All-new Ram 1500 2020 confirmed for Oz: More power, more payload for jumbo tough truck

The Ram 1500 family is set to grow even bigger, with the all-new 1500 DT to be sold alongside the existing DS range from late 2020.

In the USA, the Ram brand has introduced an all-new 1500 (DT), which it sells alongside the existing vehicle, now branded a 1500 Classic (DS), which will continue to be updated annually, and that will be sold alongside the new DT as a seperate model line.

And CarsGuide understands Ram in Australia will employ a similar strategy when the all-new vehicle arrives here next year, allowing the Ateco-imported, Walkinshaw-converted Ram 1500 family to broaden its range into new pricing territory.

Ram 1500 pricing currently starts from $79,950 for the Express, and stretches to $104,450 for the Laramie RamBox. There is then a sizeable jump to the Ram 2500 Laramie, which starts at $139,950. And it's this approximately $35k price difference Ram in Australia hopes to plug in Australia, with the new 1500 to sit above the 1500 Classic in terms of both pricing and specification.

The all-new Ram 1500 will remain powered by a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine in Australia, generating 291kW and 556Nm. But in the States, that same engine is equipped with a mild-hybrid system, with a belt generator adding 12kW of power and up to 176Nm. It is understood that the mild-hybrid system could be offered in Australia, but is yet to be officially confirmed for our market.

Read More About Ram 1500

Ram 1500 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

That V8 unit will be paired with a "new-generation" TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. There are also refinement improvements, with new active vibration dampers and active noise cancellation in the cabin, as well as the availability of an electronic-locking differential.

The truck's key numbers have also been updated, with FCA in the USA saying the 1500's new lighter frame will produce 5783kg in towing capability, and a maximum 1043kg in payload - though how these numbers will play out in the Australia remain to be seen, given there are capacity restrictions on our standard driving licences.

The new 1500 is also longer and wider than the 1500 Classic, with more interior space and cabin storage. Also in the cabin, the all-new 1500 gets a 12.0-inch touchscreen, housed in redesigned dash that's home to a wireless charging station and up to five USB charging points.

The new truck couldn't arrive at a better time for Ram in Australia, with the brand's Victorian production facility (where the re-manufacturing process takes place) currently introducing round-the-clock shifts five days per week to handle a growing backlog of some 400 orders. At peak capacity, the facility will then be capable of producing more 20 vehicles a day.

Read More About Ram 1500

Ram 1500 Laramie 2019 review

Will the new Ram 1500 be the ultimate tough truck? Tell us in the comments below.