2013 Ram 1500 Wins North American Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year
With nary another a truck in sight, the 2013 Ram 1500 has won the North American Truck/Utility vehicle of the year award. The RAM beats out the Mazda CX-5 and Ford C-Max for the honor – as though there was any doubt.
Rather than playing catch up, the Ram 1500 took a step in front of its competitors this year, now offering an industry exclusive eight-speed transmission and airbag suspension. The new eight-cog gearbox comes standard on trucks equipped with the 3.6L V6, which packs 305-hp and 269 lb-ft. The eight-speed transmission can also be had with select V8 models, though a six-speed comes standard on the eight-cylinder trucks. Customers who opt for the HEMI V8 get 395-hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. A 4.7-liter V8 is also available as a middle of the road option, and it puts out 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.
Along with cylinder deactivation, the new 2013 RAM gets a stop-start function, and active aerodynamic grille shutters giving it an EPA estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway when equipped with the V6 and the eight-speed.
SEE ALSO: 2013 RAM 1500 Detailed
Other enhancements to the 2013 RAM 1500 include electric power steering, weight reduction compared to the previous 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 Ram gets some new looks in 2013 as well, adding a revised front end and grille, quad-project headlights, and LED front turn signals and taillights.
GALLERY: 2013 RAM 1500
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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