A development model for the redesigned Ram 3500 HD pickup has been spotted in Colorado, giving us our first look at the updated design and redesigned cabin. More importantly, insiders suspect that the troubled Aisin transmission and notoriously unreliable Chrysler 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission mated to the Cummins 6.7-liter inline-six turbodiesel will be replaced with a far smoother and stronger ZF transmission.

2024 Ram 3500

Basic RRP

49,980 USD

Motor

6.4 liter V8 petrol engine | 6.7L I6 turbo diesel

PS

410 hp (V8) | 370 hp (I6 diesel) | 420 hp (high-performance I6 diesel)

With a stronger transmission, the engine is rumored to offer more torque and better fuel economy. At the lower end of the scale, the 6.4-liter truck-specific Hemi V8 is rumored to last a little longer. MoparInsidersbut only in these heavy-duty vehicles; the 1500 Classic and its Hemi are dead.

Subtle styling updates

The 2025 Ram 1500 was unveiled in November last year. In addition to losing the V8 engine, the pickup also came with a refined design that included narrower headlights. This treatment appears to be earmarked for the HD range as well, with camouflage patterns concealing narrower lighting units and a redesigned grille, likely with new mesh patterns. The shapes of the hood, fenders, doors, mirrors and roof appear to be unchanged.

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The placement of the roof lights and badges on the hood also haven’t changed, but at the rear, the taillights get new graphics. The tailgate appears to be identical to the 2024 model, as does the chrome rear bumper, but this isn’t an entirely new generation, so subtle changes make sense. We expect similar changes to the Ram 2500, providing a unified family look.

Improved infotainment

Our spies were allowed to snap a single image of the cabin, but there’s plenty to explore. This is the Laramie trim, hence the nice upholstery and contrast stitching. We can also see some wood trim above the center air conditioning vents, but the important details relate to the center console. The vertically aligned display appears to be similar in size to the current model’s 12-inch touchscreen, but the three buttons along the top (for lane assist, hazard lights, and traction control) appear to have been removed.

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Hopefully these have been moved to the driver side of the screen rather than as a widget on the touchscreen. Thankfully, the volume and radio tuning controls have been retained, and in a pleasant surprise, additional controls and physical buttons appear at the bottom of the screen. Expect more details to emerge in the next month or two, with a reveal coming before the end of 2024.

Source:
CarBuzz Photographers, Heavy Duty HEMI V8 Sequel Rumor via MoparInsiders