With a new generation of straight six-powered Ram pick-ups on the way, Australian importer Ateco has announced a runout sale for current V8-powered models.
Along with the end of production of the existing RAM 1500 models, its parent company has promised to cease all Hemi V8 production by the end of 2024, ending more than 70 years of tradition.
"Hemi V8s and Ram Trucks go hand in hand, so now’s the perfect time to grab a future classic,” said Jeff Barber, General Manager, RAM Trucks Australia.
Ram 1500 TRX 2023 review: GVM test
Prepare for the big ute price war! What the Ram 1500, Chverolet Silverado, Ford F-150- and Toyota Tundra can learn from the Tesla Model Y, BYD Seal and MG 4 | Opinion
State of the art Australian manufacturing facility announced! Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra conversion specialist to move all operations under one roof
“The legendary HEMI V8 has been the rock-solid backbone of the RAM Trucks product line-up since the early 2000s, offering unrivalled drivability, outstanding towing capability and, of course, that unique V8 rumble for over 70 years in various incarnations.”
To get the remaining stock out the door, Ram is offering the entry-level 1500 DT Big Horn for $5000 less and covering on-road costs for other trim levels.
The savings include stamp-duty, the first 12-months of registration, dealer delivery costs and compulsory third-party insurance are covered, with pricing as per Ram Trucks Australia’s website.
The Ram 1500's 5.7-litre V8 delivers 291kW/556Nm to all-four wheels, while also incorporating Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system which powers cylinder deactivation and the engine’s stop/start functionality.
All V8-powered versions get 4500kg tonne towing capacity (with an adequate hitch), making them more than capable work vehicles and tourers.
Production of Chrysler hemispherical engines — 'Hemi' for short – has been on-and-off since 1951, when it first debuted on the Chrysler New Yorker sedan.
Production ceased in 1958, before the second generation Hemi was reinstated between 1964 to 1971. The Hemi engine returned for a third instalment in 2003 when it made its way onto the Ram pickup line, though with tightening emissions standards this is almost certainly its final goodbye.
The new Ram 1500, which is already available in the US, is instead powered by a choice of two twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre ‘Hurricane’ six-cylinder petrol engines.
At the bottom end it delivers 313kW/636Nm, 22kW/80Nm more than the outgoing Hemi V8.
The top-end version, known as the 1500 RHO, will sit between the current Limited and outgoing 1500 TRX, with a power output of 396kW/706Nm. It may be down considerably on the TRX's 523kW/882Nm but Ram is likely working on an even punchier straight-six powertrain.
There’s no word as of yet when Australia can expect to see the new class of 1500s or if we will see the RamCharger range-extender plug-in hybrid, which adds a 92kWh battery pack and front and rear drive modules to a 3.6-litre V6 engine.
It’s expected to arrive in the US some time in 2025.
2024 Ram 1500 pricing
All prices are calculated in drive-away
| Variant | Price |
| 1500 Big Horn | $114,950 |
| 1500 Laramie | $137,950 |
| 1500 Laramie Sport | $141,950 |
| 1500 Limited | $156,950 |
.jpg)
