RAM 1500 Warlock 2021 added to Australian range with integrated esky

John Law

Contributor

Nearly three thousand Australians have purchased a RAM 1500 so far this year – and now the range grows with a new Warlock trim

Ateco, the distributor of America’s RAM utes in Australia, has confirmed that the RAM 1500 pick-up range would be expanded with the Warlock trim locally.

The Warlock takes this American pick-up truck to the next level with tougher exterior styling, extra ground clearance, and a smart RamBox cargo system that can double as an esky. Under the bonnet is the same 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre petrol V8 you’ll find in the other RAM 1500 trims.

This Warlock edition headlines the RAM 1500 line-up in Australia as the most formidable ute currently sold at volume. But what is it about RAM that has everyone hot under the collar? It must be something, because over 2,800 Australians have bought a RAM 1500 in 2020.

Size matters, clearly, and compared to the popular Toyota HiLux, RAM vehicles are bigger in every dimension. Even the ‘light duty’ RAM 1500 is 500mm longer, 212mm wider, and 135mm taller – and it can tow an additional 1,000kg.

Also notable is the RAM’s ample tray space, with plenty of room to fit a standard pallet in the back – something only the Volkswagen Amarok can currently do among smaller utes. Obviously, the RAM isn’t directly competing against the likes of the HiLux and Ranger.

Instead, in its home market, the RAM takes on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150, the latter of which isn’t available in Australia.

Most buyers in Australia will be coming out of smaller one-tonne utes though, so these figures are essential. As is the price. The upgrades to the Warlock mean a starting price of $104,450 ($124,242 driveaway). That’s a whopping $27,000 more expensive than the Ford Ranger Raptor, for example.

Going some way to justify the asking price is the engine: a throbbing 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre naturally aspirated Hemi petrol V8. That burbling monstrosity is linked up to a switchable 4×4 system and has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 12.2L/100km. The range-topping Laramie is optionally available with a three-litre turbodiesel V6 offering 179kW/569Nm.

A 25mm factory-fit suspension lift combined with a low-range transfer case for the eight-speed torque converter automatic should aid the RAM off the beaten track.

Other upgrades are mostly cosmetic and extend to a vented bonnet with a power bulge, black front and rear bumpers instead of chrome, black fender flares, smoked headlights and 20-inch black alloy wheels. Naturally, Warlock decals and badging are present, so no one will confuse your RAM for a lesser vehicle.

There is added utility in the shape of the RamBox system. This is standard on the Warlock, but a pricey option on the rest of the range. This can be used as a toolbox – or an esky – and is linked into the RAM’s central locking system. The tubs are securely mounted on the side of the tray, an elegant touch for a vulgar vehicle.

Inside is plenty of American-looking soft leather, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and satellite navigation. Safety tech is sorely lagging, with six airbags, stability control and traction control – no AEB systems to speak of here.

2020 Toyota HiLux Rogue front — The RAM 1500 is challenging established choices like the Toyota HiLux, despite commanding a far higher price.

When discussing this new Warlock vehicle, Jeff Barber, national manager of RAM Trucks Australia said it “is the start of a product offensive that allows us to broaden our audience appeal and continue to grow the official RAM Trucks Australia brand down under”.

There is a whole range of right-hand drive RAM 1500 vehicles offered in Australia, with the conversions carried out locally by Ateco and Walkinshaw performance down in Melbourne. The most affordable is the $79,950 ($86,642 driveaway) 1500 Express Crew Cab, and the bling Laramie sits just above the Warlock from $104,950 ($112,892 driveaway).