Spied: 2018 Ram 1500 Extended Mega Cab?
From the looks of the Rams running around Michigan, the next-generation half-ton models are likely to offer more variations and styles than ever before. Our spy shooters caught some Mega-Cab-looking, long-wheelbase versions that have us wondering what Ram has up its sleeves. Could there be some sort of alternative split tailgate or sliding rear doors under all that padding? Here's what they sent us:
"We recently got our first look at the initial test mules for the next-gen Ram 1500 pickup. This test truck gets an interesting camouflage setup, covering strategic portions of the modified body of a Ram 1500 to give it a type of 'Mega Cab' look.
"The camouflage seems devised to hide the dimensional changes in store for the next-gen Ram 1500. The cab design and wheelbase look significantly larger and longer than the current truck, with what looks like riveted sections adding length to increase the passenger compartment volume.
"A close look at both the black and red mules shows a riveted seam in the roofline above the crew cab's rear door as well — which will likely result in a larger door opening and more rear-seat cargo space. The area around the truck's B-pillar is also heavily camouflaged, with the vinyl camo covering a good portion of the front door. It appears that more space has been added in front of the B-pillar as well. The tailgate, C-pillar and rear window are also heavily disguised. The overlay could hide signs of increased width to go with the longer, more spacious cab design.
"Inside, this first mule has camouflage panels in place to cover the dash, but we managed to catch them flipped back. While the majority of the switchgear looks to be populated by parts from the current Ram, the test truck is outfitted with the steering wheel from the new Chrysler Pacifica minivan. This detail could further solidify this test truck as a mule, which will use the new wheel to integrate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' latest infotainment technology.
"The next-gen Ram is expected to make use of more mixed and matched lighter-weight materials, likely to provide some kind of weight savings (for better fuel efficiency) with the longer and wider pickup. The use of more exotic materials could allow Ram to better compete with the all-aluminum Ford F-150.
"In July, FCA announced it would be ending production of the Chrysler 200 sedan and embarking on a $1.48 billion overhaul of the Sterling Heights, Mich., assembly plant. The plant will become a body-on-frame manufacturing plant to build this larger next-gen Ram. The existing Ram production facility will then switch to building Jeeps once the current-generation Ram's production runs out.
"We're hearing the next-gen Ram 1500 is expected to reach the market in late 2017 as a 2018 model. The all-new Ram heavy duty, likely a 2019 model, will follow along one year later."
KGP Photography images
Comments
And the annual race to [try and] catch Ford begins !!
Dodge. Catch up with Ford. You're about 4 years behind...
Gm way behind too, the numbers on the new powerstroke are out of this world, and the test drives confirm the new stroke is a beast, chevy will catch up in about 5-6 years, while staying behind Ford at number 2....
If Ram changes their front end, I would really like the truck, thats the only thing I hate
Gm way behind too, the numbers on the new powerstroke are out of this world, and the test drives confirm the new stroke is a beast, chevy will catch up in about 5-6 years, while staying behind Ford at number 2....
If Ram changes their front end, I would really like the truck, thats the only thing I hate
Posted by: Nitro | Aug 4, 2016 9:32:17 AM
HAHA play catch up with ford? GM has been behind in numbers as far as engine HP and TQ go but always manage to stomp ford in the test/showdowns with lesser HP and TQ
RAM MAN you're correct. GM often times wins with the supposedly weak 6.0 gasser. Down on power but still pulls better than Ford or Ram. Guessing it's tranny programing.
Ram, you have never driven all of them in the real world on construction sites, or you would not say that, I dont go by what someone tells me, I go do it and find out for myself....
And the annual race to [try and] catch Ford begins !!
Posted by: redbloodedxy | Aug 4, 2016 8:59:44 AM
redbloodbonehead is right, ever since the Ford brake recall Ford is harder to catch....they can't stop those F150 POS!
HAHA play catch up with ford? GM has been behind in numbers as far as engine HP and TQ go but always manage to stomp ford in the test/showdowns with lesser HP and TQ
Posted by: RAM MAN | Aug 4, 2016 9:45:04 AM
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2014/08/ultimate-one-ton-hd-challenge-milford-hill-climb.html
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2014/08/ultimate-one-ton-hd-challenge-davis-dam-acceleration.html
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2014/08/ultimate-one-ton-hd-challenge-eisenhower-pass-hill-climb.html
Raman, would you mind pointing out the stomping please. I am having a hard time seeing the stomping you speak of.
Noted at other sites who ran these same pictures days ago... Dodge/Ram has never used 6-lug wheels on their half tons (always been 5) - this mule has 6 bolts per wheel.
