Natural-Gas-Powered Ram 2500 Means a Greener Wallet

HOT SPRINGS, ARK. (04/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Converting a vehicle to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) can cost thousands of dollars, but the significantly lower fuel costs have been worth the trouble for some fleet owners looking to cut overhead. The new Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG pickup, thanks to its ability to seamlessly run on CNG or conventional gasoline, will eliminate the hassle of converting altogether when it arrives at Ram dealerships this July. The new truck will be the only factory-built CNG truck in North America.

Domestically produced CNG averages a $1.49 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) in Arkansas, compared to a gallon of gasoline at $3.74, meaning impressive savings over the life of a CNG-powered vehicle. The Ram 2500 HD CNG will drive roughly 255 miles while running on CNG, with a total range of 367 miles when the eight-gallon gasoline tank is factored in.

"Natural gas is both very affordable and cleaner to burn, and since it is produced here in America, the prices remain stable," said Tim Parker, dealer principal of Hot Springs, Arkansas Ram dealer Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. "The Ram 2500 HD CNG will save businesses the trouble of paying someone to convert the vehicle and, because it remains unaltered, it keeps its five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty."

While the CNG-burning Ram will be cheaper to run, it doesn't skimp on capability. Powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the Ram 2500 HD CNG can tow 7,650 pounds and carry 1,580 pounds in the bed. Buyers can specify SL or SLT trim levels, but all Ram 2500 HD CNG trucks will come in crew-cab, long-bed body styles with four-wheel drive.

Though CNG offers customers a newer way to save on fuel, Ram has changes coming to its strictly gas-powered pickups as well. The 2013 Ram 1500 lineup will get significant drivetrain changes and lighter axles for greater fuel efficiency and increased power, according to a report Chrysler recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Chrysler's Pentastar V6 will replace the current 215-horsepower 3.7-liter six-cylinder in the Ram 1500, which is currently rated to return 20 mpg on the highway. The more fuel-efficient Pentastar displaces 3.6 liters yet turns out 285 horsepower, a sizeable increase that should please Ram fans. It will also come paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission that Ram claims is up to 12 percent more fuel efficient than its current five-speed units.

"There's no point in buying a truck if you can't afford to drive it due to high gas prices," Parker noted. "Ram engineers are working to improve fuel efficiency across the board while also increasing power, effectively addressing current market conditions while still keeping in mind the capability that owners demand from pickups."

About Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram:

A winner of Chrysler's Five-Star Dealer and Environmental Leadership awards, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has been serving Arkansas drivers for years with new and pre-owned car sales, service and parts at their Hot Springs auto dealership. Whether you're looking for a Ram 1500, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger or Jeep Wrangler, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will find your ideal model with their unmatched customer-first approach. You can visit their showroom located at 4722 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, call them at 888-227-1487 or find them online at www.timparkerchrysler.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TimParkerAuto.