2013 Ram 1500 Pumps Up Power and Fuel Efficiency

NATICK, MASS. (04/11/2012)(readMedia)-- Rising fuel costs have truck owners feeling the pinch, and Chrysler is making moves to alleviate some of the pressure with the 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck. Expected to reach Ram dealerships later this year, the new Ram pickup will feature a myriad of innovative features designed to improve fuel efficiency while still boosting power.

What started as a mild mid-cycle refresh for the 2013 Ram 1500 has turned into an all-out redesign, with everything from the chassis to the interior receiving heavy revisions. The most significant changes, however, are the introductions of Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engine and the TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic transmission to the lineup. Ram engineers expect that drivetrain combo to help boost fuel economy by roughly 20 percent compared to the outgoing V6. That would translate to about 24 mpg on the highway, a new high-water mark for full-size trucks.

"Ram lived up to its name and addressed the issue of fuel efficiency head on, but it did so without neglecting the features that truck owners have always wanted," said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Ram dealer. "The result is a Ram 1500 that is not only better on gas, but more powerful, more refined and more capable than the competition."

The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in the 2013 Ram 1500 is notably more powerful than the current 3.7-liter V6, producing 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, increases of 42 percent and 13 percent, respectively. New 2013 Ram 1500 trucks with the HEMI V8 will deliver 395 horsepower, a five-horsepower boost, but perhaps more impressive is that they will also feature at least a 10-percent improvement in fuel economy. The V8 models will be available with the TorqueFlite 8 transmission later in the 2013 model year.

While its drivetrains will be doing the heavy lifting, the 2013 Ram 1500's suspension also received some attention. A class-exclusive air suspension improves fuel economy, handling and off-road capability while also auto-leveling the truck when it is loaded with cargo or towing a trailer. Based on the driver's needs and conditions, the suspension can either adjust automatically or be controlled manually to raise or lower the truck. Drivers can also increase ride height by up to two inches for off-roading, creating a best-in-class 10.7 inches of ground clearance.

Inside, Ram 1500 trucks equipped with the TorqueFlite 8 transmission will shift using a rotary knob rather than a lever, enabling blind shifts from reverse to drive, a useful feature when backing a trailer into a space. Another interior option is Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system, which uses an 8.4-inch touchscreen to control audio settings, climate control and navigation. The system can also perform hands-free phone calls and texting when connected to a smartphone. Unlike offerings from other automakers, the software can be updated from the touchscreen instead of requiring a USB drive or a visit to the dealership.

"Trucks have to be more than a large piece of work equipment these days, and Ram has found the right mix of rugged capability and daily usability with the 2013 Ram 1500," Gill noted. "Massachusetts truck drivers want a ride that can do it all, and Ram is the only brand that is delivering the goods across the board."

About Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

Family-owned Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has been helping Metro West drivers find new and used Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram vehicles for the past 45 years. They also provide expert auto service and OEM Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep parts, all backed up by their friendly, professional staff. Check out their wide selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs at www.brighamgillmotorcars.com, or stop by their dealership, located at 817 Worcester Road (Route 9) in Natick, Massachusetts. You can reach them by phone at 877-881-6196 or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brighamgill to get the latest Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Dodge news.