You would thing the KGP guys would overlay a current Ram onto their spy photo and not have to speculate on wheel base, cab size etc...lazy or maybe they did and nothing has changed and then they would not have a story...
and not sure what they mean by "larger and longer wheelbase"?
Ram is already 300lbs lighter then a F-150, just need to update their motors..
Looks like a Chrysler Steering wheel.
Maybe that's gonna be one of fiat truck.
My name is Tony. That's why I like to drive a Fiat Ram. I also have plenty of tools and im a mechanic.
A mega cab in 1/2 ton config could make a lot of sense. Usable space behind seats is wise and probably would sell to some degree. Probably better than the current mega cab offered on only 3/4+ models.
The crazy fancy split rear opening back idea... always sounds better than it turns out to be and probably a turkey of an idea.
Raman, would you mind pointing out the stomping please. I am having a hard time seeing the stomping you speak of.
Posted by: LMAO | Aug 4, 2016 10:50:39 AM
Taking into account the HP and TQ that FORD "alleges" to have packed inside their powerstrole, i'd say GMC stomped it.
The proportions look like a Ridgeline, the bed is way to short for that cab length. Just looks weird.
Taking into account the HP and TQ that FORD "alleges" to have packed inside their powerstrole, i'd say GMC stomped it.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Aug 4, 2016 12:11:47 PM
Not really considering they are pulling 21000 lbs. The Ford 6.7L was a head of the 6.6L in everything. Don't get me wrong, the 6.6L is a great engine but it did not stomp the Ford 6.7L. However the real stomping was to the Cummins.
At least FCA is putting money into the harder working vehicles.
I would like to see FCA produce better products. This is harder with little money.
Will be better then anything Ford has that's for sure.
You have to remember GM HD trucks are lighter , dainty trucks not made for real work.
Hmm.......sliding rear cab doors. A patent search turned up that Chrysler applied for a patent for such a thing.
http://www.google.com/patents/US6286260
Ram needs to loose the straight exhaust out the back, one of the things I don't like.
Read a story once that commented on exhaust exit that made some sense. For the folks that do a lot of towing such as a camper, horses, etc, going over a longer haul, last thing you want is exhaust blowing straight back at what you're hauling, horses... Not only fumes but the film it'll leave..
Are RAMs hacked proof?
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/car-hackers-say-theyve-hijacked-jeep-brakes/ar-BBvh3mU?li=AA4ZnC&ocid=spartandhp
A Ram 1500 megacab with a long bed would be awesome. But then again, would it have enough power to do its work?
What's the good thing about Fords?
They come out of the factory with the problem circled!
@Lionel: did you even read what you posted?
@Supercrew02: although the dual exhaust straight out the back is an option not all models have, I believe on the top of the line trucks it is not an option.
I totally agree, they should make it at the very least optional to all, and consider totally getting rid of it.
..... and in other news, Ford is just now stepping to the plate with a small diesel F-150.
Who's playing catch-up?
Wonder what year it will be when Ford finally figures out how to make a suspension ride good, on the 2015 and up models?
I see they're upping the power on the Super Dutys, playing a little bit of catch-up there.
Bigger than ever. When will it all end? These things won't be trucks any more, they'll be buses with an open back porch.
Since everyone has asked for proof at how GM has out performed Ford here you go.
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2010/08/2010-hd-best-overall-threequarterton-diesel-truck-srw.html
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2014/08/ultimate-one-ton-hd-challenge-and-the-winner-is.html
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2011/08/2011-heavy-duty-hurt-locker-best-overall-heavy-duty-pickup-truck.html
There is 3 articles that show what I claimed above and you all jumped all up and down. I drive all them at work and can honestly say they all have their place. Right now I drive f350 and pull 12k boat 1,000s of miles a month. The 6.7 is awesome but the tests on this site show what I claimed.
If I'm not mistaken all these test were conducted before Ford made the turbo changes to the 6.7 which made a world of difference in how the motor breathed and put power to the pavement. The 11 to 14 trucks all have the air capacity strapped turbo...
Maybe the 6 lugs are a sign ram is finally going to add capasity to its half ton trucks. I own one and it's been a great truck but the cargo and towing weights have always lagged behind the other competitors
Could this be a rear sliding door that opens to a 2nd AND 3rd row of seating? Not sure how I feel about a cararam...
not new here ram is dead that a fact
Too much cab for for me; perfect for the suburban truck crowd.
The only truck out there with decent metal chromed bumpers. Something that Toyota can't do.
Seems to me the Lincoln pick up has a split tail gate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBdDIAtM7C0
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