2019 Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition offers horseracing-inspired luxury

The Ram 1500 Limited is one impressive car already, considering that it is the range-topping model. Now, the automaker has decided to give it more personality and class while getting inspiration from America’s most famous horse race.

2019 Ram 1500 Limited Kentucky Derby Edition gets some extra amenities. There will also be a slight discount that will come with the new 1500 Limited. The Limited’s normal base price is $53,890 (before destination), versus the Kentucky Derby Edition that has a starting price of $53,190 (plus an extra $1,645 destination charge). In fact, only 2,000 units of this horse racing inspired model will be built by the automaker.

To let these trucks stand out from the rest, there are the rose and horseshoe Kentucky Derby logo on each side of the bed near the taillights. These will also be the first Ram 1500s that will be available in the new Ivory White Tri Coat paint. Buyers also have the choice to go for the following shades: Delmonico Red, Diamond Black Crystal, Granite Crystal, Max Steel, or Patriot Blue.

Other features that have been carried over from the Limited’s exterior include the chrome grille and side hooks. The running boards make it a little easier to get into the truck. The pickups come standard with a set of 20 inch wheels, but there are 22 inch wheels that can be chosen as an upgrade.

Some of its safety features include a trailer switch control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic trailer detection that make hauling even a horse somewhat easier. In fact, the 2019 Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,759 pounds when properly equipped.

Same with the normal 1500 Limited, the trucks have excellent mechanical features. It comes with a 5.7 liter V8 that produces 395 horsepower (295 kilowatts) and 410 pound feet (556 Newton metres) of torque.

This engine works with an eight speed automatic transmission that gives power to the rear wheel, or a four wheel drive system, depending on the buyer’s choice. There is also an auto leveling air suspension that improves handling too. The Kentucky Derby Edition will only be available in Crew Cab body configuration and with a five foot, seven inch long (170.2 cm) bed.

In the cabin, the pickups are dressed in leather upholstery, up front and even in the back. The seats are also heated and ventilated. Leather is contrasted with wood and metal trim that enhances the interior as well. Of course, technology is advanced too with the massive 12 inch infotainment system with navigation dominating the center stack.

The Kentucky Derby is set to take place on May 5 at Churchill Downs.

PRESS RELEASE

Ram Unveils Special Edition Truck to Mark the 144th Running of the Kentucky Derby

The Ram Truck brand today unveiled a limited edition of its all-new 2019 Ram 1500 to commemorate the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby.

The 2019 Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition is fittingly based on the brand’s top Limited trim, and will feature distinctive Kentucky Derby “Run for the Roses” fender graphics.

The May 5 running of the roses marks the Ram Truck brand’s ninth year as the Official Truck of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

“The Kentucky Derby has long been among America’s most cherished sporting events,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand – FCA. “The close ties between Ram trucks and the equine community have led us to the introduction of the 2019 Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition. The Ram 1500 is a no-compromise truck that delivers capability, durability, technology and safety and is well-suited to meet the needs of all kinds of owners, including those who love horses.”

The launch of the Kentucky Derby Edition will also mark the introduction of Ivory White Tri Coat paint and the first time that a body-colored appearance package will be available on the all-new Ram 1500 Limited.

Five additional exterior colors are also available for Kentucky Derby Edition buyers to choose from including Delmonico Red, Diamond Black Crystal, Granite Crystal, Max Steel or Patriot Blue. The Ram Kentucky Derby Edition is available in 4x2 or 4x4 Crew Cab configurations, with a 5 ft.-7 in. bed length.

Key content included with the Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition includes the Ram’s exclusive Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen radio with Sirius XM 360L with navigation, four-corner auto-leveling air suspension, power-retracting running boards, trailer hitch with sway control and blind spot monitor with automatic trailer detection. The Kentucky Derby Edition also includes premium full-leather front and rear reclining seats with heating and cooling, genuine wood and metal trim

The 2019 Ram 1500 is capable of towing up to 12,750 lbs. when properly equipped.

Base price for the 2019 Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition is $53,190 plus $1,645 destination charge.

The Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition is on sale now. Production is limited to 2,000 units.

About Ram Truck and the Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs® and the Kentucky Derby are steeped in tradition and the Ram Truck brand will again be part of the festivities at this year’s 144th running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 5.

In recognition of nine years as the “Official Truck” of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby and exclusive automotive partner, Ram will launch the first truck to commemorate the event, the 2019 Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition.

The brand’s sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs includes immersing fans attending the races, and those watching the festivities on TV, in a total Ram Truck brand experience. Fans will see on-site truck displays, video board integrations, backcountry and trackside signage throughout Churchill Downs, and more. In addition, Ram television spots will run during the NBC network telecast and there will be Derby posts on Ram social channels. Fans can follow the content and join the conversation at hashtag #RamDerby.

About the 2019 Ram 1500 Limited

Exterior: An exclusive-to-Limited corrugated chrome mesh grille surrounds a chrome “R-A-M” badge. Chrome tow hooks, body-side molding, mirrors and door handle accents combine with standard 20-inch wheels or optional 22-inch wheels with painted inserts. Automatic power side steps and body-colored fender flares are also standard. Body-colored bumpers are optional on 2019 Ram Limited models.

Interior: Limited trim also benefits from a segment-exclusive 100 percent full-grain hand-wrapped leather dashboard, door-panel coverings and armrests. Elevating the premium feel further, real aluminum and wood accents adorn the cabin, along with a wood upper glove box door with a metal inlayed “Limited” badge. Uconnect 4C with 12-inch touchscreen is standard. An available 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon system with perforated metal speaker grill covers deliver an opulent sound and design to the cabin. At night, the cabin is accentuated with ambient lighting to create a luxurious and soothing atmosphere for passengers. Limited interior colors include Indigo/Light Frost or all-Black leather seating.

About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with trucks that are proven to last.

Creating a distinct identity for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and the features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day-in and day-out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.

In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

Ram continues to beat the competition in the most sought-after titles:

Over the last 30 years, Ram has the highest percentage of pickups still on the road
Highest owner loyalty of any half-ton pickup
Highest Ram torque ever – 930 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel
Highest 5th wheel towing capacity – 30,000 lbs. with Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel
Best ride and handling with exclusive link coil rear and auto-level air suspensions
Best-in-class fuel economy and longest range with exclusive EcoDiesel – 27 mpg with Ram 1500
Best-in-class gas towing – 16,320 pounds with Ram 2500
Highest snow plow rating – Ram 2500 and 3500
Most luxurious trim available in pickups with Ram Tungsten Limited Edition
Most interior space with Ram Mega Cab
Most capable full-size off-road pickup – Ram Power Wagon

Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.