The trend towards reducing the size or displacement of engines with the aim of lowering fuel consumption and polluting gas emissions has led manufacturers to find solutions to offer a performance close to what a V8 delivers. Ram introduced in the final part of the first half of the year the Mild Hybrid versions of its 1500 model with the electric power-assisted Pentastar engine. On this occasion I will tell you about the outstanding performance of this powertrain and its convenient operating cost by giving more kilometers traveled per liter of gasoline.
So you don’t miss
The firm of the ram configured two versions for this pick up. The appellations are Tradesman and Bighorn; The one that I submitted to a test drive was the second one, which is the one that is positioned as the most complete. The main differences are aesthetic, since, as you will see in the images, it is distinguished by a chrome package that makes it more attractive since this finish extends to the grill, fenders, and running boards.
Its Crew Cab type bodywork is one more advantage in terms of practicality and comfort. The interior capacity is for 6 passengers, but I’ll tell you about it later.
The bed area is covered with a spray-type bedliner that gives you the freedom to carry any type of load without running the risk of damaging the sheeting or paint. It also has led light, 4 adjustable fastening hooks, folding step for the cargo area and can carry up to 821 kilograms. Another advantage is that from the factory it comes equipped with a “hitch” to connect a trailer, a 7 and 4-pin connection for class IV as well as an electronic trailer brake. How you will see the equipment is the most complete.
The wheels, being the versions that are below those that use the Hemi engine, are 18”, with a matte gray finish but they have a great advantage that is reflected in the ride quality: being of a smaller diameter. they can fit 275/65 tires, which, having a higher “face”, filter even more the imperfections of the road and it is clearly noticeable in the city due to the multiple potholes, bumps and holes, but also on the road they give it more rolling gentle.
clear differences
It is in the interior where the judicious staggering between versions and engines that Ram configured for the 1500 is perceived. Unlike the Limited level, which has wood inserts and a piano black finish, for the Bighorn the applications are limited to plastic with an excellent touch. and appearance that stands out in the same way due to the good coupling between pieces. The steering wheel is covered in leather, it has satin gray elements such as the trims on the door covers, the door handles and the frames of the air vents.
Part of the equipment that distinguishes this version is the electrically adjustable pedalboard, which is a great success because regardless of your height, you can place it at the safest and most convenient distance to have adequate contact with the pedals and thus be able to exert maximum force. braking. The driver’s seat is also electrically operated with lumbar support. The center console can be converted into a center seat and it has a three-point seat belt. It is evident that for this there was a reduction in the contact surface of the seats but even so they maintain a good level of comfort. The upholstery is fabric for rough use.
light hybrid
The fact that they have a V6 engine with electrical assistance gives them an advantage over the familiar Hemi V8s in different conditions. During the test drive I covered 342 kilometers, a third of them in the city and the rest on the highway. Without exceeding 130 km/h, with the air conditioning running at all times and without extreme care in acceleration and recovery, the average consumption indicated by the computer was 9 km/l. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs more than 2 tons with a 4×4 drive system with 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD Low and 4WD High modes. The system is capable of sending up to 40% of torque to the front axle while the rear axle ratio is 3.55.
The well-known hybrid set uses a starter generator that is connected by means of a band to the crankshaft, managing to assist the combustion engine in situations such as acceleration, greater delivery of torque or to release it from the operation of accessories such as the air conditioner. Thanks to this system, the power reaches 305 hp and a torque of 269 lb-ft.
Conclution
Ram competes in a better way thanks to a hybrid mechanics that generates more torque and power. Although it keeps its distance from its older sisters, it does not detract from its image and equipment.
Data sheet
• Engine: Pentastar V6, Mild-Hybrid, eTorque
• Power: 305 hp
• Torque: 269 lb-ft
• Transmission: Auto. 8 vel.
