Spied! Next-Gen Ram 1500 Prototype Tests in Death Valley

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scottm
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Spied! Next-Gen Ram 1500 Prototype Tests in Death Valley

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Spied! Next-Gen Ram 1500 Prototype Tests in Death Valley
Could be a Ram 1500 Rebel undergoing hot weather testing
http://www.motortrend.com/news/spied-ne ... th-valley/
Our spy photographers have caught the next-generation Ram 1500 undergoing hot weather testing in Death Valley, Calif., and we gave us a glimpse at the new truck’s underpinnings thanks to some shots of the undercarriage and suspension bits. This particular prototype is likely a Ram 1500 Rebel judging by the Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires it’s wearing and what appears to be a slightly raised suspension.

The truck’s rear suspension features rear steel springs instead of the air springs found in non-off-road variants of the Ram 1500. Our spies also suggested that this Ram 1500 prototype was powered by the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 and appears to have a second tank for the diesel particulate cleaner, hinting at the possibility that a diesel-powered Ram 1500 Rebel could be in the cards for the next generation.

Expected to debut as a 2019 model, the next-generation Ram 1500 will likely retain its steel body rather than go aluminum-intensive like its chief rival, the Ford F-150. However, the truck will likely have a stiffer frame and feature more fuel-saving tech. In addition to the standard Rebel, Ram could be working on a more hardcore 1500 Rebel based on the TRX Concept from last year as its answer to the Ford F-150 Raptor. Along with some cosmetic changes, Ram’s Raptor rival could feature a powerful V-8 engine with more than 400 hp on tap. The Ram Rebel TRX Concept features a detuned 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 from the Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat that was rated at around 575 hp.
I'm still hoping Ram puts out a street version instead of only offroad versions.
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scottm
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Re: Spied! Next-Gen Ram 1500 Prototype Tests in Death Valley

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New Ram 1500 Pickup Will Debut At 2018 Detroit Auto Show
https://www.motor1.com/news/175066/2018 ... oit-debut/
It could be the first Ram pickup with a hybrid powertrain.

The Ram 1500 pickup in its current form has been on the market since 2009. A facelift in 2013 kept things fresh, and some updates to the engine range in 2014 – including the arrival of the EcoDiesel V6 – enticed buyers for another year. But at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, Ram will finally roll out an all-new version of its most sought after pickup.

According to a Automotive News, the new Ram 1500 – given the code name DT – will debut in Detroit in 2018. This report was confirmed in a Tweet by an editor at Motor Trend, by way of CEO Sergio Marchionne. Both the Ram 1500 and the all-new Wrangler will begin production early in 2018, though production of the current-generation models will also reportedly continue into 2018.

Already we’ve seen spy photos of the new and improved Ram, showing off features like an updated fascia, a longer wheelbase, and reportedly a new split tailgate option. The interior is also expected to get a significant makeover in line with Chrysler Pacifica minivan (i.e.: plenty of new tech).

It’s still unclear whether Ram’s EcoDiesel engine will carry over barring possible diesel emissions cheating, but reports suggest that we could see a hybrid option for the first time on a Ram truck. We expect similar V6 and Hemi V8 options to carry over from the current generation.

While the unveiling of the new Ram 1500 is still more than a few months away, Ram recently debuted a range of new appearance options for its current model. Added features like black trim on the grille, headlight bezels, and wheels, and four new color options will hopefully keep things fresh until January.
Hopefully the HEMI V8 is carried over! A split tailgate option would be pretty slick.
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