Ram introduced their all-new, southwestern themed, 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Edition to applause from the media attending, at the Houston Auto Show this week. Now mind you, the media were mostly from Texas where trucks are king and 1 in 5 vehicles registered are a truck with Ram being a whole lot of them.
Ram will tell you that this truck is the no compromise luxury pickup leading in style, durability and efficiency. In fact, in earning the Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas honor from the Texas Auto Writers Association the last two years in a row, the Laramie Longhorn has become arguably the world’s benchmark for upscale pickup trucks. They look to make it three in 2019.
“The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn is a no-compromise luxury truck that delivers what buyers want most: strength, durability, technology and efficiency,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand. “Wherever you look, whatever you touch, the Laramie Longhorn is filled with more craftsman-like details –including wood surfaces and 100 percent full-grain leather seats – than any other truck in the segment.”
Making the most of premium materials, the Laramie Longhorn is fitted out with Southwestern-design-inspired iconography and loaded inside and out with remarkable features and design cues. Traditionally handcrafted, time-tested wares, such as found in an antique pocket watch, a fine pair of hand-tooled leather cowboy boots or a horseman’s saddle can be seen in the Laramie Longhorn’s wood, metal work and leather work – all authentic and second to none.
On the outside, Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn models are distinguished by a chrome slat “RAM” grille and chrome header surround the premium LED lamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Chrome bumpers, tow hooks and side steps come standard as do wheel flares. Two-tone color options complement the RV Match Walnut Brown. New 20- or striking 22-inch wheels are offered with a variety of matching finishes. And large belt-buckle badging continues to adorns the side of the Longhorn trim.
Inside, the 2019 Ram 1500’s Laramie Longhorn trim showcases the craftsmanship and quality with a segment-exclusive hand-wrapped, 100 percent full-grain leather dashboard, door-panel coverings and armrests in Southwestern style. Throughout the cabin, a new alligator skin embossed covers surfaces, including the center console, instrument panel, seats and door panel inserts.
Other unique details include satin warm chrome accents with a brushed-nickel metal badge flush with the console lid and new wood-burned “Longhorn” branding mark on the upper glove box door giving the Longhorn a well-crafted, high-quality feel and appearance.
Real barn-wood accents are found throughout the cabin. Wood tandem doors on the center console reflect the heightened attention to detail and provide closed storage. At night, the cabin is accentuated with ambient lighting creating a luxurious atmosphere for passengers.
Longhorn interior colors include Mountain Brown/Light Mountain Brown and Black/Cattle Tan full-leather seats with contrast piping. Heated, 100 percent full-leather rear seats and class-exclusive rear seat ventilation is available on Longhorn.
On the technology side the Laramie Longhorn is equipped with a segment leading 12-inch touchscreen featuring split-screen capability for dual-application operation or full-screen single application operation. In addition, it features the award winning (now fourth generation) Uconnect system with 4G WiFi hot spot, exclusive SiriusXM 360L personalized listening experience, SiriusXM Guardian, five USB ports and more.
Mechanically, the new 2019 Ram 1500 offers truck buyers leading-edge innovation with 225 pounds of weight reduction, up to 12,750 pounds of towing capability, payload of 2,300 pounds, next generation class-exclusive air suspension with load leveling and new frequency response damping shocks to smooth the ride plus a lot more.
Ram has introduced the first ‘mild-hybrid’ power plants in the segment on both the 5.7 HEMI V8 and the Pentastar 3.6L V6 engines. Called ETORQUE, it combines a belt-drive motor generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack to provide short-duration torque assist and enable the start/stop function. ETORQUE adds up to 90 lb.-ft or torque at launch on the V6 and 130 lb.-ft. on the V8.
The new Ram is further equipped with a new generation TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission with electronic locking rear differential standard on the 4×4 off-road package.
More information on performance and pricing will be available closer to launch.
Stop by the Houston Auto Show this week and take a look at the 2019 Ram Laramie Longhorn to see how good it would look in your driveway.
