Here's why we think the 2020 Ram HD might be a heavily refreshed version of the current truck
While insiders have been tight lipped about the upcoming 2020 Ram HD we have learned quite a few things and previously posted them here. Our friends and spy photographers at Real Fast Fotography have also caught a few variations of the 2020 HD testing on the streets in regular and crew cab variations with short and long beds which we posted here and here.
Months ago there were rumors swirling around about the HD getting a refresh for 2019, those rumors have since stopped with an eye on getting an all new 5th Generation HD for 2020. I think we might be getting a heavily refreshed HD for the 2020 model year and this is why:
2020 Ram HD prototype (Real Fast Fotography photo)
I have studied many spy photos we have received of the 2020 Ram HD and have always thought the cab resembled the current Ram HD cab as opposed to the 2019 Ram 1500s, this photo we recently received confirms that this prototype at least is definitely using a 4th generation Ram cab, that is unmistakably the rear door of a 4th gen truck, while the 2019 Ram 1500 has a much differently styled door without the gray plastic piece to the side of the window opening that 4th gen trucks have. Manufacturers do generally piece their prototypes together using a variety of parts but there really is no reason to use a 4th gen cab over a 5th gen cab on these prototypes unless they will still be using the 4th gen cab for the next few years, or if they’re doing it to confuse spy photographers and the automotive media.
2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography photo)
The front end while different, is very similar to the current HD. In some spy shots we can see that the front bumper resembles that of the 2019 Ram 1500, the grille inserts also mimic that of the new 1500s with the crosshair grille gone and different grille inserts by trim level, the headlights also appear different with halogen bulbs on lower trims and LED headlights on higher trims, the DRL turn signals/DRLs also have a slightly different shape. Overall while having some differences from the current Ram HD the front end is too similar to be a completely clean sheet design.
2020 Ram HD Laramie (Real Fast Fotography)
In many of our spy photos we can see that the new Ram HD will have the same rear bumper as the new 1500s as well as taillights that are either the same or at least follow the same styling theme as the all new Ram. Through the camoflauge in this photo we can see the body line of a 4th gen bed as opposed to a 5th generation bed.
2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)
Even though this prototype is using a 4th gen cab, it looks as though it will be getting a new dash and possibly door panels to bring it in line with the 2019 Ram 1500. This also explains the A-pillar trim that doesn’t match current Ram HDs or 2019 1500s.
Ram plant utilization
This I think is the smoking bullet about the 2020 Ram HD being a refreshed version of the current truck. 5thGenRams obtained this internal document showing the production plan for the 2018 and 2019 Ram 1500s. Sergio Marchionne has said that the Ram HD would move from its current plant in Saltillo, Mexico to the Warren Truck plant in Warren Michigan for production of the 5th gen Ram HD. As we reported earlier Warren Truck will undergo a $1 billion overhaul to build the 5th Generation Ram HD as well as the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. That overhaul will happen after Warren stops building the outgoing (DS) Ram 1500 which was originally thought to happen this summer or fall. Now according to this document Warren truck will continue to build the Ram 1500 “Classic” into 2019, with the 2020 Ram HD debuting at the North American International Autoshow in January 2019 and production expected shortly after that leaves no time to re-tool and renovate Warren Truck as they will still be producing Ram 1500 “Classics” at that time. Re-tooling the current Saltillo plant to build a new 5th generation Ram HD wouldn't make much sense if you're planning to move production to another plant.
I think in the end we are going to see a heavily refreshed HD in January, taking styling cues and technology as well as possibly the interior of the 2019 Ram 1500 and applying them to the current Ram HD trucks. I also expect the refreshed truck to introduce the new 6.7 Cummins Turbo Diesel with a Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) block as well as new transmissions. This should get Ram by until the start building the 5th generation Ram HD after the Warren truck plant has been renovated.
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