The biggest surprise with the 2019 Ram 1500 is the fact that it has two available engines (for now) and they both feature the eTorque mild hybrid system, so let’s look at these “new” drivetrain packages first.
The standard engine in most of the 2019 Ram 1500 trim lines is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with the eTorque hybrid system. Yes, a hybrid engine package is standard in the all-new Ram, sending 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque towards the wheels with the familiar 8-speed automatic transmission while also offering improved fuel economy compared to the current V6-powered Ram half-ton pickups.
The eTorque hybrid system isn’t standard in all of the 2019 Ram 1500s, as the 5.7-liter Hemi can be ordered without the mild-hybrid setup, but eTorque is available with the powerful V8 engine. The Hemi still offers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, and like the V6, that power is sent to the wheels by means of the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
When coupled with the strengthened chassis and the lightweight construction, the 2019 Ram 1500 with the Hemi V8 can haul up to 2,300 pounds and tow up to 12,700 pounds.
How eTorque Works
For those who aren’t familiar with the eTorque system, it is not the type of hybrid system that is paired with the transmission. Instead, the Pentastar V6 and the Hemi V8 have a 48V electric motor mounted to the front of the engine, providing extra torque to the front of the crankshaft at points when torque levels are at their lowest. This is why the eTorque system doesn’t technically increase the engine output, as the electric drive system provides 90 lb-ft of torque in the V6 and 130 lb-ft for the Hemi, but that torque isn’t on top of the rated engine power.
The objective of the Ram’s eTorque system is to provide extra power at points when the load on the engine is the highest and when engine-torque levels are lowest. Examples include accelerating from a stop when engine RPMs are low, or when asking for more power at cruising speed when the truck gets to a steep hill. This system never drives the vehicle, but it provides extra torque at various points in the powerband. As a result, the engine uses less fuel at points when it typically uses the most fuel.
Based on seat time in the new Jeep Wrangler with the eTorque system, this mild-hybrid setup should provide the new Ram 1500 with stronger acceleration on the low end in addition to the improved fuel economy. This system will also take any lag out of the pedal response when the automatic start/stop system is engaged.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
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