media.ateco.com.aumedia.ateco.com.au/files/media/documents/ram_0036.docx · web viewfor 2018 all...

American Special Vehicles862-874 Elizabeth StreetWaterloo NSW 2017Australia

Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199

NEWS RELEASE

RAM 2500 AND 3500 UPGRADED FOR 2018

Upgraded suspension developed in Australia for greater comfort and refinement Rain-sensing wipers and automatic high/dip beam operation now standard New Cargo light unlock feature Sport Appearance Pack available on 2500 New Options and Option Upgrades

o RamBoxes now come with a full tonneau cover as standardo RAM 2500 now available with an option eight-foot tubo RAM 2500 now available rear self-levelling air suspension with eight-foot tubo RAM 2500 now available with five seat option

RAM has upgraded its 2500 and 3500 trucks for 2018 making them more comfortable, more convenient and more capable as well as adding options that boost the 2500’s load carrying ability and add a new level of aggressive style.

The RAM 2500 and 3500 feature revised suspension settings for 2018 that have been developed in Australia for Australian conditions. These provide a smoother, more comfortable ride quality without impacting on the remarkable towing ability of the RAM 2500 and 3500 of up to 6.9 tonnes

For 2018 all RAM trucks come with the latest uConnect 4 system that brings a new 8.4-inch touch screen with pinch to zoom operation, Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility and USB flip connection, which allows two phones to be plugged into the system simultaneously and, at the touch of the screen, the system will switch between the two phones without them being plugged in and out.

New convenience features as standard include rain sensing wipers and headlights that dip automatically for approaching vehicles. The load bay lights may now be set to come on automatically when the RAM is unlocked.

As a fully factory approved import that is built in North America specifically for the Australian market, the RAM 2500 and 3500 may be ordered with factory fitted optional equipment. RamBoxes, the unique cargo management system that includes two 243 litre lockers, one on either side of the tray and easily accessible even with the tub is fully loaded, and racking system for the tub, now comes with a full, secure tonneau cover as standard. The standard RAM 2500 and 3500 is equipped with six seats; for 2018 the RAM 2500 may now be ordered with five seats which includes two bucket seats in the front.


Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199


Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199

American Special Vehicles Pty Ltd is a division of the Ateco Group ABN 17 606 337 508

P a g e | 2

The standard RAM 2500 and 3500 comes with a six-foot four-inch tub and this is now supplemented by an option eight tub which includes a boost in fuel tank size to 132 litres. With eight-foot tub interior tub length rises from 1938 mm to 2496 mm with tailgate closed, while minimum width remains 1295 mm between the wheelarches. This means that, loaded to the top lip of the tray, interior volume rises from 1.6 cubic metres to 2.1 cubic metres.

Also available for the RAM 2500 as a factory fitted option is auto-levelling rear air suspension with the eight foot tub which automatically detects load on the suspension from a trailer or payload. The air pressure increases until the vehicle reaches normal ride height, levelling the truck and improving the loaded ride. In addition, the rear may be lowered by an inch to assist with hitching up trailers.

The RAM Sport Appearance package adds a range of features and additional equipment to give the RAM 2500 a more aggressive appearance and a more responsive driving experience. The additional features include a colour coded grille and front and rear bumpers that replace existing chrome components; black tubular cab-length side steps, performance -tuned shock absorbers, and black 20” rims & Nitto 275/65 R20 All Terrain tyres, black badging and dark lined bi-function projector headlights.

Powered by a 6.7 litre Cummins Turbo Diesel engine that boasts 276 kW and an enormous 1084 kW, both the RAM 2500 and 3500 offer a unique blend of load carrying and towing ability with a high level of comfort and ease of use. Matched to a six-speed gearbox with switchable four-wheel drive with high and low range, the heavy duty designated RAM 2500 and 3500 certainly live up to their name. With a tongue and 50 mm ball they can tow 3.5 tonnes; fit a 70 mm ball to the tongue and this increases to 4.5 tonnes and add a pintle and the maximum towing capacity is 6.9 tonnes – or nearly double what most Utes at best can tow. The payload is 913 kg in the 2500 and, depending on specification, up to 1713 kg in the RAM 3500. Depending on specification and driving licence type, the RAM 3500 can have a gross combined mass of up to 11,479 kg, endowing it with a level of ability in a different class to other, lesser utes.

