10 · WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018
While this “production preview” is a concept, it’s
close to the actual vehicle that will be built for the
2019 model year. The Aviator, with three rows of
seats, is a key model that fills the void between
the smaller MKX and the all-out flagship Lincoln
PLUG-IN HYBRID OPTION
Source: Lincoln
Navigator. Built on a rear-wheel-drive
platform, it will be available with a
twin-turbocharged engine and
with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
No other powertrain options
have been announced.
JEFF MELNYCHUK/WHEELBASEMEDIA.COM
New SYNC system
prompts drivers to react
to situations. For exam-ple,
when the Aviator
needs refueling, the nav
system automatically
calls up a map of filling
stations.
“Phone as a Key”
uses the driver’s
smartphone to lock
and unlock the
Aviator, open the
trunk and start
and drive it.
Wireless charging and wireless
Internet access
are standard.
Inspired by flight, designers attempted
to make the Aviator look “streamlined.”
Cameras scan the road
ahead so that the new
Suspension Preview
Technology can adjust for
upcoming road conditions.
At this point, Lincoln is only referring
to a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6.
For the plug-in hybrid model, the
V-6 takes over when the batteries
run down. There are no other specs
as of this writing.
NO MORE KEY FOB
SLEEK . . . AS MUCH AS A BOX CAN BE
Status: Carries over for
2019, all-new model arrives for
2020.
Summary: For truckers
needing to tow up to 31,200
pounds of trailer weight, or
haul up to 7,390 pounds of
cargo, the Ram HD series can
deliver.
The base engine is a
383-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8
(a.k.a. Hemi), while the 6.4-li-ter
version steps up with 410
ponies.
But the top HD performer
is the six-cylinder Cummins
turbo-diesel, available in three
grades.
The tamest is rated at 350
horsepower and 660 pound-feet
of torque, while the inter-mediate
delivers 370/800.
For maximum grunt, the
385-horse version lays down
900 pound-feet.
The Cummins is matched to
a six-speed manual transmis-sion
(the only shift-it-yourself
in its class), or a six-speed
automatic.
The V-8 engines perform
with the six-speed auto box
only.
For maximum towing, a
coil-sprung rear suspension
with air bladders is available
for 2500 models, while the
3500 uses optional air springs
integrated into the existing
leaf-spring suspension.
The available four-wheel-drive’s
disconnect feature
disengages the forward drive-shaft
from the transfer case
when not needed, thus slightly
increasing fuel economy while
reducing drivetrain wear and
tear.
The top-line Ram Tungsten
Limited combines superior
towing/hauling capacity with
the latest in luxury and tech-nology
content.
Specifications
Base price (including
destination): $34,350
Type: Two- /four-door heavy-duty
pickup
Engines (h.p.): 5.7-liter V-8
(383); 6.4-liter V-8 (410);
6.7-liter I-6, turbo-diesel (350,
370, 385)
Transmissions: Six-speed
manual (std. with turbo-die-sel);
six-speed automatic (opt.
on 6.7, std. with 5.7, 6.4)
Drivetrain: Rear- /
four-wheel-drive
Base mpg (city/highway/
combined): n/a
Base weight (pounds):
5,300
Ram HD
Status: New for 2019
Summary: The dramatic redesign of the Ram 1500
includes plenty of features, performance and towing-and-hauling
work ethic. The most noticeable change is in front,
where there’s a new grille, aluminum hood and a more
steeply raked windshield that improves aerodynamics.
Maximum payload and towing capacities have increased
to 2,300 and 12,750 pounds, respectively (previously 1,880
and 10,620). An optional air-suspension system can raise or
lower ride height and keep the truck level when loaded.
The extended-length Quad Cab and four-full-door Crew
Cab bodies are the only offerings, but Ram will offer a
regular-cab version for fleet customers. Engine availability
consists of a 305-horsepower V-6 and a 395-horsepower
V-8. Both use eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The V-6’s torque temporarily increases by up to 90
pound-feet with a belt-driven 48-volt “eTorque” motor/gen-erator.
This mild-hybrid system replaces the traditional al-ternator
and uses a lithium-ion battery to add power under
acceleration. The same system adds up to 130 pound-feet
more torque for the V-8, but it’s optional. The turbo-diesel
V-6 is expected to return later in the model year.
Specifications
Base price (including
destination): $33,400
Type: Two- /four-door pickup
Engines (h.p.): 3.6-liter V-6 (305); 5.7-liter V-8 (395)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear- /four-wheel-drive
Base mpg (city/highway/combined): 19/26/22 (3.6, 4x2)
Base weight (pounds): 5,300
Ram 1500
RAM 2500
RAM HD DASH
RAM 1500