RAM Completes Holy Trinity; Launches 2018 1500 Pickup

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Close on the heels of Ford showing off the 2018 F-150 pickup and Chevrolet debuting the new Silverado, RAM has launched the 2018 1500 pickup at NAIAS Detroit. 

At the Detroit Auto Show, RAM pulled covers off the new 2018 1500 full-size pickups. “The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 delivers a no-compromise approach to the full-size truck segment with strength, durability, technology and efficiency,” Ram chief Mike Manley said in a statement. He added that the new pickup delivers “leading-edge innovation with 225 pounds of weight reduction, 12,750 pounds of towing capability, a stunning Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen display and active systems that improve fuel efficiency.” The RAM 1500 features a huge touchscreen that is on par with Tesla Model S and Model X, as well as Volvo’s Senus systems.

Drivetrain technology is also new. A new “eTorque system delivers improved fuel efficiency in both V-6 and V-8 configurations,” the company said. The eTorque tech effectively converts both the V6 and V8 engines into hybrids, improving their torque as well as fuel economy. You can, however, spec your V8 RAM without the eTorque system. The new 1500 is actually lighter than its outgoing predecessor, despite being larger and bolder-looking. The front fascia is dominated by that massive grille with the company name placed across it proudly. RAM designers have aged the truck well, keeping a recognizable design link between the current and outgoing model. Despite maintaining the old truck’s design, the 2018 1500 looks fresh and aggressive.

The 2018 RAM 1500 is available at six price levels, depending on trim chosen. Next to the 1500 at NAIAS, RAM also uncovered the 2019 Rebel, a performance variant of the 1500. The Rebel will field directly against the Ford F-150 Raptor. RAM hasn’t announced pricing for the 1500 yet. The previous model was priced at $27,000. The 2018 1500, and subsequently the Rebel will go on sale later this year.