2012 New York: 2013 Ram 1500 Offers Pentastar V6-8A Combo, Available Stop-Start Tech No, the 2013 Ram 1500 doesn’t look all that different from the outside, but what started as a midcycle refresh became a lot more, and this Ram is very different from the 2012 model under the skin. Debuting at the 2012 New York auto show, the 2013 Ram 1500 gets several updates to increase power and reduce fuel consumption as well as emissions starting with a new “TorqueFlite 8,” Chrysler’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
2012 New York: 2013 Ram 1500 Offers Pentastar V6-8A Combo, Available Stop-Start Tech
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| 2012 New York: 2013 Ram 1500 Offers Pentastar V6-8A Combo, Available Stop-Start Tech |
2012 New York: 2013 Ram 1500 Offers Pentastar V6-8A Combo, Available Stop-Start Tech
 |
| 2012 New York: 2013 Ram 1500 Offers Pentastar V6-8A Combo, Available Stop-Start Tech |
2012 New York: 2013 Ram 1500 Offers Pentastar V6-8A Combo, Available Stop-Start Tech
The long-in-the-tooth 3.7-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic have been replaced by a new 305-horsepower 3.6-liter DOHC Pentastar V-6 engine cranking out 295 lb-ft of torque – increases of 42 percent and 13 percent, respectively – mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 395-horsepower, 407-lb-ft of torque 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 uses cylinder shut-off and variable valve timing to increase efficiency. Electronic power steering is new. A new Pulse-Width Modulation technology reduces parasitic electrical load.
2013 Ram 1500 side view 300x187 imageHemi V-8s buyers can specify the same eight-speed automatic mated to the Pentastar V-6. A dash-mounted rotary e-dial replaces conventional column- and floor-mounted shifters and a new start-stop system is available. Ram says both 2013 engines backed by the eight-speed automatic should provide at least 20 percent better fuel economy compared to 2012 powertrains.
Engineers also improved the Ram 1500’s drag coefficient thanks to massaged bodylines and active aerodynamics including active grille shutters and air suspension. The suspension has five height settings depending on speed and terrain and can be adjusted automatically or manually. Also new for 2013: you can lock the doors, RamBox, and tailgate all at once with the keyfob.
Improved aerodynamics, weight reduction, and improved efficiency lend the Ram 1500 best-in-class fuel economy, according to Ram. Despite the weight reduction Ram says the 1500 offers best-in-class towing (11,500 pounds) and payload (3125 pounds) in Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty guise.
2013 Ram 1500 black dash 1 300x187 imageOn the outside the 2013 Ram 1500 gains a larger, better integrated grille and bumpers with vertically mounted foglights for greater light output. Four-wheel-drive models get larger tow hook openings. New quad-beam projector headlamps are complemented by LED park, turn, position, and side marker lights. Five new colors have been added to the color palette. Wheel-to-wheel running boards improve aerodynamics and ease access to the bed. Crew Cab models can be fitted with a six-foot four-inch long bed. New LED taillamps are standard.
The 2013 Ram also receives the latest Uconnect system with color 8.4-inch touch screen displaying themes tailored to the different trim levels. Ergonomics and controls are said to be easier to use. An optional seven-inch display replaces the gauge cluster and provides the driver with a digital speedometer, vehicle information and fuel economy, trip information, trailer-tow information, audio, and stored messages. The four corners of the display can be customized to show current fuel economy, outside temperature, time, and compass direction.
2013 Ram 1500 side view 300x187 imageHemi V-8s buyers can specify the same eight-speed automatic mated to the Pentastar V-6. A dash-mounted rotary e-dial replaces conventional column- and floor-mounted shifters and a new start-stop system is available. Ram says both 2013 engines backed by the eight-speed automatic should provide at least 20 percent better fuel economy compared to 2012 powertrains.
Engineers also improved the Ram 1500’s drag coefficient thanks to massaged bodylines and active aerodynamics including active grille shutters and air suspension. The suspension has five height settings depending on speed and terrain and can be adjusted automatically or manually. Also new for 2013: you can lock the doors, RamBox, and tailgate all at once with the keyfob.
Improved aerodynamics, weight reduction, and improved efficiency lend the Ram 1500 best-in-class fuel economy, according to Ram. Despite the weight reduction Ram says the 1500 offers best-in-class towing (11,500 pounds) and payload (3125 pounds) in Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty guise.
2013 Ram 1500 black dash 1 300x187 imageOn the outside the 2013 Ram 1500 gains a larger, better integrated grille and bumpers with vertically mounted foglights for greater light output. Four-wheel-drive models get larger tow hook openings. New quad-beam projector headlamps are complemented by LED park, turn, position, and side marker lights. Five new colors have been added to the color palette. Wheel-to-wheel running boards improve aerodynamics and ease access to the bed. Crew Cab models can be fitted with a six-foot four-inch long bed. New LED taillamps are standard.
The 2013 Ram also receives the latest Uconnect system with color 8.4-inch touch screen displaying themes tailored to the different trim levels. Ergonomics and controls are said to be easier to use. An optional seven-inch display replaces the gauge cluster and provides the driver with a digital speedometer, vehicle information and fuel economy, trip information, trailer-tow information, audio, and stored messages. The four corners of the display can be customized to show current fuel economy, outside temperature, time, and compass direction.