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Ran across this this evening, appears to be a (chassis, maybe powertrain?) test mule for the 5th gen Rams:
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/08/01/ram-1500-mega-cab-spy-shots/#slide-4005693
Of note for those of you TL;DR types:
-Looks like wheel interchangeability is going away. it has 6 lug axles so it won't be like the 2nd-4th gens that all had the 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern. This is no doubt due to a stronger axle and increased tow/payload rating. This will be the first new Ram since J2807 was adopted, so it will be interesting to see what the specs are.
-While the bodywork is no doubt 4th gen and not what it will actually look like in order to disguise the style, it looks like either the crew cab is getting bigger or maybe they are bringing the mega cab back to the 1500. Or maybe I am just confused by the camouflage and its really just a crew cab. The increased GVWR should allow for this; the towing/payload war may mean that it bumps right up against the (IIRC) 8500lb GVWR limit for 1/2 tons.
-Its hard to tell, but from what I can see of the rear axle, and what appears to be trailing arms from the side it looks like the rear coil suspension will return. I'm glad to see this because I really think the 5 link coil system is a stronger and all around better setup than Hotchkiss leaves. That also means Ram is doubling down on rear coils by incorporating them in a 2nd generation-I am sure they'll return on the 2500s and I am curious to see if the 3500s get them too.
-Interior looks the same (again, not the exterior or exterior that the 5th gen will have, just like I think the JL mules we have seen are), except for the Chrysler minivan (?) steering wheel. I have no doubt Uconnect will return, probably with more improvements or a new generation (2.0?).
-The shift knob is back, which means more ZFs. I am hoping/wondering if the 2nd gen 8HPs (like the 8HP75 and 8HP50) will come in the 5th gens.
-Also, there is now a stalk on the right side of the steering column. Perhaps this means an end to the oft-maligned steering wheel buttons; or to ERS itself to be replaced with a true manual mode that is controlled by a column shifter-esque stalk that can be easily flicked up and down.
-Its obviously wearing the current Limited piggy snout; hopefully they don't extend that down to the lower trims. I've never cared for aftermarket grilles on Rams (they should have the crosshair), but if I bought one with that grille my first mod would be to get an aftermarket crosshair grille.
-I am sure the EcoDiesel will return, probably upgraded for more power/torque. I think the Hemi will soldier on for another 2 years at least like the 5.9 Magnum did in the 3rd gens, but will be upgraded, especially if not replaced. TT V6 option (not in place of a V8 hopefully)? Maybe...
What do y'all think?
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/08/01/ram-1500-mega-cab-spy-shots/#slide-4005693
Of note for those of you TL;DR types:
-Looks like wheel interchangeability is going away. it has 6 lug axles so it won't be like the 2nd-4th gens that all had the 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern. This is no doubt due to a stronger axle and increased tow/payload rating. This will be the first new Ram since J2807 was adopted, so it will be interesting to see what the specs are.
-While the bodywork is no doubt 4th gen and not what it will actually look like in order to disguise the style, it looks like either the crew cab is getting bigger or maybe they are bringing the mega cab back to the 1500. Or maybe I am just confused by the camouflage and its really just a crew cab. The increased GVWR should allow for this; the towing/payload war may mean that it bumps right up against the (IIRC) 8500lb GVWR limit for 1/2 tons.
-Its hard to tell, but from what I can see of the rear axle, and what appears to be trailing arms from the side it looks like the rear coil suspension will return. I'm glad to see this because I really think the 5 link coil system is a stronger and all around better setup than Hotchkiss leaves. That also means Ram is doubling down on rear coils by incorporating them in a 2nd generation-I am sure they'll return on the 2500s and I am curious to see if the 3500s get them too.
-Interior looks the same (again, not the exterior or exterior that the 5th gen will have, just like I think the JL mules we have seen are), except for the Chrysler minivan (?) steering wheel. I have no doubt Uconnect will return, probably with more improvements or a new generation (2.0?).
-The shift knob is back, which means more ZFs. I am hoping/wondering if the 2nd gen 8HPs (like the 8HP75 and 8HP50) will come in the 5th gens.
-Also, there is now a stalk on the right side of the steering column. Perhaps this means an end to the oft-maligned steering wheel buttons; or to ERS itself to be replaced with a true manual mode that is controlled by a column shifter-esque stalk that can be easily flicked up and down.
-Its obviously wearing the current Limited piggy snout; hopefully they don't extend that down to the lower trims. I've never cared for aftermarket grilles on Rams (they should have the crosshair), but if I bought one with that grille my first mod would be to get an aftermarket crosshair grille.
-I am sure the EcoDiesel will return, probably upgraded for more power/torque. I think the Hemi will soldier on for another 2 years at least like the 5.9 Magnum did in the 3rd gens, but will be upgraded, especially if not replaced. TT V6 option (not in place of a V8 hopefully)? Maybe...
What do y'all think?
