Ram Trucks detailed changes for its 2019 commercial lineup, including a bolder look for its ProMaster and ProMaster City vans and a "Classic" designation for current body style 1500 pickups, which will be sold alongside the newly arriving, redesigned 2019 1500 trucks.
Those latter trucks are all-new for the coming model year, featuring a larger but lighter body that's been aerodynamically enhanced vs. the current 2018 1500. They've also got an available eTorque small electric assistive motor that can be added to the pickup's 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 engines.
Launch photo slideshow of Ram Trucks' commercial lineup update
The add-on eTorque system aids acceleration and boosts fuel efficiency for the gasoline engines, delivering 90 lbs.-ft. and 130 lbs.-ft. of short-term torque to the V6 and V8 powerplants, respectively. The upcoming 2019 Ram 1500 also boasts a maximum payload of up to 2,300 lbs. and max towing capability of 12,750 lbs.
As the new 1500s are on the way, however, Ram will continue building and selling the current—soon-to-be-considered "legacy"—1500 pickup body style through the end of the calendar year as "Classic" 2019 1500s, with special badging designating that on the sides. The 1500 Classic will be offered in Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/ Lone Star, and SSV (Special Services Vehicle) models.
Ram announced three new packages that will be offered on the 1500 Classic, including:
—Chrome Plus available on Tradesman models that includes chrome bumpers, body-color upper front fascia, 17-in. wheels, remote keyless entry, and carpet floor covering
—Tradesman SXT available on Tradesman models that includes chrome bumpers, body-color front fascia, 5-in. radio, fog lamps, dual exhausts on V-8 models, and 20-in. chrome wheels
—Express Black Accent package available on all Express model exterior colors that includes black wheels, headlight bezels, and badging
"As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn't want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market," noted Mike Manley, head of Ram brand at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. "Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers."
2019 ProMaster and ProMaster City
For the new model year, both the ProMaster full-size and ProMaster City compact vans get a redesigned grille up front that brings them closer in line with their pickup siblings. It features a blacked-out look and standout "RAM" lettering in the center.