But the RAM 2500 and 3500’s towing ability is not just about weights and payloads, these trucks also have the technology built into them to make towing safe, easy and economical. They come as standard with a full exhaust brake system with manual and auto settings that provides smooth, progressive speed reduction and reduces wear and tear on brakes; a slider control for electric trailer brakes is not only standard and built into the dashboard, it also brings up two displays in the instrument pack to enable the driver to refine the settings for maximum effectiveness. The RAM 2500 and 3500’s chassis electronic and gearbox may be switched, via dashboard button, into a special tow/haul mode that, as the name suggests provides the ideal set up for towing while the gearbox has a pre-select button that enables gears to be preselected for optimal deceleration through engine braking. Both the tray and reversing cameras may be used at all times to check loads and hitches. In addition, both models have four-wheel drive as standard, operating in two-wheel drive under normal conditions for good economy, with four-wheel drive in both high and low range able to be called upon when conditions and loads demand.

The RAM 2500 and 3500 may be built for sustained hard work in difficult conditions but climb into the spacious cab and it’s a world of comfort and luxury. This is clear from every angle, be it the rear bench with its back rest, unlike many utes, at angle that is comfortable for long journeys, has storage lockers, a centre arm rest with cup holders, air vents and reading lights. At the same time practicality is not forgotten – the seat split folds to provide a load space larger most cars’ boot. Meanwhile in the front the seats are both heated and cool-air ventilated; the steering wheel is heated; the pedals move electrically, along with the seats, windows and sunroof. There is a huge centre locker with yet more cup holders which folds up to reveal another seat. The dashboard, as well as the usual USB and 12-volt sockets, also has a


Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199


P a g e | 3

240-volt 100W mains power socket; the AirCon is dual zone and it even has key operated remote starting – no more getting into an ice cold or boiling hot vehicle.

While the RAM 2500 and 3500 share many things in design, engineering and performance, there are a few critical differences that define the purposes to which their owners plan to put them. In simple terms the 2500 is designed for owners who will use the towing capabilities on an occasional basis and will be running the vehicle less often fully laden. For this reason, it has coil springs at the rear. The RAM 3500 is designed for owners for whom towing and carry major payloads for the majority of the time will be their main use of the 3500 and it is fitted with a Hotchkiss leaf spring rear suspension to meet these demands. To maximise this ability, the RAM 3500 is available in two versions, one rated for a car driving license and a second version rated for light rigid driving licence which allows a higher payload as well as the 6.9 tonne towing capability.

2018 RAM 2500 and 3500 Prices from 1 May 2018 Recommended retail prices excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery

RAM Model and version PriceRAM 2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub $139,950RAM 2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with five seats (*) $140,950RAM 2500 Laramie eight-foot tub (*) $140,950RAM 2500 Laramie Sport Appearance Pack $146,550RAM 2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with RamBoxes $144,350RAM 2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with RamBoxes and five seats (*) $145,350RAM 2500 Laramie Sport Appearance Pack with RamBoxes $150,950RAM 3500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub, car driving license rating $144,350RAM 3500 Laramie eight-foot tub, car driving license rating (*) $145,350RAM 3500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub, light rigid truck driving license rating $146,950RAM 3500 Laramie eight-foot tub, light rigid truck driving license rating (*) $147,950Options 2500 3500Metallic paint $950 N/APearl paint $950 N/AWheel to Wheel side steps $1500 N/ATrifold Tonneau cover for non-RamBox versions $1795 $1795Auto level rear air suspension (*) $4000 N/A

* Factory order versions

The Heavy Duty RAM 2500 and 3500 in more detail

Engineering - FrameRam Heavy Duty trucks feature new frames built with high-strength 50 KSI steel, including eight separate cross-members, hydroformed main rails and fully boxed rear rails for optimal strength and mass efficiency. Chassis controls on the new Ram Heavy Duty ensure outstanding noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) measurements, ride and handling characteristics.


Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199


P a g e | 4

Wide front frame rails (approximately one inch per side; two inches overall) enable front suspension springs to be positioned slightly outboard – an enabler for generating more positive roll stiffness. A new front suspension cross member is now a two-piece welded component, essentially vacuum formed between the front axle and oil pan. The larger, plated structure’s interface to the frame brings a lengthened weld surface which creates a significantly stiffer, more robust front section. The design ensures optimum mass efficiency with no need for reinforcements to deliver strength despite shape complexity. Centre frame rail sections are roll-formed, an efficient means for maintaining consistent strength in less complex longitudinal sections. In the rear portion of the new frame, the structure includes fully boxed rear rails and a factory-installed rear axle cross member with provisions for 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches.

Engineering – BrakesFour-wheel disc brakes are standard on all 2013 Ram Truck models. Front rotors measure 14.17 inches (373 mm) in diameter and are clamped with dual-piston calipers, while rear rotors are 14.09 inches (356 mm) also using dual-piston calipers.

