Ram Truck to Continue Selling Existing Legacy Model with ‘Classic’ Badging for 2019
Ram Truck have announced that they will be concurrently selling two different body styles of its 1500 half-ton pickup for 2019; the all-new 5th generation 1500 that was debuted earlier this year and the older 4th generation legacy version that will receive a new ‘Classic’ moniker. Ram says they will be offering both models throughout its North American dealers for the entirety of the 2018 calendar year. Head of the Ram brand Mike Manley was quoted as saying “As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn’t want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market. Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers.” The Ram 1500 Classic will continue to offer many exclusive features including a unique link-coil rear suspension, the RamBox bedside storage, hidden bins and a flat-load floor. The new ‘Classic’ badging will be located on the fenders of the truck which will be offered in five trim levels including ST, Tradesman, Express, SLT and SSV (Special Services Vehicle). Two new packages will be offered on the Classic models including SXT Plus which is offered on the ST trim and includes chrome bumpers, body colour front fascia, fog lamps, dual exhaust on the V8 models and 20-in. chrome wheels. The other new package is the Express Blackout Package which includes Black wheels, headlight bezels and Black badging. The Classic will still be available in the same cab and bed lengths including Regular, Quad and Crew Cabs with 8-ft., 6-ft. 4-in. or 5 ft. 7-in. beds. Available in either 4×2 or 4×4, the engine offerings for the classic will start with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or 5.7L HEMI V8 with the optional 3.0L EcoDiesel becoming available at a later date. The Ram Classic will become available in the fourth quarter of 2018.
