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Noting how competitive a segment the "half-ton"/full-size pickup has become, Ram Truck on Monday unveiled its new 2019 1500, predicting it will earn "a few more 'best,' a few more 'most,' and a few more 'capable' titles" even among this field of increasingly versatile trucks available in the U.S. One of those titles might well be for the most hybrid systems on a full-size pickup.
The 2019 1500's eTorque mild hybrid system improves the fuel efficiency and cranking power of both the available 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 engines. Ram explained that the system combines a belt-driven motor generator with a 48V battery pack and — tapping brake energy regeneration and then applying it during acceleration — can add up to 90 lbs.-ft. and 130 lbs.-ft. of short-term torque to the engines, respectively.
Otherwise, the V6 delivers 305 hp./269 lbs.-ft. of torque for 2019, while the HEMI V8 is rated at 395 hp./410 lbs.-ft.; both will be paired with a new TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic. Max payload for the pickup bumps up to 2,300 lbs. and max towing capacity to 12,750 lbs.
It's a longer (4 in.) and slightly wider (0.5 in.) 1500, which allows for things like better rear-seat leg room in the cab, and higher bed walls at the rear provide about 10% more cargo bed capacity. "Although completely modernized, it's clear that it still speaks to our big rig heritage," said Mike Manley, head of Ram Brand.
Though now a bigger...