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| Dodge Ram 2013 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine |
Dodge Ram 2013 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine - Over the past couple of model years, a number of mainstream vehicles have become not just more fuel-efficient but also more sophisticated, tech-savvy, and comfortable. And dont you think that full-size pickups are getting left behind; now for 2013, Chrysler has given its mainstream line of Ram 1500 trucks some serious upgrades, even though from the outside, theres not much change in evidence.
A 20-percent improvement in fuel economy might sound staggering, but thats what the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers along with a new V-6 engine, a new eight-speed automatic transmission, a new air suspension, and a more carlike interior, with Chryslers latest Uconnect Touch interface and much-improved materials and trims. And all of these improvements come with towing and hauling ability thats somewhat reduced on V-8 models for now, but boosted on the base six-cylinder trucks.
Chrysler calls the Ram 1500 “the most recognizable pickup on the road,” and we fully agree. Over the years, its scaled-down big-rig look makes it easy to spot from a distance. All that said, on the outside theres not all that much to distinguish the 2013 model from the 2012 unless youre already a Ram or Dodge fan. Designers have made the front grille slightly taller, and added a new upper fascia panel, while the Ram crosshair grille is now flush. New vertically oriented foglamps have been added, while 4WD models get larger openings for the tow hooks. Headlamps also get a new design, with a twin-beam projector design plus LEDs now used in the running lamps, turn signals, side-marker lamps, and tail lamps. Polished stainless steel running boards have been added down below, and a new 6 4” bed option is offered in Crew Cab models. And there are five new exterior hues, including some two tone themes.
The big news for the 2013 Ram surrounds fuel economy and includes some major powertrain revisions and additional tech. At the low end, Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6 now handles base-engine duties for the 1500 SLT. (The ancient, 310-hp 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 is the base engine for the entry-level 1500 Tradesman; the V-6 is available as an option.) Compared with last year’s 215-hp, 3.7-liter lump of a V-6, the new engine makes 90 more hp and 34 additional lb-ft of torque for new totals of 305 and 269. The Pentastar comes mated exclusively to an equally new, ZF-designed eight-speed automatic transmission Ram has dubbed with some historical pomp the “TorqueFlite 8.” The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 carries over for 2013, but nets an additional five hp for a new total of 395. Both V-8s hook up to a standard six-speed automatic, but the Hemi will receive a version of the eight-speed as an option sometime early next year.
Next is a new, four-corner air suspension, adapted from the one available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has five ride-height settings: Normal, Aero, Off-Road 1, Off-Road 2, and Park. The Aero setting kicks in automatically at speed, lowering the truck 1.1 inches from Normal. Off-Road 1 raises the truck 1.2 inches, and Off-Road 2 brings a full 2.0-inch rise over the baseline Normal position. Park mode lowers the ride height 2.0 inches below Normal, giving occupants a lower step-in height and also providing easier access to the bed. Any of the five ride-height settings can be manually selected via dash mounted buttons or the key fob from outside the vehicle. The air suspenders also perform load-leveling tricks, helping to maintain a steady ride height front and rear even when the truck is loaded up with cargo or a trailer. Ram does not yet know which 1500 models will be available with the grille shutters, stop-start system, or the air suspension; the features’ availability will be determined closer to the 2013 Ram’s on sale date.
Dodge Ram 2013 Interior :
Interior enhancements include soft trim on the armrest with leather decor inserts on top models, and an upgrade to an 8.4-inch full-color control screen in the center stack and a 7.0-inch one in the instrument cluster. Eight-speed models get a rotary E-shift gear selector on the center console, with range-select buttons (to limit the top gear ratio) on the steering wheel. UConnect is upgraded to accept downloadable apps and to provide a mobile WiFi Hotspot via embedded cellular technology. The integrated trailer-brake controller moves over to the center stack, where its easier to see and reach, and now includes programming to better interface with the latest electro/hydraulic brake systems used on the biggest trailers.
The extent to which the Ram has been revised after four years on the market indicates the market significance and level of competition in the full-sized pickup segment. Based on this first look, the Ram should be a strong contender for our 2013 Truck of the Year honors next February.
Dodge Ram 2013 POWERTRAIN :
Major changes under the hood of the new 2013 Ram 1500 will help deliver best in class fuel economy and substantial increases in power and performance with the Chrysler Groups award-winning Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine coupled with the first use of an eight-speed TorqueFlite 8 transmission in a pickup truck.
The 5.7-liter HEMI® also will benefit with the first use of an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new, TorqueFlite 8 is available with the V-8 engine and features a higher capacity torque converter and is scheduled for availability in late 2012.
"The coupling of our legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and Wards 10-best, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 to a new eight-speed automatic transmission led the way to best-in-class fuel economy for the 2013 Ram 1500," said Bob Lee, Vice President, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering Chrysler Group LLC. "Although the addition of a new eight-speed achieved double digit percentage gains in fuel economy, we also added a number of segment exclusive technologies such as thermal management, stop-start and active grille shutters to further improve efficiency."
Best in class V-6 Fuel Economy Pentastar V-6 Engine :
With best in class standard horsepower rated at 305 at 6,400 rpm and torque of 269 lb.-ft. at 4,175 rpm, the 2013 Ram 1500 goes from zero to 60mph, three seconds faster than the previous V-6 powertrain. The new Ram 1500 becomes the latest vehicle to benefit from the advanced technology Pentastar engine. Features include Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), high-torque over a broad rpm range, low exhaust emissions, E85 capability, exceptional fuel economy, and best-in-class noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Introduced less than two years ago, the new V-6 engine has become the workhorse engine across the Chrysler lineup and has replaced seven previous V-6 engines. The Pentastar won Wards 10 Best Engines award in its debut year of 2011 and repeated this honor in 2012.
Dodge Ram 2013 Exterior :
The front air dam of the 2013 Ram 1500 has been extended downward to create a 0.6 percent improvement in fuel economy. Engineers used a new thermo plastic material, which is much more malleable, preventing breakage due to contact with curbs, rocks or other objects. A new wheel to wheel tubular side-step design offers aerodynamic improvements over the current version by allowing air to pass around the truck more smoothly. The improvement adds 0.5 percent to fuel efficiency and allows customers easy access to the forward portion of the truck bed. Source: neocarsuv.com, autocarrelease.com.
