Is this the Next Generation 2019 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4×4 EcoDiesel Prototype? [Spied]

2019 ram 1500 diesel ecodiesel prototype spy mega cab
2019 Ram 1500 prototype (by Zach M.)

This camouflaged Ram 1500 prototype was caught in Indiana, but Zach M.  Thank you Zach for sending these images to us!  While this is not the first time this prototype has been seen in the wild, Zach did confirm a distinctive turbo-diesel “EcoDiesel” exhaust sound emanating from this truck.

According to this article from Allpar, the next generation Ram 1500 (aka. “DT”) will go into production in January of 2018 as a 2019 model. When will the company officially unveil the new truck? We do not have official information on this, but the 2017 State Fair of Texas or the 2017 LA Auto Show are likely venues.

Many aspects of this prototype are interesting and noteworthy. The camouflage makes it look like the truck has a stretched crew cab, aka. “Mega cab” in Ram speak. Is that really the case, or is the masking specifically designed to exaggerate the size? Ram is obviously switching from the current 5-bolt hubs to a 6-bolt setup. The front hubs on this truck suggest that it’s a 4×4.

These images do not reveal much about the interior, but it appears the truck is using upscale steering wheel and other components with Chrysler logo and branding. Will Chrysler sell its own version of the Ram 1500 pickup truck? This is unlikely. Also, is that a gigantic (approximately 21-inch or 27-inch) computer monitor near the center of the dash? This truck has a lot of testing equipment attached to it. Don’t expect a 21-inch navigation screen in the production truck.

Which engine will the “DT” Ram 1500 use? Clearly, Ram is still working on a turbo-diesel version. The gasoline Pentastar V6 is likely to be updated and remain in the lineup. We surely hope that the 5.7L HEMI V8 will stay. There are rumors that it’s going away. This platform may also give rise to the enticing Ram Rebel TRX with a supercharged HEMI V8. If produced, it will be a 2020 or a 2021 model.

We think that Ram should consider using an eHybrid gasoline/electric system, similar to the one that is currently in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

Here is a Ram 1500 HEMI V8 taking the Ike Gauntlet extreme towing challenge.