- RAM introduced the novelty at the ninth round of the 2023 MXGP Championship, run this weekend in Teutschenthal (Saxony-Anhalt).
- At the German MXGP, RAM organized a walkaround to test the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and then an emotional driving on track on the RAM 1500 TRX Havoc with Tony Cairoli.
- The winners of the German MXGP were directly awarded by Domenico Gostoli, Head of RAM & Dodge Brands Enlarged Europe.
The ninth step of the MXGP 2023 Championship saw RAM take on the role of absolute protagonist in front of the enthusiasts’ audience present in Teutschenthal: this weekend, June 10 and 11, the riders competed in the German GP, and on this occasion the American Brand presented the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid system to the European public.
Cradled by the characteristic landscape typical of the Saxony-Anhalt area, the launch captured the scene thanks to the novelty it represents, expanding the vehicle lineup of the RAM range on the market – now including the European one – and the associated customization possibilities. The powerful and high-performing engine, which delivers 305 horsepower and 364 Nm of torque, will be available in Europe on the RAM 1500 Big Horn, RAM 1500 Laramie and RAM 1500 Rebel models: three Brand icons that stand out for their combination of power, durability and state-of-the-art technology.
“We are very happy to be here today, to let the public test the new engine that will soon arrive in Europe. A novelty that reinforces RAM’s presence on our continent and allows us to give continuity to the Brand’s strategy: in fact, it is a high-performance yet more user-friendly engine that underlines the process of convergence and reduction of CO2 emissions.” stated Domenico Gostoli, Head of RAM & Dodge Brands Enlarged Europe, who also awarded the winners of the German MXGP on the occasion.
Concerning competition, RAM in this 2023 is official partner of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team and wishes a quick return to Jeffrey Herlings: the Dutch rider in fact, the team’s leading man, suffered an injury falling on the German track. Meanwhile, in MX2, it was a big first for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Liam Everts who won his first race and first Grand Prix of his career.
3.6-liter eTorque Pentastar V6: details and key points
The eTorque Pentastar V-6 engine provides RAM enthusiasts in Europe with many new features and shows the difference electronic components can make on conventional engines. In particular, the powerful engine, which is capable of delivering 305 horsepower and 364 Nm of torque, offers significant fuel-economy benefits due to the innovative eTorque mild-hybrid system, which replaces the traditional alternator. In fact, the unit is powered by a 430-watt-hour lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite battery pack which, when running, provides a 48-volt current during both launch and gear shifting. The battery can also rely on a 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter to retain a conventional 12-volt starter motor, which gets used for cold starts due to its greater efficiency in extreme temperatures. In fact, one of its main strengths is its fast stop-start functions combined with superior performance. From a fuel consumption perspective, the Pentastar V-6 engine reports a combined fuel consumption figure which is 19% EPA (Environment Protection Agency) lower than the 5.7-litre V8 engine. Its advanced technologies, such as wide-range variable valve-timing and two-step variable valve lift, deliver the optimal blend of power and fuel economy based on the driver’s demand. A cooled exhaust gas recirculation system enables improved fuel economy and emissions performance at higher loads.
Meanwhile, a compression ratio of 11.3:1 delivers an optimal balance of power, fuel efficiency and refinement. Energy recovery from deceleration and braking allow for an increased towing and payload capacity and battery pack recharging. Finally, the additional torque at the crankshaft minimizes noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). This comfortable combination not only enables better fuel management, but also an improved and easier driving experience that appeals to a wider audience. In this way, the Brand is also able to reach a younger audience which is always looking out for what’s new and interested in driving cars that combine great performance with gritty aesthetics—the Brand’s hallmarks. Overall, the eTorque Pentastar V-6 engine offers a better total cost of ownership than its competitors and, not surprisingly, has collected several awards in recent years as one of the 10 best engines and propulsion systems of the year.
