For the first time, a full prototype of the upcoming redesigned Ram 1500 has been caught testing, though little is revealed.
The size of the cab is the most intriguing thing about this prototype as it appears to be larger than a crew cab, leaving open the possibility that it is a Mega Cab model. Currently this massive cab configuration is only available on Ram’s HD trucks, but these photos suggest that the brand is preparing a 1500 Mega Cab.
On the Ram 2500 and 3500, opting for the Mega Cab option adds an additional three-inches of legroom compared to the crew cab and there is even storage behind the seats, a formula that the 1500 will likely follow.
Besides the overall size of the prototype, a few other small things stand out. First, it appears, not surprisingly, that the truck will keep its coil springs in the rear end. Up front, Ram’s famous crosshair grille appears to be hiding under the camo, though admittedly it’s hard to make out.
READ MORE: Making the Case for a Diesel Ram Power Wagon
Like its rivals, Ram will target weight loss for its new 1500 to help boost fuel economy and carrying capacities, though apparently aluminum is not part of that strategy like it is at both Ford and GM. Exactly how the weight will be cut from the Ram 1500 remains to be seen.
Under the hood, plenty of options are rumored. An upgraded 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 should remain as the base option offering around 320 horsepower, while a twin-turbo V6 is also expected to join the lineup, though it may not arrive until 2020. A small four-cylinder turbo engine has also been talked about, offering about 280 hp.
The current 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will continue on no doubt, though at the moment, it looks like it may not be revised for the new truck, which would mean there would still be 395 horsepower on tap.
Both diesel and hybrid power is also expected for the new Ram, though the former could be in question. With the current U.S. government investigation into Ram’s alleged use of a defeat device, the future of Ram half-ton diesels is up in the air.
A hybrid system was also announced for the new 1500, though it likely won’t arrive until a few years after launch.
One of the things we’re most interested in is the new split tailgate that many believe Ram is hiding behind the camouflage, allowing you to open just half the tailgate barn-door style. No trace of a fancy tailgate can be seen in these photos, but earlier patent filings brought the design to light and suggested that Ram might go with the new gate design.
The all-new Ram 1500 is expected to begin production in January of 2018 as a 2019 model. That means we can expect a debut sometime before the end of this year, or possibly at the Detroit Auto Show in the beginning of January.
