metres wide.

The Express offers a braked towing capacity of 4.5 tonnes – almost one tonne more than the regular dual cab ute set – and 912kg payload.

The Laramie version is priced from $99,950 plus on-road costs and adopts a decidedly more premium bent. Standard features include larger side steps, chrome accents and wheels, heated and ventilated leather seats, partial digital instrument cluster and larger 8.4-inch centre touchscreen.

It makes do with a slightly smaller load space area and smaller payload of 850kg, along with a reduced braked towing capacity of either 3500kg or 4500kg depending on axle ratio.

Another significant point of difference is what resides under the bonnet.

The 1500 range employs a 5.7-litre V8 Hemi engine offering 291kW and 556Nm of torque, paired as standard with an eight-speed automatic. Variable valve control and cylinder de-activation help the 1500 achieve a combined fuel consumption rating of 12.2L/100km on regular variants (9.9L/100km on variants fitted with a 3.21 axle ratio).

It is hoped the 1500 will eventually make up 10 per cent of overall sales for dual cab utes priced above $57,000 – deemed by distributors as the ‘premium’ utility segment.

RAM Trucks Australia general manager Alex Stewart was bullish about the 1500’s sales potential.

“We are the only factory-authorised right-hand drive manufacturer of RAM utes in the world and we are the only factory-authorised importer and distributor for Australia,” he said.

“With our class-leading capabilities, we’re going to shake up this segment. The 1500 range will sit at the premium end of the 4×4 dual cab pick-up segment … priced upwards of $57,000.”

Stakeholders are targeting 2100 sales in the first full year in Australia, and up to 4500 units by the third year of sales. In all, they’re forecasting a 10 per cent market share of the 4×4 dual cab segment priced upwards of $57,000.

Helping their cause, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel version of the 1500 will be introduced later in the year, along with a separate ‘Black Pack’ version. The diesel will be offered at a premium over the existing petrol, according to stakeholders, doing away any hope of a cheaper entry point.

The RAM 1500 will be backed by a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty in Australia, while servicing intervals will be spaced every 12 months and 12,000km.

RAM Australia national product manager, Lenn Kench, said each 1500 is designated as Australia-bound from the factory in the US, and underwent an extensive right-hand drive conversion process before in Melbourne before reaching Australian roads.

The conversion process includes installation of a new metric dashboard and adoption of Australian software for the car’s UConnect infotainment system.

“It is built for Australia,” said Lenn Kench, RAM Australia’s national product manager. 7.30mins

“We work closely with engineers in Melbourne to get the re-manufacturing process right. We’ve also homologated the car to meet all Australian ADRs and come in under full volume import approval. It’s been a long process but I’m pleased to have both vehicles here today.”

The 1500 goes without modern driver aids including automated emergency braking, now available in rivalling models including the Mercedes-Benz X-Class and soon the Ford Ranger. It does boast functions such as trailer brake control and trailer sway control.

Sabantien · 12-06-2018, 08:10 PM

I see heaps of Rams, they're popular with grey nomads towing giant caravans. If this does well, it might be incentive for Ford to bring in some F150s.

Brazen · 12-06-2018, 08:21 PM

Beautiful trucks. I drove a Ram about 6 years ago, it was such a great drive with its comfort and handling. Loads of grunt and great interior too. Makes the tinfoil thai stuff seem like toys. Well suited to Aussie buyers with its decent braking setup for towing.

Should gave good cost of ownership as they pretty good on fuel nowadays, plus are cheap as to maintain unlike diesels were you flushing 3 grand for new injectors or 6 grand for a DPF. Betting good resale too.

**DFB FGXR6** · 12-06-2018, 08:19 PM

“We work closely with engineers in Melbourne to get the re-manufacturing process right. We’ve also homologated the car to meet all Australian ADRs and come in under full volume import approval. It’s been a long process but I’m pleased to have both vehicles here today.”

They worked so closely with Australian engineers and yet they decide to launch the vehicle as a now superseded model. If they were so closely working with local engineers then they would have been launching the all new model! How stupid do they think Australians are?

BENT_8 · 12-06-2018, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

“We work closely with engineers in Melbourne to get the re-manufacturing process right. We’ve also homologated the car to meet all Australian ADRs and come in under full volume import approval. It’s been a long process but I’m pleased to have both vehicles here today.”

They worked so closely with Australian engineers and yet they decide to launch the vehicle as a now superseded model. If they were so closely working with local engineers then they would have been launching the all new model! How stupid do they think Australians are?

Who cares, its a real truck with 291kw/556nm 5.7l hemi V8 that sips 9.9l/100km with a 4.5t towing capacity for under $80k..

**GasoLane** · 12-06-2018, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Who cares, its a real truck with 291kw/556nm 5.7l hemi V8 that sips 9.9l/100km with a 4.5t towing capacity for under $80k..

BENT_8 · 12-06-2018, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Lol, i meant compared to a 150kw 2.0l Thai truck with a 2.5t towing capacity for $5k less...

malazn mafia · 13-06-2018, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Lol, i meant compared to a 150kw 2.0l Thai truck with a 2.5t towing capacity for $5k less...

finally people are seeing the light. Consumers getting duped left right and centre, showing off their ****y little Thai farm trucks

jstanovic · 12-06-2018, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

“We work closely with engineers in Melbourne to get the re-manufacturing process right. We’ve also homologated the car to meet all Australian ADRs and come in under full volume import approval. It’s been a long process but I’m pleased to have both vehicles here today.”

They worked so closely with Australian engineers and yet they decide to launch the vehicle as a now superseded model. If they were so closely working with local engineers then they would have been launching the all new model! How stupid do they think Australians are?

Maybe they started on it when this was the new model!!!!! hahaha

**DFB FGXR6** · 12-06-2018, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Maybe they started on it when this was the new model!!!!! hahaha

But they are telling us that they have been working closely. If it was close, then they would have aligned to deliver the new 1500, not the out going model.

CyberWasp · 12-06-2018, 08:53 PM

Imagine what the price would be if they were factory RHD.
I hope they sell heaps of them.
Competition is a good thing so any in the market for this type of vehicle will win in the long run.

**DFB FGXR6** · 12-06-2018, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Imagine what the price would be if they were factory RHD.
I hope they sell heaps of them.
Competition is a good thing so any in the market for this type of vehicle will win in the long run.

I'm get the feeling that they would be priced the same. Priced what the market would bear.

The prices charged for smaller Rangers, Hilux's ect would mean they would be, and have been, priced to reflect the larger size and V8 engine.

csv8 · 12-06-2018, 08:55 PM

Comaprison with similar vehicles will be interesting. Raptor>X Class>Everest Titanium>Patrol etc. It does have a V8 which only the Land Cruiser/Patrol also have. It will be interesting to see how it sells.

naddis01 · 12-06-2018, 09:15 PM

http://unsealed4x4.com.au/2018-ram-1...0-start-price/

2018 RAM Price List from 1 July 2018

Recommended retail prices excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery unless indicated as driveaway

RAM Model and version Price

RAM 1500 Express

RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub $79,950
RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub with RamBoxes $84,450
RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub Black Pack $89,450
RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub Black Pack with RamBoxes $93,950

RAM 1500 Laramie

RAM 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 5’7” Tub $99,950
RAM 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 5’7” Tub with RamBoxes $104,450

nstg8a · 12-06-2018, 10:03 PM

No way in hell one of those is gonna be sipping fuel at 9.9l... That's fantasy land figures.

BENT_8 · 12-06-2018, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nstg8a

No way in hell one of those is gonna be sipping fuel at 9.9l... That's fantasy land figures.

Probably not, but then again you wouldnt own one of these unless you had something heavy to tow so the base combined fuel figures would be insignificant to many owners.
The type of people getting around with these will have a van worth just as much if not more behind it, i doubt a litre or 2 here and there will make too much of an impact all things considered.

**Giant Cranium** · 14-06-2018, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nstg8a

No way in hell one of those is gonna be sipping fuel at 9.9l... That's fantasy land figures.

yep, around town it will be over 20lph

Franco Cozzo · 14-06-2018, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant Cranium

yep, around town it will be over 20lph

My Caprice does 17.5L/100km on the highway and my 1981 F100 did 35L/100km and it ran dry and stopped on the side of the highway after managing a whole 170km.

I'm seeing a lot of 'fuel hungry yank tank' rather than 'current generation American ute 57% more efficient than previous generation competitors giving significant green credentials validating RAM's ISO 140001 accreditation and commitment to a cleaner world' ;)

mike_nofx · 15-06-2018, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

My Caprice does 17.5L/100km on the highway and my 1981 F100 did 35L/100km and it ran dry and stopped on the side of the highway after managing a whole 170km.

I'm seeing a lot of 'fuel hungry yank tank' rather than 'current generation American ute 57% more efficient than previous generation competitors giving significant green credentials validating RAM's ISO 140001 accreditation and commitment to a cleaner world' ;)

My 10 year old VE SS wagon 6.0L will do under 10L/100km on a highway trip, and sits on 11.8L/100km with mixed driving. That’s a 2 tonne wagon with 2 valve heads and pushrods, and I don’t drive it like a grandma either.

I don’t see why a modern engine couldn’t beat this, even if a little heavier and less aerodynamic.

Ben73 · 15-06-2018, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

My Caprice does 17.5L/100km on the highway and my 1981 F100 did 35L/100km and it ran dry and stopped on the side of the highway after managing a whole 170km.

I'm seeing a lot of 'fuel hungry yank tank' rather than 'current generation American ute 57% more efficient than previous generation competitors giving significant green credentials validating RAM's ISO 140001 accreditation and commitment to a cleaner world' ;)

17.5 on the highway? What were you in second gear the whole time or was there a leak in the tank?

I used to have a 300c with the 5.7L hemi.
On the highway I would get low 7's and about 13 around town.
I know the Ram is heavier and less aerodynamic, but I would hope they have made the engine more efficient in the past 12 years since my 300c was built.

If I got 7s on the highway he hen I can't see why a Ram wouldn't get 9.9 now.

My numbers were based of the trip computer, but when I checked it at the pump a few times it was always pretty close to the trip computer number. Around town I was even using 0.5L less than the computer said when I checked

smoo · 15-06-2018, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nstg8a

No way in hell one of those is gonna be sipping fuel at 9.9l... That's fantasy land figures.

I think its possible if one doesn't hold it flat everywhere.
Friends of ours has an older 2013 model with the six speed and he gets 800km to its 100l tank although his commuting is mostly motorway.

Last time I was in the states I had an Expedition with the EB V6 and 6 speed auto, averaged 19.7 mpg (11.9 l/100km) over around 4000 miles and if I wasn't doing 75-90 mph down the interstates it was been used in towns/cities. In Aus @ 110kmh it would drop under 10 l/100km.

mr smith · 12-06-2018, 09:59 PM

Dont need this oversised rubbish on our roads. Should be taxed to the hilt.

Brazen · 12-06-2018, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr smith

Dont need this oversised rubbish on our roads. Should be taxed to the hilt.

Yes they are big, but probably safer for everyone to have things like RAMs towing the massive loads you see on the roads nowadays, rather than the little 4 cylinder drum brake utes people use.

BENT_8 · 12-06-2018, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr smith

Dont need this oversised rubbish on our roads. Should be taxed to the hilt.

Its 40cm longer, 15cm wider and 12cm taller than a Ranger.

naddis01 · 12-06-2018, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Its 40cm longer, 15cm wider and 12cm taller than a Ranger.

It also has a smaller turning circle going off the US specs.

**GasoLane** · 12-06-2018, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Its 40cm longer, 15cm wider and 12cm taller than a Ranger.

I used to have trouble finding somewhere to easily park our old AUII Fairlane. This thing should be a blast the way they measure parking spaces these days.

BENT_8 · 12-06-2018, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

I used to have trouble finding somewhere to easily park our old AUII Fairlane. This thing should be a blast the way they measure parking spaces these days.

So it'll need 2 spaces, i cant see too many SUV drivers arguing the point to be honest..lol