The RAM 1500 models that will benefit of the new engine
The innovative 3.6-liter eTorque Pentastar V6 engine will be available on the RAM 1500 Big Horn, RAM 1500 Laramie and RAM 1500 Rebel models, three flagships of the American brand. Uncoincidentally, the latter two represent half of the four vehicles, along with two RAM 1500 TRXs, RAM has provided to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teams to travel with over the season.
The RAM 1500 Rebel is the right choice for anyone looking for a vehicle for going off-road without fear. This is possible thanks to several features of this model, such as the sport performance hood, the coil suspension with 1-inch lift and 9.7-inch ground clearance, the all-terrain 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, the hill descent control and Selec-Speed control (available on 4×4 models). The RAM 1500 Rebel is available with three engines (the 3.6L V6 eTorque engine and 5.7L V8 Hemi which is also available with eTorque engine and with attractive interiors also available with red trim). The aggressive and sporty nature of the Rebel still leaves room for a fantastic driving experience thanks to the advanced technology that characterizes the interior and its numerous monitoring systems.
The RAM 1500 Laramie sets itself apart with its combination of best-in-class performance, payload, luxury and technology, including its huge availability of options and packages, making it one of the best-selling models in Europe. Three engines are available on this truck: the 3.6L V6 eTorque and 5.7L V8 Hemi which is also available with eTorque. The Laramie is also excellent from a technological point of view with a 12-inch touchscreen, remote vehicle start, advanced brake assist, forward collision warning with active braking and various comfort features including heated seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The Laramie model agreed upon in the partnership also includes the night edition package which includes a set of premium features and aesthetic upgrades such as leather-trimmed bucket seats, black interior trim, black night edition badging and heated mirrors.
As for the RAM 1500 Big Horn, the trim includes chrome bumpers, grille surround and header and halogen lamps with optional LED lighting. Sport and Black Appearance Packages give additional options for unique looks. Standard 18-inch aluminum wheels can be upgraded to 20-inch chrome or painted wheels. The powerful model’s interior offers two different customization options: an optional trim package can be added, featuring a closed upper dash door with a Big Horn nameplate badge, a power driver seat and Uconnect 8.4-inch multifunction touchscreen. RAM 1500 Big Horn is available with Black/Diesel Grey or all Black premium cloth seats accented with new interior finishes. Seating in the Big Horn is available in five-passenger bucket or a six-passenger bench seating options.
The 3.6-liter eTorque Pentastar V6 engine-powered RAM vehicles will be marketed in Europe by AEC & KWA networks, which have once again taken up the role of International Commercial Partners of RAM this season.
An unforgettable day for RAM
The European launch of the new engine tied in with another weekend to remember at RAM. The American Brand in fact is official partner of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team in this 2023.
Alongside the competition, RAM organized a fantastic double experience for participants: first a walkaround that allowed attendees to test drive a RAM 1500 Big Horn with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid system and unveil every detail of this motorization.
Then, an emotional driving in the company of Tony Cairoli – from this season KTM’s Team Manager – with a test drive on the race track aboard the powerful RAM 1500 TRX Havoc and a “meet and greet” with fans. A meeting that highlighted the unity of ideals and souls between RAM and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team.
RAM’s dual sponsor role during the 2023 season
Product innovation has allowed RAM to shine in Germany, but the Brand is no stranger to the spotlight this season, given its role as a “dual partner” this 2023. In fact, the American Brand this season is a partner of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, providing them with four RAM 1500s for traveling during the season’s races: two RAM 1500 TRX models, one RAM 1500 Rebel, and one RAM Laramie.
At the same time, RAM is an official partner of the MXGP Championship for this 2023: the American Brand will therefore present on the racing circuits in all the championship’s stages with RAM vehicles strategically located on-site at the events, along the track and around the paddock; the Brand will also be there at all the structural and media elements relating to the organization of each event. A special factor in terms of visibility was the restored MXGP and MX2 qualifiers on Saturday: the U.S. Brand is their main sponsor, so much so they are known as the RAM Qualifying Races.
