Ram 1500 Tops Depth Chart for Patriots Tailgating

WATERVILLE, MAINE (08/31/2012)(readMedia)-- As the New England Patriots faithful gear up for another season of trekking to Foxborough, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com has posted its 10 Best Tailgating Cars of 2012. The vehicle-information provider selected the 2012 Ram 1500 as its top choice for fans seeking a football-friendly ride, citing the pickup's versatile storage areas and premium entertainment features.

Beating out the Ford F-150 and Honda Ridgeline to top the kbb.com list, the Ram 1500 uses a playbook full of party-ready features, including an optional RamBox Cargo Management system that can keep 240 cans frosty in two lockable, waterproof tailgate compartments. Inside the cabin, available in-floor bins are removable and drainable, meaning grilling goods and other perishable snacks can be kept fresh with ice. Guests can also be easily entertained as they eat and drink in the stadium parking lot, thanks to the tunes pumping from the Ram 1500's optional 506-watt Alpine premium sound system.

"Maine Patriots fans that make the long trip down to Gillette Stadium don't mess around when it comes to tailgating, and the Ram 1500 has a built-in game plan," said Scott Pinnette, general manager of Central Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, a Waterville, Maine Ram dealer. "Instead of hovering around a small hibachi behind a sedan, the Ram 1500 lets you bring all the BBQ essentials, whether it's a full-size grill, a caravan canopy or enough beverages for an entire football team."

Ram 1500 buyers will soon be able to get to the gridiron using less gas, as an all-new 2013 model will be going on sale in October with best-in-class fuel economy. Slated to receive the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and a new TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic transmission, the standard 2013 Ram 1500 will return 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, topping the standard models of competitors by at least two miles per gallon in both rating categories.

While the new Ram 1500 received an impressive boost in fuel efficiency, the pickup's power gains are just as noteworthy. With increases of 90 horsepower and 34 pound-feet of torque compared to the outgoing 3.7-liter V6, the new Pentastar V6 will churn out 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. That lively performance enables best-in-class towing of 6,500 pounds, even with the new all-wheel-drive option for V6 models that eases snowy winter commutes.

The Ram 1500's reputation as a mobile hub for sporting events should grow even more with the debut of Uconnect Access for the 2013 model year. The next-gen infotainment system can turn the 2013 Ram 1500 into a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing tailgaters to quickly check their fantasy football scores on smartphones or tablets. Uconnect Access can also link with drivers' smartphones to start, lock and unlock the Ram 1500 remotely, meaning the truck can be pre-heated as fans file out of chilly, late-season games.

"The existing Ram 1500 has already gained nearly two percent of market share among pickups this year, and the changes for the 2013 model year are only going to accelerate that momentum," added Pinnette. "Ram's next-generation truck has a mix of capability, efficiency and technology that won't be matched for quite some time, and that combination could very well shake up the old guard in its segment."

About Central Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram:

Part of the Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Central Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has surpassed the expectations of Maine motorists for years with its new and used vehicle sales, service and parts. Whether its customers are looking for a Chrysler sedan, a Jeep or Dodge crossover SUV, or a Ram pickup, their Maine auto dealership always has a broad inventory from which to choose, as well as the expert service to keep their customers' vehicles on the road where they belong. Visit their dealership at 300 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, contact their team by phone at 877-263-6733 or browse their inventory online at www.centralmainechryslerdodgejeep.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentralMaineChrysler.