RAM, the American truck brand owned by Stellantis, has announced the European launch of its new 3.6-liter eTorque Pentastar V6 powertrain with mild-hybrid technology for its 1500 pickup truck models. The new powertrain combines a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 48-volt belt-driven motor generator unit that delivers additional torque and improves fuel efficiency. The system also features a start-stop function, a regenerative braking system, and a thermal management system that optimizes engine and transmission temperatures.
According to RAM, the new powertrain offers a maximum output of 305 horsepower and 365 Nm of torque while achieving a combined fuel consumption of 11.9 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 273 g/km.
The new powertrain will be available for the RAM 1500 Laramie, RAM 1500 Rebel, RAM 1500 Longhorn, and RAM 1500 Limited trim levels, with prices starting from €69,900 (about $79,000) in Italy, where the brand has a strong presence.
The RAM 1500 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the US, where it competes with rivals such as the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado, and the Toyota Tundra. In Europe, however, the pickup segment is much smaller and dominated by models such as the Ford Ranger, the Toyota Hilux, and the Volkswagen Amarok.
RAM hopes to attract European customers looking for a premium and versatile vehicle that can serve both as a workhorse and a lifestyle choice. The brand claims that the RAM 1500 offers a unique combination of performance, comfort, technology, and safety features that sets it apart from other pickups in the market.
Some of the features that RAM highlights include:
- A spacious and luxurious cabin with leather seats, wood accents, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
- A multifunction tailgate that can open in 60/40 split swing-away doors or as a traditional drop-down tailgate, along with a RamBox cargo management system that provides lockable storage bins on both sides of the bed.
- A four-corner air suspension system that allows the driver to adjust the ride height of the vehicle for improved aerodynamics, off-road capability, or ease of access.
- A range of advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, forward collision warning, and trailer sway control.
The RAM 1500 is also capable of towing up to 5.7 tonnes and carrying up to 1 tonne of payload, making it one of the most powerful pickups in its class.
The European launch of the new powertrain is part of RAM’s global expansion strategy, which aims to increase its presence in key markets such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Middle East. The brand also plans to introduce new models, such as the RAM 1500 TRX, a high-performance variant with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with 702 horsepower.
RAM expects to sell about 15,000 units of its 1500 pickup in Europe by 2025, up from about 4,000 units in 2020. The brand believes that there is a growing demand for premium pickups in Europe, especially among affluent customers who value exclusivity and personalization.
The RAM 1500 is imported to Europe by AEC Europe GmbH, an official importer and distributor of Stellantis vehicles. AEC Europe offers a full-service package for RAM customers, including homologation, warranty, parts supply, and after-sales service.
The new powertrain is available for order in Europe from June 2023.
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