Gone are the days when diesel trucks were plain workhorses with few bells and whistles. Sources say we can expect to see significant safety features on the 2020 Ram 1500 that will be equipped with the third generation EcoDiesel.
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America’s love affair with trucks appears to be continuing. The Detroit Three are continuing to focus their attention on improving the vehicles in the truck segment and outfitting the bigger vehicles with most, if not all the safety systems found on the higher end pickups. A source reaffirmed to me today that they expect the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel to be outfitted with the safety features that truck drivers want to improve their level of confidence while driving.
Recently Ram released more information about the 2020 Ram 1500 equipped with the all-new third generation EcoDiesel V-6. While most of the information focused on the attributes of the EcoDiesel. The new third generation engine will give the 2020 Ram 1500 the highest half-ton diesel torque. It will produce 480 lb.-ft. of torque and the highest half-ton diesel towing capacity of 12,560 pounds.
Later in the information, Ram includes the line, “Giving maximum effort all day, every day with confidence, the Ram Truck lineup steps forward with the full force of modern capability providing confidence-inspiring features and class-exclusive vehicle safety.”
Suite of Active Safety Systems Expected in 2020 RAM 1500
Ram insiders are not confirming exactly which safety features will be included, but several are widely expected. The EcoDiesel V-6 will be available on all 2020 Ram 1500 trim levels. Ram has promised that the 2020 Ram 1500 will be a benchmark for technology and that includes many of the safety features. Information about the 2020 Ram 1500s says “Active safety and security systems include adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind-spot Monitoring and Ready Alert Braking. Class-leading ride and handling is accomplished via a class-exclusive link-coil rear suspension system with optional Active-level four-corner air suspension.”
The optional class-exclusive air suspension will enhance fuel economy, improve ride control and improve off-road handling and capability. The truck will also feature automatic load leveling which will make the truck safer and easier to manage. The air suspension will also help improve fuel economy.
Watch Torque News report on 2020 Ram's towing safety and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube channel for daily Ram and automotive news analysis.
Technology to Improve Safety
The new Uconnect 4C with a massive 12-inch touchscreen can also be seen as a safety feature. It leads the pickup world in technology, featuring split-screen capability, 360-degree camera views and exclusive content from SiriusXM with 360L. The 360-degree camera views help the driver see what is around the vehicle so they can avoid obstacles. The cameras also help the driver see what is happening in the truck bed and if there are problems with load-shifting.
The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2019. Ram is expected to detail exactly what safety features will be on board or available closer to when it debuts. Pricing and fuel economy ratings will also be announced closer to the truck’s sale date.
The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel V-6 will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly plant in Michigan, alongside the other versions of the 2020 Ram 1500, so it is fair to expect that it will have the same safety equipment as the other Rams.
I'm convinced that Ram will have more safety technology to announce as we get closer to the release date. The Detroit automakers appear locked in a game of trying to top one-another when it comes to improving what is offered on the trucks to appeal to buyers. Ram has been winning awards for its major improvements, so I'll bet there are significant ones on the way.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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