InfraStructures - February 2018 - New 2019 Ram 1500 – No-Compromise Truck, Leading in Durability, Technology and Efficiency

New 2019 Ram 1500 – No-Compromise Truck, Leading in Durability, Technology and Efficiency

The weight of the 2019 Ram 1500 has been reduced by 102 kg. As the truck’s backbone, the frame uses advanced materials and engineering to eliminate 45 kg while increasing stiffness and durability for 5,783 kg of towing capability and 1,043 kg of payload.

“The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 delivers a no-compromise approach to the full-size truck segment with strength, durability, technology and efficiency,” said Mike Manley, head of Ram brand. “The Ram 1500 offers truck buyers leading-edge innovation with over 100 kg of weight reduction, 5.7 t of towing capability, a stunning Uconnect touchscreen display and active systems that improve fuel efficiency and assist drivers. The Ram 1500 stands out as the benchmark in a very competitive segment.”

The strongest Ram 1500 frame ever produced includes the same impact countermeasures across all configurations, and is made from 98% high-strength steel. Exclusive front splayed frame rail technology (patent pending) creates a highly efficient energy absorbing structure for all impact modes, including front-offset with frame integration forward of front tire.

Also, frame-mounted high-strength steel tire blockers are placed behind the front tires to force wheels outward in the event of impact. Additionally, side rails are taller and fully boxed. To further improve NVH, new electronically-controlled side-frame-mounted active tuned-mass modules (ATMM) work in harmony with an interior active noise cancellation (ANC) system on 5.7 l HEMI V-8 equipped models to reduce ambient sounds down to a low 67.1 db – the quietest Ram 1500 ever. Rear cross members are double sheer welded to the inside and outside of the frame for improved durability and roll stiffness.

Helping to create the most spacious cab in the segment, 3 new, longer frame lengths are offered. The exclusive rear 5-link coil suspension design provides better articulation over obstacles than a leaf spring system.

The new aluminum tailgate not only features damping during opening, it also integrates a lift assist measure. Unlike most competitors, Ram uses a nitrogen- and oil-charged strut, which gives consistent assist in even the coldest or warmest climates and consistent assist through the entire tailgate swing.

Extensive wind-tunnel testing honed the 2019 Ram 1500 exterior shape, resulting in continued, class-leading aerodynamics. Also, the cooperative application of active aerodynamics and modern styling led to a 9% aerodynamic improvement on the new truck. The 2019 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x2 coefficient of drag is 0.357.

As the 2019 Ram 1500 approaches 56 km/h, a standard active front air dam automatically extends downward 63 mm on non-air suspension and Rebel trucks. The optional air suspension system lowers the truck 15 mm improving overall aerodynamics and efficiency. The new Ram 1500 also employs an active grille shutter system, which automatically closes the airflow through the huge grille when cooling is least needed.

Ram now adds a robust 4x4 Off-road Package for the Ram 1500 on nearly every trim. The offering includes a 30 mm suspension lift, with or without the available 4-corner air suspension. An electronic-locking rear differential and on/off-road tires provide additional grip. Hill-descent Control, an off-road-biased rear suspension geometry and unique off-road-calibrated shocks bolster trail capability. The package also includes robust skid plate protection.

The eTorque mild hybrid system replaces the traditional alternator on the engine with a belt-driven motor generator unit that performs several functions. The motor generator unit works with a 48 V battery pack to enable quick and seamless start/stop function, short-duration torque addition to the engine crankshaft in certain driving situations and brake energy regeneration, which improves responsiveness and efficiency.

With the engine running, eTorque’s motor generator unit feeds 48 V current to a 300 Wh lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC)-graphite battery. The small-suitcase-sized, air-cooled battery pack mounts to the rear wall inside the Ram 1500’s cabin. In addition to spinning the engine for restarts, the eTorque unit also recaptures energy during deceleration and braking to feed charge to the battery pack.

Every 2019 Ram 1500 is equipped with a fully electronic TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission with a wide spread of gear ratios that keeps engine rpm in the right range for the task – whether putting in a full day of off-road work or highway cruising. Trucks equipped with the 3.6 l Pentastar V-6 use an FCA-produced TorqueFlite 850RE transmission.

The 5.7 l HEMI V-8 uses an upgraded TorqueFlite 8HP75 transmission. Both transmissions use a new generation of computer controllers that process data faster and coordinate transmission operation with the eTorque mild hybrid system. There are more than 40 individual shift maps to optimize shift changes and points for fuel economy, performance and drivability.

Source: FCA US LLC

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