RAM 03 Hart Turbo

   After a disappointing 1984 season without scoring any points and with an eighth-place finish as its best result (achieved with the 1983 car), the RAM Racing team of Mike Ralph and John Macdonald attempted a step forward in 1985. Previous designer Dave Kelly was dismissed, and the design of the new car was entrusted to a pair of engineers: the already established Austrian Gustav Brunner, formerly of ATS, and Argentine Sergio Rinland, who had assisted Kelly in developing the RAM 02 in 1984 and was now promoted to work alongside Brunner on the new RAM 03.

 RAM 03, Philippe Alliot
Zandvoort, Dutch GP 1985

   The car, once again powered by the Hart 415T L4 turbocharged engine (1496 cc, 750 hp), could not keep up with competitors using more powerful BMW and Honda engines that by then were producing up to 900 hp in race configuration. Brunner's influence was evident in the RAM 03, which abandoned Kelly’s shapes to resemble the latest ATS designs.

RAM 03, Manfred Winklehock
Jacarepaguà, Brazilian GP 1985

   It featured a pointed nose, soft, rounded lines with medium-length side pods, where the radiators were moved toward the rear to favor traction. However, this had a negative effect on the rear aerodynamics, preventing the "coke-bottle" shape crucial for recovering lost downforce. In terms of the chassis, Brunner continued his work from ATS, creating a full carbon fiber monocoque. The car had a push-rod suspension system, a wheelbase of 2794 mm, and a weight of 550 kg, slightly heavier than competitors, without the advantage of BMW power as Brunner had been accustomed to. Making matters worse was the tire situation: RAM failed to secure Goodyear tires and had to settle for the less competitive Pirellis.

 RAM 03, Kenny Acheson
Zandvoort, Dutch GP 1985

   Frenchman Philippe Alliot was confirmed as a driver, while German Manfred Winkelhock, who had previously worked closely with Brunner at ATS, was brought in for his experience. Tragically, Winkelhock lost his life in an endurance race driving a Porsche 962C at Mosport, Canada, on August 11, 1985, after a high-speed frontal crash.

RAM 03, Manfred Winklehock 
Jacarepaguà, Brazilian GP

   This devastating loss forced RAM to initially replace him with young English driver Kenny Acheson but eventually continue with only one car for Alliot. In the end, the team withdrew from the championship, missing the last two races in South Africa and Australia.