LOVE THEM OR HATE THEM, there’s no doubt that super-sized US pick-up trucks have struck a chord with Australian buyers.
RAM Trucks reports a record-breaking year, and to celebrate, they’ve introduced a new model, the RAM 1500 Laramie Sport, to continue the dominance of a segment RAM first created back in 2015.
At the end of June, RAM recorded a massive (in every sense of the word!) 1172 retail units sold, up 85.2 percent on the same period in 2022. This record-breaking result brings the mid-year tally for 2023 to 4156 vehicles – a 61.6 percent increase over the same period last year. It also helped RAM Trucks Australia tick over 25,000 deliveries since launch.
Once again, it’s worth noting that in the broader 4×4 pickup category, RAM 1500 outsold Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok – and the Toyota Landcruiser crew cab during June.
RAM is now offering further choice for the customer with the arrival of the RAM 1500 Laramie Sport.
Built off the class-leading Laramie platform, the Sport edition blends a modern intuitive interior with a ruggedly striking exterior.
Outside, the Sport has colour-coded bumpers, grille and mirrors, and fresh design 20-inch alloy wheels. It also comes standard with the innovative and useful RamBox cargo management system on both sides of the tub – ideal for easy access to tools or fill with ice for your own portable esky (bungs included).
Inside, the Laramie Sport features black headlining and black carbon fibre-effect dash inserts, and the following safety and convenience features as standard:
- 12inch Digital Gauge Driver’s Cluster with Full-colour 3D Graphics
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-path Detection
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking (FCW+)
- 360-degree Surround View Camera
- Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist
- LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-plus
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Front and Rear ParkSense Park Assist System
- ParkView Rear Back-up Camera
As with every RAM truck, the Laramie Sport utilises the iconic 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engine, delivering 291kW and 556Nm through a smooth 8-speed gearbox. This legendary powertrain features eTorque technology creating a mild hybrid system which assists the fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and Stop/Start functions.
Importantly, the V8 HEMI also creates the best-in-class towing abilities for the RAM 1500 Laramie Sport, with up to 4.5 tonne max towing available.
The new Laramie Sport is available from 68 dealer locations nationally, in three colours Bright White, Diamond Black and Granite Crystal, and is priced from $136,950 (plus on road costs).
“Australia’s favourite premium full-size pickup truck now sports a new edition,” says Jeff Barber, RAM Trucks Australia National Manager.
“The 1500 Laramie Sport full-size pickup combines all the benefits of a ute with the comfort, space and premium finishes of a luxury SUV. This unique proposition allows a range of customers to travel business class whether they’re towing, on work sites, on family road trip adventures, or even doing the school run.”
RAM Trucks Australia is part of the Ateco Group, the world’s only RAM-authorised manufacturer of right- hand drive RAM trucks. The relationship with RAM Trucks in the USA initially began in late 2013 and continues to innovate to deliver a no compromise, full-size pick-up truck that leads in durability, technology, efficiency and luxury.
All RAM Trucks Australia vehicles are international-spec vehicles, uniquely coded for the Australian and New Zealand markets and the local build process.
RAM Trucks Australia is now the biggest vehicle manufacturer in Australia. With over 1000 new parts on the DS, DT and heavy-duty models, there are significant local supply chain benefits of this fast-growing vehicle segment.