As Ram edges closer to launching its all-new 2019 Ram 1500 with a new body design, the automaker has decided to continue selling its former and popular body style that has endeared Ram fans for years.
Ram says it will offer both the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, with the more familiar legacy body style known internally as the ‘DS’ model, and the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 (‘DT’) at its North American dealers through the 2018 calendar year.
And for those that prefer the truck’s “Classic” design, it’s a win-win, as the 2019 models will be priced lower than those with the new exterior design.
“As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn’t want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand — FCA. “Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers.”
But Ram says just because the 1500 Classic will be targeted at budget-minded truck buyers, doesn’t mean it’s losing its “numerous” segment-exclusive features, some of which are carried over from the redesigned models. The company says the 1500 Classic will boast class-leading ride and handling thanks to a link-coil rear suspension system in addition to RamBox bedside storage, hidden bins and a flat-load floor, and other unique solutions for cargo. New ‘Classic’ badging is located on the fenders.
The Ram 1500 Classic will be offered in four trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, and SSV (Special Services Vehicle). Three new packages will also be available:
- Chrome Plus is offered on the Tradesman trim that offers bundled value content which includes chrome bumpers, body color upper front fascia, 17-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, & carpet floor covering.
- Tradesman SXT is offered on the Tradesman trim that includes chrome bumpers, body color front fascia, 5-inch radio, fog lamps (new to Tradesman), dual exhaust on V8 models (new to Tradesman), and 20-inch chrome wheels (new to Tradesman).
- Express Black Accent Package is offered on all Express trim exterior colors which includes Black wheels, Black headlight bezels and Black badging.
The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is available in three cabs and three bed lengths: Regular Cab with 8 ft. bed or 6 ft., 4 in. bed; Quad Cab with 6 ft., 4 in. bed; Crew Cab short bed (5 ft., 7 in.); or Crew Cab with optional 6 ft., 4 in. bed.
Available in 4×2 or 4×4, other powertrain offerings include award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The optional 3.0-liter Vd6 EcoDiesel will be available at a later date.
Ram trucks come with an unsurpassed five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Truck customers from half-ton to commercial have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability.
The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic will continue to be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Mich.), which has built more than 12.5 million trucks since it started operations in 1938. Regular Cab and some Crew Cab models of the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic are built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.
Ram 1500 Classic will be available in the fourth quarter of 2018.
