RAM 1500 Warlock tough truck arrives

The RAM 1500 full-size American pick-up has just got a little angrier with the launch of the Warlock.

Priced at $104,450 plus on-road costs, the new RAM 1500 Warlock comes with loads of new kit as standard, including 20-inch semi-gloss black alloy wheels and a one-inch suspension lift-kit for improved ground clearance.

Based on the existing DS-series RAM 1500 Crew Cab (from $89,950), the Warlock is distinguished by a RAM Rebel-style grille, a unique bonnet with GT stripes, black powder-coated front and rear wheel-arch extensions, smoked headlight lenses and Warlock badges and decals.

Other added equipment includes the modular RamBox cargo management system, which features lockable storage units integrated into the sides of the rear tray, complete with drainage holes and lighting, making them perfect for not only work tools but also lifestyle stuff like sodden wetsuits.

The first RAM 1500 Warlock shipments will be offered in flame red, bright white and patriot blue paint colours. More colour options will be offered down the track for the Chevrolet Silverado rival.

The RAM 1500 Warlock cabin comes with leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via an 8.4-inch touch-screen. Satellite navigation is also included.

The RAM 1500 Warlock 4x4 is powered by the brand’s familiar 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine (291kW/556Nm) which generates enough grunt to tow up to 4500kg, with a little help from a trailer brake control system fitted as standard.

However, its tray payload of 820kg is down on most Asian-made dual-cab utes like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. But with high and low range gear ratios and its mild lift-kit, the RAM 1500 Warlock should be a more capable off-road machine.

The new Warlock takes the locally-converted RAM 1500 range to five model grades, all backed by RAM Trucks Australia's three-year/100,000km factory warranty.

“The new Warlock is the start of a product offensive that allows us to broaden our audience appeal…” said RAM Trucks Australia National Manager, Jeff Barber.

“Our unique position as the only factory-endorsed manufacturer of right-hand drive RAM Trucks in the world ensures we have direct factory access to new product,” added Barber.

“No-one can match our factory-backed, OEM-quality product, value and dealer network,” he said.

Despite Australia's overall new-vehicle market dipping in 2020 due chiefly to the coronavirus pandemic, RAM Trucks Australia's 55-strong national dealer network sold 54 per cent more vehicles in the first half of this year.

The next cab off the US truck importer's rank will be the all-new DT-series RAM 1500, in the fourth quarter of this year.