New Ram 1500 2020 pricing and spec detailed: V8-powered Warlock summoned to cast a spell on Ford Ranger Raptor buyers

Ram has tweaked the styling and added more equipment to its 1500 pick-up to conjure the new Warlock petrol V8-powered range-topper, which is priced at $104,450 before on-road costs.

The fifth grade in the local Ram 1500 line-up, the Warlock is based on the petrol-powered Express Crew Cab that costs $89,950, but justifies the near-$15,000 jump with a more “aggressive” look.

From the outside, the Warlock adopts the front grille of the US-market-specific Rebel, 20-inch semi-gloss black wheel and smoked headlights, as well as black powder-coated front and rear bumpers, and fender flares.

Contrasting all the blacked-out exterior bits is either a ‘Flame Red’, ‘Bright White’ or ‘Patriot Blue’ paint scheme, though Ram is promising more colours soon.

Also mitigating the increase in price is the standard inclusion of a one-inch lift kit, the RamBox Cargo Management System and leather interior.

The Warlock also carries over the same equipment as its donor car, including dual-zone climate control and an 8.4-inch UConnect multimedia touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and satellite navigation.

Powering the Warlock is a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, punching out 291kW/556Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

High- and low-range settings for the four-wheel-drive system are also available, while the Ram 1500 Warlock boasts an 820kg payload capacity and a 4.5-tonne braked towing capacity.

Like all new Ram vehicles, the Warlock comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty.