RAM Trucks Australia’s product onslaught continues with the arrival of the new V8 Hemi-powered 1500 Warlock, a seriously-tough addition to the RAM family.
Now swelling the 1500 model range to five different variants, the Warlock is aimed squarely at those who want not only a full-size pick-up truck, but one that comes with extra menace. Read more
A new, powerful and fuel-efficient D90 bi-turbo diesel joins LDV’s large SUV stable, offering unparalleled value-for-money for hard-working Australian families.
“We’re delighted to broaden our offering in the large SUV segment with the arrival of a diesel alternative,” says Dinesh Chinnappa, General Manager LDV Automotive. Read more
Modena, 5 March 2020. Following the “mule” tests, the first full prototype of the new Maserati MC20 super sports car has emerged from the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena.
Maserati has 100% Italian DNA and is in continuous movement: the Brand has identified and selected a series of iconic locations in Italy that effectively convey the “Masters of Italian Audacity” global statement, of which the new MC20 is the first and ultimate expression. Read more
NSW Police Marine Command has taken delivery of another full-size RAM Truck to tow police jet skis and rigid inflatables to locations throughout the state.
A 5.7-litre V8 Hemi 1500 Crew Cab has just clocked on for duty, following an evaluation of multiple RAM Trucks, including the 2500. Read more
The 5000th RAM truck has rolled off the production line in Melbourne, marking a significant milestone in the journey of RAM Trucks Australia.
The Granite Crystal grey 1500 V8 Hemi Laramie adds to an ever-growing carpark of RAM trucks in Australia, helping to cement their position as vehicles with superior capacities and capabilities to any other mid-size ute on the market today. Or, as we like to say, vehicles that “Eat utes for breakfast”. Read more
Since its inception, the Ateco Group, Australia’s largest independent automotive distribution company, has delivered 302,525 retail sales at the end of 2019, breaking through the 300,000 barrier. This result highlights that since the FCAI first started recording vehicles sales in 1991, the Ateco Group has outsold Audi, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus and Volvo among other brands. Read more
The Ateco Group, Australia’s largest independently-owned automotive distribution company, has appointed Paula Miller to the role of General Manager of Network Development.
Paula comes to the Ateco Group from Toyota and Lexus, where she was Senior Manager of Franchise Development.
“We’re delighted to welcome Paula to the Ateco Group,” said the group’s Managing Director, Roger Zagorski.
“A strong, profitable and collaborative dealer network is a critical component of success of any brand, so we’re looking forward to engaging Paula’s knowledge and experience to further develop our dealer networks in support of the significant growth aspirations for our LDV, RAM, and Maserati brands.”
During her 20+ years with Toyota, Paula also held senior positions in dealer development, sales and distribution.
“I’m looking forward to building on the growth of the Ateco Group and the diverse brands it represents, “said Paula. “The automotive dealer model as well as the broader auto industry continue to change and develop, and I’m looking forward to working with the Group’s dealer networks to tackle some of the challenges and to capitalise on many opportunities presented by the current market.”
Based in a $45 million facility in Lidcombe, Sydney, the Ateco Group oversees the distribution of Maserati in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa; LDV in Australia; RAM trucks in Australia and New Zealand; and is the distributor for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in New Zealand.
Modena, 26 September 2019 – In line with FCA’s €5 billion investment program for Italy, Maserati announces its innovation plan for production, electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
With regards to production, Maserati announces plans for its lineup of new and electrified products at Modena, Cassino and Turin (Mirafiori and Grugliasco).
All of Maserati’s new models will be 100 percent made in Italy and will adopt hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems capable of providing both innovation and the high performance embedded in the brand’s DNA. Maserati’s all electric models will combine traditional highly appreciated Maserati driving dynamics together with next-generation battery electric technology, offering unique driving modes, extended range and ultra-fast charging capabilities.
An important step for Maserati innovation is the level of Autonomous Driving. All new Maserati including the updated current models, will offer a range of autonomous driving capabilities, starting with Maserati Level 2 enhanced Highway Assist progressing to Level 3 with hands-off offering close to full autonomy, having the ability to maneuver in and out of lanes or bring the vehicle to a safe stop at the side of the road if the driver is unable to take control of the vehicle.
In 2020, the Company will embark on electrification and the Maserati Ghibli, produced in Turin, will be the first hybrid electric propulsion for the brand.
The first of the totally new Maserati to appear will be the eagerly-anticipated sports car – packed with technology and reminescent of Maserati’s traditional values. It will be produced in the Modena plant, where major production line upgrades are also underway to accommodate its electric powertrain.
Next up will be a new Maserati utility vehicle, set to be built at Cassino and destined to play a leading role for the Brand thanks to its innovative technologies. An investment of approximately €800 million has been earmarked for the construction of the new production line, scheduled to open at the end of the first quarter of 2020. The first pre-series cars are expected to roll off the line by 2021.
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After many years of success, GranTurismo and GranCabrio remain part of the Brand’s roots and these models will herald the full electrification era for Maserati. The totally New GranTurismo and GranCabrio will be produced at the Turin production hub, where FCA is investing €800 million.
Production of the new models will complement that of the prestigious and continuously improving line-up of current Maserati range: Levante, Quattroporte and Ghibli.
With the introduction of various product innovations, Maserati is reinforcing the importance of Italy with regards to its production — particularly Modena, which will also continue to play a strategic role as the Brand’s headquarters.
Construction has already begun in Modena on a paint shop, a new feature for the plant, which will be equipped with innovative, low environmental-impact technologies. The design of the paint shop will also allow Maserati customers to watch their car being painted.
Finally, Maserati is developing an entirely new customization program for customers seeking a one-of-a-kind level of exclusivity. A dedicated customization workshop will be created within the Modena plant.
The 2019-2021 FCA investment plan for Italy, announced on 29th November in Turin, includes thirteen totally new or significantly updated FCA models and electrified versions of 12 new or existing models, including the Maserati products, the recently announced all-new electric version of the Fiat 500 to be produced at Mirafiori, and a new premium vehicle for Alfa Romeo to be produced at Pomigliano.
Modena, 24 September 2019 – This morning, at the Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant (AGAP) where the Ghibli sports sedan and the Quattroporte flagship are built, celebrations were held to mark the production of Ghibli number 100,000.
The car in question is a Ghibli S Q4 in the GranSport trim with Blu Emozione exterior colour and interior in black natural full-grain Pieno Fiore leather. Externally, the Ghibli GranSport features Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights and is also recognisable for the Black Piano inserts on the front bumper, the “GranSport” badge on the front wing, body-colour side skirts, red brake callipers and 20-inch polished alloy wheels. The car is destined for the Italian market, where the Maserati sports sedan has been a great success since its launch in 2013, due to its comfortable ride, exquisite finishes, sporty character and enjoyable driving experience. Thanks to the powerful 430 HP 3.0 litre V6 Twin Turbo engine, the Ghibli S Q4 with Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive delivers impressive performance: a top speed of 286 km/h and acceleration 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
The Ghibli is available with V6 Twin Turbo 3.0 litre petrol engines with power outputs of both 350 and 430 HP. The range also includes the mighty V6 turbodiesel with the same displacement, producing 275 HP. The sports sedan can be customised with a choice of 10 different bodywork colours, including Blu Nobile, a tri-coat colour with sparkling glass flakes in the paint which shimmer in the sun, and five interior colours. There are no fewer than 150,000 possible combinations. The alloy wheels are available in six designs with various finishes, in sizes ranging from 18 to 21-inch.
As well as the GranSport, Ghibli is also produced in the GranLusso trim, with an emphasis on luxury and sophistication. In this case, the interior is by Ermenegildo Zegna and combines Full Premium natural leather with 100% natural fibre mulberry silk inserts on seats, door panels, roof lining, sunshades and the ceiling light fixture. The chromed bumper inserts, body-colour side skirts, “GranLusso” badge on the front bumper and 19-inch alloy wheels with black callipers complete the look for this trim.
Ghibli number 100,000 is a major milestone for Maserati and for the people who work at the Grugliasco plant. Since its launch at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2013, Ghibli has garnered positive reviews in the world’s top motoring journals, and has also found favour with many customers around the globe. The Maserati sports sedan’s main markets are the USA, China, Italy, Japan and Germany.
Since its debut the Ghibli, the first Maserati car to be fitted with a Diesel engine, has benefited over the years from a large number of continual updates covering every aspect of its design and engineering, to constantly increase its market competitiveness. It was at the Chengdu Motor Show in China in 2017 that the Ghibli GranLusso and GranSport trims were presented. New advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were also introduced at the same time. Important new interior features were presented at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed in 2018, including the new gearshift lever with more ergonomic, functional design and the full-grain Pieno Fiore natural leather seats in three different colours, as well as a number of completely restyled internal components.
All the engines in the current Ghibli range (petrol and diesel) are Euro 6D Temp Evap and therefore comply with the latest international emissions standards.
Every single Ghibli that comes off the production line at the Grugliasco plant is meticulously inspected to guarantee impeccable quality throughout the production process, from ‘Body-in-White’ to painting, and from assembly to dynamometer, water and electronics testing. What’s more, every car is road-tested for approximately 40km by a professional test-driver, after which it leaves the production plant for shipment to the customer.
Maserati S.p.A.
Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars with an amazing personality, immediately recognisable anywhere. With their style, technology and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been an automotive industry benchmark. Ambassadors of this heritage are the Quattroporte flagship, the Ghibli sports sedan, the Levante, Maserati’s very first SUV, and the GranTurismo and GranCabrio sports cars. A range complete as never before, with petrol and diesel engines, rear and all-wheel drive, the finest materials and outstanding engineering. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance and safety.
As if its imposing presence on the road and the inimitable rumble of its 5.7 litre Hemi V8 engine was not enough, the 2019 RAM 1500 Laramie will be unmistakable on Australian roads thanks to its new grille and 30 cm high raised chrome badging on the tailgate.
The new ‘high viz’ RAM badging for the 1500 Laramie is the most obvious change to the RAM 1500 model since its launch last year. The RAM 1500 Express has also gained a new reversing camera and the Trailer Brake Control.
“Since its launch last year the RAM 1500 has proven to be the outstanding success for RAM in Australia that we expected, a point proven in February by the Australian production line achieving more than 200 vehicles re-manufactured in a month for the first time,” says Alex Stewart, General Manager of RAM Trucks Australia. “More of a surprise has been the number of people wanting the luxurious top of the range specification of the 1500 Laramie matched to aftermarket performance features such as the sport bonnet and the sports exhaust. In response to this demand we have moved from the tradition RAM ‘crosshair’ grille to the chrome grille with the word RAM emblazoned across its front. Given the performance of the Hemi V8, many people’s first sight of a RAM 1500 will be as it goes past them so, once again, there is no mistaking the RAM 1500, it now has RAM adorning the tailgate in 30 cm high raised chrome lettering.”
The RAM 2500 Laramie now also has the new chrome grille with the word RAM emblazoned across its front RAM as well as embellishing its tailgate in 30 cm high lettering.
Fully factory-supported and backed by 37 RAM dealers across Australia, the RAM range sets new benchmarks for performance and ability while the remanufacturing process in Melbourne is a major source of employment in automotive engineering, design and production excellence both for the RAM Trucks Australian production facility and the Australian component companies that keep the factory supplied with Australian made parts.
Every RAM truck is built specifically for the Australian market with a host of features and equipment from rear lights to the audio system. They are then shipped to Melbourne where they are remanufactured to right hand drive in a factory-approved process that ensures that they have the quality and consistency of the original left hand drive vehicle.
Leading the charge for RAM is the 1500 which at an opening recommended retail price of $79,950 plus statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery places it squarely amongst the Australia Ute market but with decisive advantages from its considerably larger interior and load tray, its market leading towing capacity of up to 4.5 tonnes, a choice of axle ratios and unique options such as the versatile RamBox® Cargo Management System. Not to mention the performance offered by the standard 291 kW Hemi V8 engine matched to an eight-speed gearbox.
Other utes claim performance – The Hemi 291 kW V8 RAM 1500 delivers
Under the bonnet of the RAM 1500 is a legend. The Hemi name comes from its hemispherical combustion chambers which gives an efficient combustion chamber with an excellent surface-to-volume ratio, with minimal heat loss to the head, and allows for two large valves. It was first developed for the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft and M47 Patton battle tank before finding its way under the bonnet of a whole raft American muscle and motorsport cars.
The latest Hemi continues to power racing cars and muscle cars, as well as the RAM 1500 and matches the timeless Hemi design with the latest technology including a coil-on-plug distributorless ignition system, Variable valve timing (VVT) and two spark plugs per cylinder to shorten flame travel leading to more consistent combustion and reduced emissions. Its also now a smart engine to save fuel with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is used in some versions which can shut off two cylinders on each bank under light load to improve fuel economy. The engine bay also features active grille shutters, which only allow the right amount of cool air to enter engine bay. This means more consistent engine temperatures, faster warm up from cold starts and less aerodynamic drag.
When the active grille shutters are closed, airflow is redirected over and around the front of the truck, enhancing aerodynamic performance rather than creating turbulence in the engine compartment. Engine coolant temperature and vehicle speed determine shutter position. The shutters remain closed when less engine cooling is required, and aerodynamic drag is most significant; the system will open the shutters when the truck’s cooling demands require additional airflow, for example traveling up a hill or pulling a trailer in high-temperature environments.
Behind the wheel of the Hemi power RAM 1500 this translates into effortless performance that, thanks to its eight-speed gearbox, is delivered smoothly and efficiently, all the while accompanied by the emotive V8 burble.
Owners will appreciate an innovative rotary e-shift dial for RAM 1500 trucks that controls the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission that replaces both column and floor shifters. The exclusive rotary e-shift dial enables intuitive operation with a direct and confident feel, even with gloves on. The convenient, dash-mounted, easy-to-understand and operate system provides total control of the sophisticated eight-speed transmission and is Ram Truck’s innovative approach to electronic shifters. This new design allows quick blind-shift transitions from “Reverse” to “Drive” when towing or navigating out of mud, snow or busy parking lots and crowded worksites. The new rotary e-shift dial also yields space for more functional and usable storage in the console.
The Ram 1500 features electric power steering (EPS). By using an electric motor to power the truck’s rack and pinion steering system, the engine is relieved from the task of a constantly turning a hydraulic pump, improving fuel efficiency up to 1.8 percent and adding 5 horsepower. Also, the introduction of EPS reduces complexity by removing the previous hydraulic pump, high-pressure hydraulic hoses and cooling apparatus. This greatly streamlines manufacturing and maintenance. With EPS, each Ram 1500 model can be specifically calibrated to optimize steering effort and precision regardless of body or powertrain configuration. Additionally, EPS senses constant input from the driver, for example a crown in the road, and compensates for improved comfort.
The RAM 1500 – Built to tow to the max!
The RAM 1500 is, quite simply, built to tow, with a range of features that combine to make it uniquely capable and safe.
Uniquely in this market sector, the RAM 1500 is available with a choice of two axle ratios. In addition to the 3.92 ratio fitted to the Express and RAM 1500 Black Pack as standard, the 1500 Laramie offers the additional choice of a 3.21 ratio which makes for improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions. It is the ideal choice for the owner who is not planning to take the RAM 1500’s impressive towing capabilities to the maximum.
But this unique feature is just the start of the RAM 1500’s towing features. In addition to the usual swath of electronic safety features, the RAM 1500 adds Trailer Sway Control, Ready Alert Braking and Trailer Brake Control.
Trailer Sway Control does what it says – it works to counter one of the most common problems with towing, a traying weaving behind the tow car. Using sophisticated electronics combined with the RAM 1500’s brakes, it detects and counters a trailer swaying and pulls it back in line behind the RAM 1500, allowing the driver to maintain full control.
