What a bastard: RAM 1500 as 3.6 V6 Pentastar

As if shot out of a catapult – that's how the motocrossers fly through the air on their off-road motorcycles, one after the other. And this round after lap, not infrequently up to 30 meters. A crazy picture that presents itself to the spectators at the stage of the MXGP 2023 World Championship on the grounds in Teutschenthal near Halle at the German Grand Prix. This is about an engine spectacle in the dirt – and that's where RAM's pick-ups are in just the right place.

Because the motocrossers and the original all-wheel-drive vehicles not only embody similar values, but also appeal to a similar audience. An audience that likes performance, but has nothing to do with the boulevard of vanities. Because this is about tackling things. And so it is no coincidence that RAM took the opportunity at this World Championship race to present the RAM 1500 3.6 Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild hybrid system in Europe for the first time. That doesn't just sound like an automotive fringe group, but that's exactly what it is. One more reason to take a look around there.

Sounds strange to Europeans at a length of a good six meters, but that's how it is in the USA: The RAM 1500 marks the entry into the pick-up world of the Dodge sub-brand.

Photograph: Simon Palfrader

Background: The sub-brand RAM Trucks – RAM for short – belongs to Dodge (best known in this country for the Challenger muscle car) and thus to the Chrysler Group. RAM is now part of the multi-mark Stellantis Group and has various commercial vehicles on offer, including the 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 pick-ups, which are getting bigger and bigger as the number increases.

According to this, the 1500 marks the RAM beginner - and yet it is already mighty big. But if you are looking for a US pick-up that is as competent as it is authentic, you can hardly avoid it. Because it has more to offer than just a practical loading area. Because with its 227 kW (305 hp) and 364 Newton meters of torque, it is not exactly powerless, but almost economical. The advantages in terms of fuel consumption are provided by a modern eTorque mild hybrid system, in which a starter/generator engine replaces the conventional alternator. When starting, starting off or assisting with gear changes, the battery with a capacity of 0.43 kWh supplies electricity, with which the electric motor relieves the V6 combustion engine. Compared to the thirsty V8 engine with a displacement of 5.7 liters, this results in up to 19 percent lower fuel consumption.

If you happen to have 30 crates of beer to transport for the allotment garden party: Take the RAM 1500. And even more.

Photograph: Simon Palfrader

That sounds good, but it still requires some bravery at the gas station. According to the manufacturer, even this "small" RAM is satisfied with 13.8 liters/100 kilometers. In view of the 87-liter tank, decent ranges are possible, and the top speed of 170 km/h is also completely sufficient. After all, you move almost six-meter-long, more than two-meter-wide and a good 2.5-ton pick-up through the area. If you like.

In return, you get a real loadmaster for use in the rough. Have you planned a larger celebration with your allotment garden association at the weekend and want to buy the small thing of 30 crates of beer? No problem. The RAM charging space even puts them away. There will also be space for two Euro pallets in the area behind the cabin. And in the interior, the RAM also offers plenty of space for five occupants, who can't complain about too little legroom and headroom.

Yes, there is also an interior – and this is what it looks like. Whether this is really decisive as a purchase argument for those interested in the RAM 1500. We guess: About the same as the fuel consumption of the V6.

Photograph: Simon Palfrader

And above all, it is the right choice for all those who want to go off-road without fear. This is reflected, for example, by the coil springs with 25 millimeters more stroke, which leads to 246 millimeters of ground clearance. The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires in the dimension 33 inches, the hill descent control and the Selec Speed traction control (available for the 4x4 models) take care of the rest.

Thus, the RAM 1500 stands for the further development of the American Way of Drive, combining power with skill and emotion – even if it seems oversized on German roads in its sheer size. Because, of course, you can also treat yourself to a powerful and finely equipped diesel SUV for just under 70,000 euros. But isn't life far too short for boring cars? This is apparently what the motocrossers say to themselves, who continue to fly over the crests of the cross track in Teutschenthal, past the RAM 1500, without regard for losses – as if there were no tomorrow.

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source : Was für ein Dreckskerl: RAM 1500 als 3.6 V6 Pentastar