2018 Ram 1500 (rumor)
The next-gen Ram 1500 is currently under development
and will launch in the US market in 2018.
Reports suggest that the next-gen Ram 1500 won’t be
a drastically changed pickup on the outside. The 2018 Ram 1500 is still taking
shape, and engineering mules are being tested in the current generation model’s
body. However reports say that the exterior changes will be evolutionary. The
headlights will be smaller and better integrated into the chrome grille than
the current model. The shape of the raised hood and prominent grille will be
changed slightly. The tail lights will be smaller and the back-up lights will
be integrated vertically near the tailgate.
The next-gen Ram 1500 cab design and wheelbase will be notably larger and longer respectively
compared to the current model. The crew cab version may have a larger door
opening and more rear-seat cargo space.
Interior wise, most of the switchgear is apparently carried over from the
current model, while the steering wheel is new, borrowed from the Chrysler
Pacifica minivan. A new, flattened
center console design is expected, which would make room for additional storage
space.
The next-gen Ram 1500’s body panels will majorly
will be steel-made; FCA doesn’t plan to follow Ford by switching to aluminum
construction. It will probably be offered with upgraded versions of the
3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engines.
The Pentastar engine is expected to get direct injection and optional
turbocharging. Fuel-saving belt-start generators should be incorporated for
fuel economy improvements.
Prototype production of the next-gen Ram 1500 will
reportedly commence in January 2018. The 2018 Ram 1500 will be built in
Sterling Heights, Michigan. Prototype production, originally scheduled to
commence in October 2017, has reportedly been delayed to January 2018.
