We are undoubtedly living in a golden age of automobiles, with four-cylinder engines producing as much power as the V8s of a decade ago. Meanwhile, today’s modern V8 engines can churn out absolutely bonkers levels of horsepower and torque, but you don’t need eight cylinders to make envy-inducing power levels.
The first 2016 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty has rolled off of the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico, and the 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six under the hood spins out an incredible 900 lb-ft of torque and about 385 hp. That gives it best-in-class towing and payload capacities, as well as offering the most torque of any mass-produced vehicle ever.
Of course, the first 2016 Ram 3500 HD is a fully-loaded Mega Cab Laramie Longhorn with all the bells and whistles, as well as a dually configuration, shown above. With the dual rear wheels and Aisin transmission, the Ram 3500 RD can tow 30,000 pounds or more using SAE J2807 criteria.
With a two-wheel drive regular cab setup, the Ram 3500 HD can haul a class-leading 31,210 pounds, and both models have an untouchable 7,390 pound payload capacity. In other words, there aren’t many jobs the Ram 3500 HD can’t handle.
Of course all that power and capacity comes at a high price, with the Laramie Longhorn Mega Cab starting at $56,910, and going up from there. If you get greedy and check off every option, you’re looking at spending right around $75,000, making it one of the most expensive pickups on the market as well. But if you’re looking for one truck to do it all, the Ram 3500 HD is pretty much the best option right now. If that’s too expensive though, there’s always the EcoDiesel V6, which can be had for about half the price while still being nicely appointed, and still about half the torque.
There’s nothing like having options though, right?