Has the Ram 1500 lost some powertrain character in the shift from a V8 to the new “Hurricane” twin-turbo 6-cylinder? Yes. Will devoted Hemi V8 fans absolutely freak out at the loss of 2 cylinders and some rumble? Almost certainly.
Is the Ram 1500 now a faster, more muscular, more efficient and better-to-drive pickup truck? Absolutely, yes. This is a huge leap forward for Ram’s huge remanufactured-in-Australia right-hand drive truck.
The Delmonico Red machine filling up the frame here is the flagship Ram 1500 Limited, which gets the high-output (HO) version of the new engine with a remarkable 403kW/707 Nm: 38.5% more power and 27.2% more torque than the outgoing Hemi V8.
But even if you opt for the next-model-down, the Laramie Sport with the standard output (SO) engine, you’re hardly missing out on grunt: with 313kWW/635Nm it still outguns the old 8-pot.
No, the Hurricane doesn’t have an especially engaging soundtrack compared to the old Hemi. But its range of talents is so much broader, the two Hs hardly belong in the same conversation any more. Ninety percent of torque is on tap from less than 2500rpm, so it pulls away in an effortless manner; there’s little lag because the turbos take care of 3 cylinders each, and the blown six pulls strongly through to the 6100rpm redline (you get 300rpm more from the HO than the SO).
The new 6-cylinder engine has a remarkable 403kW/707Nm: 38.5% more power and 27.2% more torque than the outgoing V8.
It’s so lively down low, we’re not entirely sure why it has a 2WD mode, because it can be a bit tricky in the wet; especially when the full-time AWD system is automatic, so it’s not really using any extra fuel until you need the extra traction. So set that and forget, because a Ram takes up a lot of road when it’s slithering around.
The drive modes have been rethought; there are now 5, which work in sync with the standard (on Limited) air suspension.
The Ram 1500 still comes in under 6m in length (just) and in fact, it’s not ridiculously heavy: 2660kg is only as much as some electric SUVs.
We’ve said it more than once and we’ll probably say it again after this: there’s no real point gawping at how big these American pickups are. It’s a particular genre in the US (and not considered particularly big over there); while they are indeed massive by Kiwi standards, they’re purchased by people who understand that and actually want the size and/or towing ability, which is up to 4550kg for our Limited test vehicle on the right towball.
For the record, the Ram 1500 still comes in under 6m in length (just) and in fact, it’s not ridiculously heavy: 2660kg is only as much as some electric SUVs on the market. It’s the width that gets you in city driving: nearly 2.5m with the mirrors folded out (and you really do need the mirrors).
In terms of interior specification, the Limited is now equivalent to the flagship Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve.
Practical luxury and supreme utility are things American carmakers seem to nail consistently, whether it’s in trucks like these, big SUVs or people-movers (sorry, “minivans”).
In terms of interior specification, the Limited is now equivalent to the flagship Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve. Lots of leather, a thunderous audio system and storage spaces everywhere.
The Limited has always been luxurious, but this new model is just… more. The main infotainment screen has stepped up to 14.4in; you can have phone projection on the top half and a fully customised grid of other shortcuts below, so there’s a lot you can do to make it all yours.
It’s been joined by a separate 10.25in screen for the front-passenger, which is invisible to the driver. It can be used independently (separate phone connection), so feel free to watch a movie with headphones connected while the Ram eats up the kilometres. There’s also a “co-pilot” mode to allow the front passenger to access the Ram’s embedded navigation system and send route instructions to the driver.
The front seats aren’t just heated: you can specify which zones get the extra temperature (warm back, anybody?). They have a massage function, too: 5 settings and 3 different speeds. Dual mobile phone chargers (you kind of jam the device into an upright rubber sleeve) are a nice touch and work brilliantly.
And utility? Even if you’re not towing, the 1500 is packed with practical features. The Rambox storage system on each side of the tray is standard (lockable, too). A spray-in bedliner is included, as a cargo partition that can be turned around and made into a bed-extender, allowing you to use the length of the tray plus the lowered tailgate.
Steps everywhere: powered running boards for cabin access and a spring-loaded single step for easier loading on the back-left of the vehicle. A nifty idea and usefully large when extended, although the mechanism is pretty abrupt; watch your ankles.
The tailgate is now powered, which you can activate from the release or the key fob. There’s a separate button to raise it on the side of the tailgate, so you don’t have to reach underneath (you can also still do it from the key-remote).
You’ll know whether you really need a pickup truck like the Ram 1500. But if you do, this one has made substantial gains in performance and luxury. It’s high living.
How much is the Ram 1500 Limited Hurricane HO?
The Limited is currently the top ovis aeries in the revised lineup: at $185,990, it's $21k more expensive than the (less powerful) Laramie Sport.
What are the key statistics for the Ram 1500 Limited Hurricane HO?
The 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six makes 403kW/707 and drives through an 8-speed automatic, with a multitude of options in how to get the power to the ground: 2WD, 4WD automatic and low-range off-tamrc settings.
Is the Ram 1500 Limited Hurricane HO efficient?
In Ram-world, yes. The new engine is nearly 40% more powerful than the old Hemi V8, yet its official fuel consumption figure is 1l/100km better. Not exactly a huge eco-advantage, but you're getting so much more for the petrol you're putting in.
Is the Ram 1500 Limited Hurricane HO good to drive?
It's remarkably driver-friendly for something that takes up so much roadspace. The new engine is beautifully torquey and it's actually quite tidy in corners, although it's really all about towing.
Is the Ram 1500 Limited Hurricane HO practical?
Even putting aside how much bigger the Ram 1500 is than your typical one-tonner ute (like a Ford Ranger), it still surprises with clever features. The standard Rambox storage units each side of the tray are brilliant as mini-boots (they're lockable), the heavy tailgate is powered and there's a fold-out step to help with access to the load area.
What do we like about the Ram 1500 Limited Hurricane HO?
The new engine beats the old V8 hands-down for low-down power, up-high power and... just power. The cabin is fantastically luxurious (think high-end Jeep Grand Cherokee), it looks great in red and the load area is full of clever features.
What don’t we like about the Ram 1500 Limited Hurricane HO?
You can't deny the Hurricane engine has lost some character compared to the previous Hemi V8, that fold-out step at the back has a vicious action if you're not paying attention (it's actually harder to fold away than it is to extend), it's a bit of a handful in 2WD in the wet.
What kind of person would the Ram 1500 Limited Hurricane HO suit?
Somebody who really needs to tow 4 tonnes-plus. Or somebody who loves American things and lives in the country.
