2019 Ram HD Brings Up To 1,000 Lb-Ft Of Torque, Class-Leading Towing

The all-new 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is finally here, and is billed as the most powerful and capable pickup in the segment.

Ram backs these claims with the new model’s 35,100-lb (14,288-kg) towing capacity and a payload capacity of 7,680 lbs (3,483 kg).

These impressive specs are made possible by the new 6.7-liter Cummins inline six-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 400 hp at 2,800 rpm and up 1,000 lb-ft (1,354 Nm) of torque at 1,800 rpm. There’s also a de-tuned version of the same power plant that delivers 370 hp at 2,800 rpm and 850 lb-ft (1,151 Nm) of torque at 1,700 rpm that’s available on the 2019 Ram 3500 HD.

The 410hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 is standard

The standard engine in the 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty is the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that makes 410 hp at 5,600 rpm and 429 lb-ft (581 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The top diesel engine comes mated to the Aisin AS69RC six-speed automatic transmission which is designed to handle the colossal torque of the six-cylinder unit and increased vehicle weight ratings “while delivering improved shift quality.”

The lower-powered Cummins 6.7-liter turbo diesel is linked to an upgraded version of the 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission. As for the standard gas engine, it comes with the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic. All transmissions use shift-by-wire technology and the Hemi V8 also gains a rotary e-shift dial mounted on the left side of the instrument panel’s center stack.

Up to 143 lbs (65 kg) lighter than its predecessor

Four-wheel-drive versions of the 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD pack a BorgWarner part-time transfer case with either an electronic or manual shift mechanism, depending on the model. Another mechanical upgrade on the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty is an all-new, larger 12-inch AAM rear axle.

All 2019 Ram HD trucks feature all-new frames made of 98.5-percent high-strength steel that make them sturdier. Despite the increase in strength and capability, overall weight is cut by up to 143 lbs (65 kg) thanks to lightweight materials used in the frame and powertrain, as well as an aluminum hood.

As for the suspension, the 2019 Ram HD introduces Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks on all four corners that allegedly contribute to “sports car-like suspension for handling and a supple suspension on rough terrain.” Furthermore, both the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are available with a class-exclusive Active-Level rear air suspension with a new Bed-lowering Mode.

Inspired by the Ram 1500 inside and out

Styling-wise, the 2019 Ram HD is clearly inspired by the Ram 1500 both inside and outside. Depending on the trim level, there are six different grille styles available and three headlight designs: halogen, full LED/reflector, and full LED/projector with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).

Inside, the cabin is dominated by the available Uconnect 4C NAV with a 12-inch configurable display. Each trim level is differentiated when it comes to the interior as well. The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.

FCA will hold a live webcast of the Ram press conference at the Detroit Auto Show 2019 at 9:10 am EST today, so make sure to stay tuned.