RAM Trucks Australia recently announced that the 2021 Ram 1500 (DT) trucks have officially started coming off the production line at the Melbourne Manufacturing Facility. Coming off a detailed homologation and manufacturing process to re-engineer the trucks for right-hand-drive (RHD), a test fleet of DT’s embarked on a final validation trip around Australia even with the ongoing pandemic.
The epic, multi-terrain route went from Melbourne to Broome to Townsville, and back down to Melbourne again via Alice Springs. One of the test vehicles undertook a maximum tow rating exercise for the duration of 30,000 kilometers (or about 18,640 miles) across Australia.
The final test and development figures were impressive, over 50,000 hours of pre-build development hours, over 80,000 kilometers (49,700 miles) and 10,000+ hours of rolling road testing, over 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles) and 7,000+ hours of real-world road driving, and a final 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) of full vehicle durability testing conducted at the Anglesea Proving Grounds in Victoria. After a successful Australian Design Rule (ADR) 85/00 Side Impact Crash Test, the Ram 1500 DT was given the green light for full-volume production to start.
https://youtu.be/KIIqpdJEK04
“We’re delighted to officially welcome the next generation 1500,” said RAM Trucks Australia National Manager Jeff Barber. “The Ram 1500 DT marks the culmination of detailed planning, development, remanufacturing, and testing program with our local and global partners, including Stellantis (US). The DT version now swells our 1500 range to five diverse models, from the price-leading Express Quad to Crew Cab, Warlock II, and now DT versions of Laramie, and Limited. With the 2500 and 3500 also arriving later this year – and some other exciting developments – 2021 looks set to be a record year for RAM Trucks Australia.”
RAM Trucks Australia is the world’s only Stellantis (US)-authorized manufacturer of RHD RAM trucks. The relationship with RAM Trucks began back in 2013 and continues to innovate and progress to deliver a no-compromise, full-size pickup truck that leads in durability, technology, and efficiency.
All RAM Trucks Australia vehicles are international-spec vehicles, uniquely coded for the Australian market and the local build process. With over 400 locally sourced new parts involved in its transformation journey from left-hand-drive (LHD) to RHD, the Ram 1500 DT sets new benchmarks in the full-size pickup truck segment–a segment of RAM Trucks Australia first created more than six years ago.
The sculpted design of the Ram 1500 DT means it is one of the most aerodynamic trucks in the world, with drag coefficient of just 0.357. It also features exclusive active aerodynamics including active grille shutters and active air dams, next-generation Active-Level® Four Corner air suspension, and powered/retractable sidesteps (optional on Laramie editions) to help deliver the best combination of ride, handling, off-road capability, load-leveling, and entry/exit convenience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIThxUbZWyA
Every gasoline 1500 features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine with fuel-saver technology featuring the Multi-Displacement System, also known as cylinder deactivation, to further drive efficiencies.
In addition, the 1500 DT Laramie and Limited models now come with the eTorque mild hybrid system to improve efficiency and drivability. This system combines a belt-drive motor generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack to enable start/stop function, short-term torque assist, and brake energy regeneration. Power and torque outputs are 291kW (390 horsepower) @ 5600rpm and 556Nm (410 lb.-ft. of torque) at 3,950rpm respectively.
The Ram 1500 offers more than 90 safety and security features including (on Limited versions) Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Ready Alert Braking, and Trailer-Sway Damping control, Lane Departure Warning, ParkSense® Parallel/Perpendicular Park, Hill-start Assist, and LED SmartBeam® Intelligent Headlamps.
Inside, the Ram 1500 DT sets new benchmarks for luxury full-size pick-up trucks, thanks to its first-class levels of space, full-length dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated leather seats. Its premium Harman Kardon audio system, 900-watt surround-sound amplifier, 10-inch subwoofer, and active noise cancellation give stadium levels of performance.
The state-of-the-art fourth-generation Uconnect® 4 system, 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen with split-screen display functionality make for a hi-tech environment. 360-degree Surround View Camera with a birds-eye perspective of vehicle, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® functionality, voice-controlled satellite navigation, multifunction USB ports, and an integrated wireless charging pad add to the fully connected experience.
The Ram 1500 DT will start at $114,950 AUD (or about $88,900 USD) plus on-road costs for the volume-selling Laramie. The 1500 Limited and Limited Launch Edition are priced at $139,950 AUD (or about $108,275 USD) plus on-road costs.
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