More power and more luxury are what Ram Truck is highlighting for its 2016 model pickups, vans, and commercial chassis – upgrades that include a range of new optional features, including wider availability of its ParkSense package, which now includes a new front park-assist system.
Where its pickup trucks are concerned, Ram – a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) – said it will carry forward two mid-year 2015 offerings into the 2016 model year: the Ram 1500 Rebel off-road package and Ram 1500 Laramie Limited super-luxury trim.
All 2016 models will inherit a new center console design, with Bluetooth connectivity now available on entry-level radios for hands-free driving in all Ram 1500 units.
The 2016 Ram 1500 will continue offering an optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine delivering 240 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission – a powertrain that delivers 29 mpg highway and towing capability up to 9,200 lbs., the OEM said.
That’s in addition to the gasoline-fired 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, generating 305 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, cranking out 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque – connected to Ram’s TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic.
As an aside, FCA is remaking the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar (seen at right) for the 2016 model year. Depending on the application, the redesigned V-6 delivers fuel-economy improvements of more than 6% while increasing torque more than 14.9%, the OEM noted.
Enhancements such as two-step variable valve lift (VVL), cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) and innovative weight-reduction strategies boost the Pentastar V-6’s efficiency and performance, FCA added.
Back at Ram, where three-quarter and one-ton pickups are concerned, the 2016 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models – shown off back in June – feature a new fuel delivery calculation and turbo boost calibration for the optional Cummins 6.7-liter I-6 diesel engine.
Jointly developed by Ram and Cummins engineers, those new tweaks help produce an additional 35 lb.-ft. of torque – boosting the 6.7-liter diesel’s torque output from 865 lb.-ft. to 900 lb.-ft. That’s allowed Ram to beef up the towing capacity of the 2016 Ram 3500 to 31,210 lbs., the OEM said.
Also available is a 6.4-liter gasoline-fired HEMI V-8 engine cranking out 410 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque, Ram said.
Other new tweaks to the 2016 Ram HD models include a five-link coil suspension with optional air suspension on Ram 2500 and a supplemental air bag suspension option on Ram 3500.
The 2016 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cab can now be fitted with the OEM’s optional ParkSense Package, which now includes a new front park-assist system, complementing the current backup camera offering. The feature improves total cost of ownership and reduces potential damage by audibly warning the driver of impending contact.
Also new for 2016, just like for its Ram 1500 pickups, the entry-level radios in all Chassis Cab models are now available with Bluetooth.
A new feature for 2016 Ram ProMaster vans is side window availability for its 159-in., high roof, extended configuration, along with a second battery option at the rear of the cab and new 20-amp auxiliary switches easily accessible on the dash panel.
The 2016 Ram ProMaster City compact van, introduced last year, will officially replace the Ram C/V as the OEM’s Class 1 van offering, and is Ram’s second shared collaboration with Fiat Professional., with the ProMaster full-size van being the first.
The OEM noted that it will continue growing the reach of its new Ram Commercial division, integrating an expanding network of 950 Ram and FCA BusinessLink dealers that are focused on the needs of commercial customers while helping offsetting commercial upfitting expenses via its “On The Job” incentive/discount packages.
The "On The Job” program provides commercial/small business owners a variety of incentives and discounts to assist them in purchasing, servicing and customizing vehicles. Custom upfitting allowances, service contracts, Mopar certificates and cash allowances are just a few of the “stackable” incentives Ram said business owners can use at any of FCA’s total of 2,600 dealerships in the U.S.
“Commercial customers in particular face balancing the challenges of opportunity costs, fuel pricing, reduced budgets, new technology and durability,” noted Bob Hegbloom, Ram’s president and CEO, in a statement.
“Total cost of ownership (TCO) calculations are helpful in making purchase and operational decisions,” he added. “For example, all Cummins diesel-powered Ram trucks feature a 15,000-mile oil change interval and a diesel exhaust brake that increases frictional brake life by three times the market average.”