2013 RAM 1500 Unveiled With 8-Speed Transmission: 2012 NY Auto Show
After multiple teasers, RAM has officially unveiled its 2013 1500 packed with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, with a 5.7L HEMI V8 as an option.
The new 3.6L V6 packs 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy compared to its 3.7L V6 predecessor, according to RAM. The new figures are 305-hp and 269 lb-ft and its fuel economy figures should be around 17-mpg city/24-mpg highway based on a 20 percent increase from the former 14-mpg city/24-mpg highway rating.
GALLERY: 2013 RAM 1500
The 5.7L HEMI V8 on the other hand features fuel-saving cylinder shut-off and packs 395-hp and 407 lb-ft of torque and RAM also claims that it’ll feature 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2012 V8. Official fuel economy figures for both powerplants will be released closer to the new RAM’s sale date.
Much of the fuel economy boost is attributed to the eight-speed automatic transmission, which is double the gears previously offered with the four-speed automatic. In addition, the RAM 1500 is one of the industry’s first pickup trucks with stop-start technology. According to RAM, the stop-start improves fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent, an increase of approximately one-mpg to the truck’s city driving cycle.
Other enhancements to the new RAM 1500 include electric power steering, weight reduction compared to the previously model, Pulse-width Modulation, and low rolling-resistance tires from the factory. The newly redesigned frame of the 2013 RAM 1500 is about 30 lbs lighter, while the aluminum hood shaves off another 26 lbs compared to the previous model. The Pentastar V6 along with the new TorqueFlite 8 transmission reduces another 76 lbs. The V8 model also saves weight compared to the former 2012 by more than 30 lbs.
The 2013 RAM 1500 also features air suspension giving it an improved ride and off-road capability with automatic load leveling. And as we expected, the exterior of the truck has been toughened up with a whole new front end, grille, quad-project headlights, and LED front turn signals and taillights.
The 2013 RAM 1500 will also come with a best-in-class powertrain warranty of 5 years/100,000 miles.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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