The 2021 Ram 1500 DT pick-up has finally launched in Australia after months of delays. Priced between AU$ 114,950 plus on-road costs and AU$ 139,950 plus on-road costs, Ram offers the new 1500 DT series in two variants: the Laramie and the Limited. The new-generation Ram DT pick-up will be sold alongside the DS series, also known as the 'Classic' model, which has been on sale in Australia since 2013. Both Ram 1500 DT series variant are powered by a 5.7-litre 'Hemi' petrol V8 engine, coupled with a mild-hybrid system.

The mild-hybrid system employs a 48-volt battery pack which recuperates energy during braking, using it to stop and start the engine when the vehicle is stationary, and provides "short-term torque assist" under acceleration. Output is quoted as 291kW and 556Nm. Ram says the new DT series is one of the most aerodynamic full-size pick-ups in the world, with a drag coefficient of 0.357 – exactly the same as the SSC Ultimate Aero hypercar.

 

To help achieve this, the 1500 DT gets active aerodynamics, with grille shutters that can close, and power retractable side-steps (optional on the Laramie). Cylinder deactivation also helps to reduce fuel consumption. The new 2021 Ram 1500 DT gains the car maker's latest generation of 'Active-Level' air suspension, which can lower the ride height of the pick-up by 15mm at highway speeds to help improve aerodynamics. For off-roading, the suspension can be raised by up to 51mm above the normal ride height to help clear obstacles, or lowered by 51mm below its normal ride height to help passengers enter and exit the vehicle.

Inside, occupants get a full-length dual-pane panoramic sunroof, leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, 60/40 reclining rear seats, and 150 litres of storage. Infotainment comes from a 12.0-inch touchscreen running the 'Uconnect 4' system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice-controlled satellite navigation, and a 360-degree camera. This is connected to a Harman Kardon audio system which uses a 900-watt surround-sound amplifier with active noise cancellation and a 10-inch subwoofer.

The new 1500 DT is available with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, trailer-sway damping control, lane-departure warning, parking assist, hill-start assist, and LED headlights. The 2021 Ram 1500 DT is in showrooms now, and comes with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.