More diesel engine torque and more towing capacity are the highlights of the new 2016 model 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty (HD) pickups recently introduced by Ram Trucks, a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
Topping the list of improvements is a new fuel delivery calculation and turbo boost calibration for the optional Cummins 6.7-liter I-6 diesel engine offered for Ram’s HD pickup line.
Jointly developed by Ram and Cummins engineers, those new tweaks help produce an additional 35 lb.-ft. of torque – boosting the 6.7-liter diesel’s torque output from 865 lb.-ft. to 900 lb.-ft. That’s allowed Ram to beef up the towing capacity of the 2016 Ram 3500 to 31,210 lbs., the OEM said.
Ram also pointed out that its 2016 model 2500 will offer 17,980 lbs. of towing capacity.
Furthermore, to handle that increased towing capacity, Ram said its engineers beefed up the rear axle ring gear hardware on its 2016 models from 12 to 16 bolts on all trucks equipped with the 11.8-inch axle. That additional hardened bolts and stronger material are used in the differential case to assure long-term durability, Ram stressed.
The OEM added that the maximum payload available for its HD pickup line is 7,390 lbs. for a 6.4-liter-equipped 3500 model, or more than 3.5 tons.
Ram noted that the base sticker price for its 2016 model 2500 will be $31,485, with the price tag for its 2016 model 3500 pegged at $31,990. The OEM emphasized those prices not include a $1,195 destination charge.
Ram added that 2016 model 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups will begin arriving in dealerships starting in the fourth quarter this year.
The 2016 Ram 1500 Crew Cab and Quad Cab models will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, MI; a plant that’s built more than 12.5 million trucks since it started operations in 1938.
Regular Cab and additional Crew Cab models of the 2016 model 1500 will be built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico, which is also where the new 2016 model 2500 and 3500 HD pickups will be assembled.