Drivetrain The 6.7-litre Cummins in line six-cylinder High-Output Turbo Diesel for Ram 3500 is paired with the 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission, leaving no doubt to Ram Heavy Duty’s capability. In addition to 276 kW/370 horsepower at 2,800 rpm, the most powerful Cummins generates a torque figure of 1084 Nm/850 lb.-ft. at 1,600 rpm.

When needed, the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) or ‘Add Blue’ is injected into the exhaust to reduce NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emissions coming out of the tail pipe. Unlike the competition, the Ram Heavy Duty maintains full power when fluid is low. The state-of-the art DEF system applied on the Heavy Duty brings the following features and benefits:

An electric heater in the DEF tank to ensure the fluid is available in a liquid state regardless of climate. The result is a less complex system for enhanced durability. Competitive designs have used a network of glycol-circulated cooling/heating lines

A passively cooled DEF injector that does not require engine coolant to control its temperature, which reduces the complexity of the system

Exhaust system refinements to increase efficiency of DEF for NOx reduction and to reduce the risk of side effects from DEF crystalline build-up

Exhaust system design improvements allows DEF to be used more efficiently and creates a system that requires less energy from the engine to reach target exhaust temperatures for optimal emissions conversion

Emissions system strategy revisions to reduce soot output from the engine and improve fuel economy all while meeting the legislative requirements

The DEF tank holds 27 litres and refill intervals are based on vehicle usage and duty cycles.

From behind the wheel, the diesels deliver superb cold-start performance and superior refinement from innovations such as the new “smart” exhaust brake. Enabled by Cummins’ unique, proprietary sliding-nozzle turbine design, the feature electronically manages best-in-class exhaust braking for smoother downhill driving, regardless of vehicle load.

Cummins’ variable-geometry turbocharger also affords more effortless operation at high altitudes, greater management of EGR flow rates and improved control over exhaust temperatures to accommodate de-sooting.


Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199


P a g e | 5

Indeed, no detail was too small to consider – an approach that inspired the design of the fuel filter/water separator. The frame-mounted unit delivers best-in-class, 3 micron particulate filtration and water stripping for improved engine performance and durability.

A unique venting system is designed to prevent dirt and water from entering the tank and a warning light illuminates on the truck’s instrument cluster when the high-capacity sump requires draining.

The Ram Heavy Duty features a segment-exclusive front axle disconnecting system with a Borg-Warner part-time transfer case with the BW 44-46 is an electric shift on the fly part-time transfer case with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low and Neutral.

SafetyThe Ram Heavy Duty trucks offer more than 45 active and passive safety and security features, including standard front air bags and seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), BeltAlert system and ParkView rear back-up camera system. The Ram Heavy Duty trucks also include standard electronic stability control (ESC), which hosts a number of technologies including all-speed traction control, trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS).

The Ram Heavy Duty trucks offer Keyless Enter ’n Go technology, which allows the doors to be unlocked and the truck to be started without having to touch the key fob. The remote central locking includes the optional RamBox cargo management system and tailgate powerlocks creating a convenient solution for locking down the truck with the push of a button. The remote-start feature allows a driver to start their truck from up to metres away. Door controls, illuminated entry, engine immobilizer and panic alert are standard features with the Keyless Enter ’n Go system. Auto rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam also add to a long list of content.

When it comes to safety and security, Ram Heavy Duty trucks use a two-fold approach. The first includes passive features such as supplemental air bags. The second is comprised of accident-avoidance features including responsive steering, load-braking and load-handling. Safety features include:

Advanced multi-stage air bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering

control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions – advanced ABS modulates each of the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance

All-speed traction control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to slipping wheel(s) and reduces excess engine power until traction is regained

Auto-reverse sunroof (HD): Advanced sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the sunroof to the open position when an object that restricts glass movement is detected

Auto-reverse window: Automatically engages and reverses the window to the down position when an obstacle that restricts glass movement is detected

BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted

Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance

Brake-lock differential system (BLDS): Allows the vehicle to maintain forward motion if one or two wheels lose traction by selectively and aggressively applying brakes to the spinning wheels

Brake Override: When a disagreement exists between the throttle and the brake, the brake signal causes the engine controller to reduce engine power, allowing the operator to stop


Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199


P a g e | 6

Brake/Park interlock: Prevents the automatic transmission from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied

Child seat anchor system is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats Child-protection rear door locks: Disables the rear doors’ inside-release handles via a small lever

on the door-shut face Crumple zones: Designed to compress during an accident to absorb energy from an impact,

decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants Digressive load-limiting retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature that limits the maximum

force on the belt webbing to help absorb the energy of the occupant’s upper torso during an impact

Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there’s a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s path, ESC applies selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path

