2015 Ram HD Models Claim Best-in-Class Power, Towing and Payload

In a never-ending jockeying for position, Ram officially planted its flag at the top of the power, towing, and payload capacity summit. As reported earlier, Ram was the first of the Detroit Big Three to adopt the Society of Automotive Engineers J2807 protocol for determining maximum tow ratings for its full-size and heavy-duty trucks. Now we have numbers to back these claims up. 

Starting with the range-topping 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel engine, power numbers have been bumped up 15 lb-ft of torque to a staggering 865 lb-ft. The Ram 3500 continues on with its claim of being able to tow 30,000 pounds but now payload capacity climbs to 7,390 pounds. Then there’s the Ram 2500, which holds a best-in-class 17,970 pounds of towing capacity. When paired with a 6-speed manual, the Cummins engine is good for 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the 68RFE 6-speed automatic gearbox pushes power to 370 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. To squeeze out every last bit of muscle from the Cummins, an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission is also available and is good for 385 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque as stated above. 

Also: The Class of 2015 — New Vehicles Ready to Roll

Hemi V8s also offered

Gas-powered options for Ram’s heavy-duty lineup include Chrysler Group’s 6.4- and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engines. The 6.4-liter V8, in this application, boasts best-in-class horsepower (410) and torque (429 lb-ft). The 5.7-liter V8 isn’t a slouch with a rating of 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 66RFE 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.7-liter V8 engine.  

The first 2015 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are set to begin rolling off the assembly line later this week. We’re interested to see how crosstown rivals Ford and Chevrolet respond to Ram’s claims but, until then, check out our recent experience with the 2014 Ram Power Wagon, which utilizes the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine. 

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