Ready Alert Braking has two functions, first if the driver suddenly takes their foot off the accelerator, the brake system pumps up the brakes ready to provide maximum braking performance in the time it takes the driver to move their foot from accelerator to brake pedal. Additionally, in the Laramie, when the automatic rain sensing wipers are activated by rain the Ready Alert Braking system moves the brake pads slight closer to brake disks so that they sweep any water off their surface to ensure maximum, instant braking ability.
The RAM 1500 also has slider controls on the dashboard to control the electric brakes on a trailer or caravan. These also bring up a choice of two readouts on the display screen in the instrument cluster to inform the driver exactly what setting the trailer’s brakes are set.
A not inconsiderable part of the RAM 1500’s excellent towing ability is built on the foundations of its advanced separate chassis and sophisticated suspension which is mounted on it.
The front rails are 20 per cent stronger thanks to the use of high-strength steel while portions of the frame are hydroformed for dimensional accuracy (hydroforming reduces the amount of welding that leads to distortion), and side rails are fully boxed for both strength and durability. The front frame section incorporates advanced, high-strength steel that maintains overall strength and durability and to further reduce improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), new larger body mounts are located on the front frame rails and at the C-pillar.
All of this ability provides the RAM 1500 with capability to offer a class leading maximum braked towing capacity of 4.5 tonnes with 70 mm tow ball in the RAM 1500 Express, the RAM 1500 Black Pack and the RAM 1500 Laramie with the 3.92 axle. The maximum gross combination mass is a mighty 7.2 tonnes with the 3.92 axle and a still hefty 6.2 tonnes with the 3.21 axle. Needless to say, a heavy-duty tow bar is standard on all RAM 1500 versions, as is a 12 pin towing harness plug.
The Ram 1500 uses an exclusive multi-link, coil-spring rear suspension and this innovative rear suspension provides improved ride and handling characteristics with no loss of capability. A coil-spring design centralizes and absorbs bumps and impacts, while reducing the amount of friction in the spring system and it is some 20 kilos lighter than a leaf-spring configuration.
The front independent suspension combines upper control arms, aluminium lower control arms and retuned geometry with coil springs for improved responsiveness and handling while robust ball joints on the front suspension yield greater durability and are engineered with improved sealing methods.
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all Ram 1500 Truck models. The front rotors measure 13.2 inches (336 mm) in diameter and are clamped with dual-piston calipers, while rear rotors are 13.8 inches (352 mm) and utilize single-piston calipers. ABS brakes lead a whole phalanx of electric chassis assistance packages that reduce the chances of a road accidents by a significant margin.
The RAM 1500 is the latest in a long line of Pick-up Trucks that have become legends in North America, but it has taken Australian expertise to make the RAM 1500 fully available in Australia. The right-hand drive RAM 1500 has been designed and developed in Australia and refined for Australian requirements. It is built in North America and then remanufactured on a brand-new state of the art production line in Melbourne. This process means production quality and consistency. An Australian market RAM 1500 is built specifically for this market, imported by the factory appointed distributor, remanufactured to right hand drive in Melbourne and then sold through a nationwide dealer network.
The RAM 1500 is backed by a three year/100,000 km warranty with roadside assistance and requires a service every 12 months or 12,000 km.
The RAM 1500 – ready for Australia
“Our aim has always been that, so far as the customer is concerned, buying and owning a RAM, be it the new 1500 or its heavy-duty brother, the 2500, should be absolutely no different from buying any other mainstream vehicle,” says Alex Stewart, General Manager of RAM Trucks Australia. “This means everything from production line quality and consistency of product, to a national dealer network, a factory supported warranty, through to back up of a full parts and accessory warehouses in Sydney and Auckland that can deliver parts to anywhere in the country within 24 hours.”
“The RAM 1500 resets the ability, value and style benchmarks for the Australian Ute market,” says Mr Stewart. “The 1500 is now having the same dramatic effect on RAM sales in Australia as it has done in the USA, where the RAM brand has enjoyed eight years of consecutive growth. There can be little doubt that the 1500 is making RAM a significant player in the top end of the Australian Ute market.”