Energy-absorbing steering column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact

Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and hazard flashers and unlocking doors after air-bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine

Height-adjustable front seat belts: Allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seat belt usage by offering a comfortable fit

Bi-halogen projector headlamps: A high-output halogen projection main beam is assisted by LEDs for improved light spread, pattern consistency, distance and more lumens

Hill-start Assist (HSA): Assists drivers when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period of time after a driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal. If throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake pressure will be released

Inside emergency release: A glow-in-the-dark release handle, which may be activated in the event of an adult or child being inadvertently trapped inside of the optional RamBoxes

Integrated trailer brake control: Allows you to automatically or manually activate the electronic brakes on properly equipped trailers for greater stopping power on downhill grades

Interior head-impact protection: Interior pillars above the belt line and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures and shoulder-belt turning loops are specifically designed to limit head-impact force

Keyless Enter ’n Go: When an individual enters, electronic sensors detect if the vehicle key fob is present. This will then allow the individual to push a button to start without having to insert the key into the ignition (The driver must apply the brake pedal when starting)

Knee bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove-box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling air bags to work effectively

Lock on Sync tire pressure monitors: Tire pressure monitoring system self-learns tire position after rotation or tire is moved to a new location

Navigation system: Easy-to-use maps with audible turn-by-turn directions, more than 6 million points of interest and lane guidance

Occupant restraint controller: Detects an impact and determines whether a crash is severe enough to trigger air bag deployment and whether the primary or secondary stage inflation is


Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199


P a g e | 7

sufficient. In addition, the controller detects side impacts and determines whether the rail-curtain and side seat-mounted (thorax protection) air bags should deploy.

ParkSense rear park assist: Assists at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of audible warnings for the driver an

ParkView rear back-up camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle and guidelines, which take steering input into consideration. Also aids in lining up a trailer to the vehicle’s trailer hitch. Depending on features, the image displays on the navigation screen or rear-view mirror when the transmission is shifted into Reverse

Power-adjustable pedals: Allows brake and accelerator pedals to move toward or away from the driver to achieve a comfortable seating position for improved vehicle control

Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, RamBox (when fitted) and tailgate, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system

Rain-sensitive wipers: A driver convenience feature that automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates wipers

Rain Brake Support: The system uses the ESC pump to occasionally push brake pads lightly against brake rotors in rainy conditions in order to keep rotors dry and assure maximum braking performance under wet conditions

Remote start: Conveniently starts the engine from outside the vehicle by using the Remote Keyless Entry fob while maintaining vehicle security

Safety cage body structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact

Sentry Key engine immobilizer. Side guard door beams: In front and rear doors, provides occupant protection during a side impact SmartBeam headlamps (automatic high beams): During night driving, the system senses oncoming

traffic headlights and automatically switches from high- to low-beam and back again when the traffic has passed

Standard side-curtain air bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor which autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs (Heavy Duty)

Tire-pressure monitoring (TPM): Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system informs occupants when tire pressure is too low (Heavy Duty)

Trailer-sway control: Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic. The system monitors the vehicle’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path, then applies alternating brake pressure to slow the vehicle and then increases the pressure on one front wheel in order to counteract the sway induced by the trailer

Uconnect system: Integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and safe

Uconnect Voice Command: An in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth compatible phone with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. When the Bluetooth phone is initially connected, the contact list is automatically downloaded, synchronizing as many as 1,000 phone book entries, which can then be selected by simply saying a contact name. It also allows drivers to switch radio modes. The handsfree option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Vehicle theft security alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door- and liftgate-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry


Tel: +61 2 8577 8000Fax: +61 2 8577 8199


P a g e | 8

(Ends)

For further information, please contactEdward RoweRAM Media Consultant Mobile: 0407 913 244

E: [email protected]

RAM Media Web Site: http://media.ateco.com.au/

About RAMSince its launch as a stand-alone division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2009, the Ram Truck brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry. Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable.

The brand continues to invest substantially in its hard-working products. In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

Ateco Group and RAMThe Ateco Group is the sole authorized importer and distributor of RAM trucks for Australia and New Zealand and remanufactures these trucks for sale in these markets. RAM trucks are imported directly from the North American factory in left hand drive and then remanufactured to right hand drive on a purpose-built production line in Melbourne. These RAM Trucks are produced with full volume import approval, meaning they are fully compliant with all Australian Design Rules. Ram Trucks are sold and supported by an Australia and New Zealand-wide dealer network.

http://media.ateco.com.au/

media.ateco.com.aumedia.ateco.com.au/files/media/documents/ram_0036.docx · web viewfor 2018 all...

Documents