Ram locally tunes 2500, 3500 pick-ups in update
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 4th Jun 2018
RAM Truck Australia has introduced its expanded 2500 and 3500 line-up, with updates to the full-size pick-ups headlined by a local suspension tune, improved infotainment, increased equipment levels and an optional larger tub, while price increases range up to $1450.
The six-seat 2500 kicks off proceedings from $139,950 before on-road costs, up $450, while a new five-seat option – including two front bucket seats – adds $1000.
RamBoxes can again be specified, attracting a $4400 premium for either seating configuration. Although the two side-mounted 243-litre lockers are $1000 dearer than before, they are now bundled with a full, secure tonneau cover as standard, which is a $1795 option for other variants.
An optional Sport Appearance Pack – including body-colour bumpers and front grille, black tubular side steps, performance-tuned shock absorbers, black 20-inch alloy wheels, 275/65 Nitto all-terrain tyres, black badging and dark-lined bi-function projector headlights – adds an extra $6600 but can only be had with the two five-seat 2500s.
Buyers can also opt for a 2496mm tub for the first time, which checks in at $140,950 and is 558mm longer than the usual set-up. However, it is only available as a six-seater without the RamBoxes but does increase the fuel tank size to 132 litres.
Meanwhile, prices for 3500 are up $450 for the car- and truck-licence versions, to $144,350 and $146,950 respectively, while variants with the 2495mm tub cost $1000 more.
As mentioned, the revised suspension settings have been developed locally for Australia and “provide a smoother, more comfortable ride quality without impacting on the remarkable towing ability”, according to Ram Truck importer and convertor American Special Vehicles (ASV).
An optional automatically levelling rear air suspension can also be added to the 2500 with 2496mm tub for $4000. It is able to detect load from a trailer or the payload and increase air pressure until the normal ride height is reached, or can lower the rear end by an inch when hitching up trailers.
Inside, a new 8.4-inch uConnect touchscreen infotainment system has been added to the 2500 and 3500, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support plus dual USB connectivity.
Other additional equipment includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, high-beam assist and automatic load-bay lights. Metallic and pearl paintwork incur a $950 charge each.
As before, the 2500 and 3500 are both motivated by a 6.7-litre Cummins turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 276kW of power and 1084Nm of torque.
A six-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission and a switchable four-wheel-drive system with high and low range send these outputs to the ground.
Sales of the 2500 and 3500 have taken a significant hit this year, with 63 examples sold to the end of April, representing a 38.2 per cent decrease over the 102 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.
2018 Ram 2500 pricing*
| Laramie 1938mm tub (a) | $139,950 |
| Laramie 1938mm tub with five seats (a) | $140,950 |
| Laramie 2496mm tub (a) | $140,950 |
| Laramie 1938mm tub with RamBoxes (a) | $144,350 |
| Laramie 1938mm tub with RamBoxes and five seats (a) | $145,350 |
| Laramie 1938mm tub with Sport Appearance Pack (a) | $146,550 |
| Laramie 1938mm tub with Sport Appearance Pack and RamBoxes (a) | $150,950 |
*Excludes on-road costs
2018 Ram 3500 pricing*
| Laramie 1938mm tub - car licence (a) | $144,350 |
| Laramie 1938mm tub - truck licence (a) | $146,950 |
| Laramie 2496mm tub - car licence (a) | $145,350 |
| Laramie 2496mm tub - truck licence (a) | $147,950 |
*Excludes on-road costs
