2019 RAM Debuts with New Materials, Engines, and ADAS

Posted on 09 February 2018 Print

The RTS team attended the Media Preview at the Chicago Auto Show this week. At the show was the FCA/Stellantis all new 2019 RAM 1500. The RAM should be on dealer lots in the first half of 2018. There have been many changes to the RAM for this latest generation including, the use of new materials.

The use of high-strength steels and advanced-high strength steel has gone up exponentially since the previous generation. The full-frame is made up of advanced high-strength steel (HSS) for the majority of the rails. HSS is also used for the crossmembers and front lower rail ends. There is also an aluminum transmission support. The A-pillar and B-pillar reinforcements are made of 1300 MPa steel, along with an inner door ring that varies from 550 -1300 MPa steel. Due to the type of metal usage, there is no sectioning permitted on any of these parts. The fenders and outer door skin are high-strength steel. Aluminum is used for the tailgate and hood. Depending on the size of bed, the floor can be made of either HSS or advanced high-strength steel.

Both the 5.7L V8 and the 3.6L V6 have the FCA/Stellantis new eTorque system. This is a mild hybrid system that assists with the start/stop technology. There is a large generator on the top half of the engine and a battery pack behind the rear seats for this system. Disconnecting the 12 V battery will also disconnect the 48V hybrid system.

The RAM is now equipped with a full suite of optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Systems on the RAM may include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Warning/Braking, 360° Camera View, and Advanced Park Assist. As with other ADAS, calibrations of various cameras and sensors may be required. An interesting feature on the RAM’s ADAS is that the front radar is not located in the normal position, in or behind the front bumper cover or grille. It is instead, a combination front radar and forward-facing camera, located near the rearview mirror.

The 2019 RAM 1500 body repair manual is currently available on the FCA/Stellantis paid subscription website at: stellantisiop.com.

For more information on RAM check out the RAM OEM Information Page.

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