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Auto News > 2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight-speed auto, start /stop, air suspension [w/videos]

By Chris Shunk RSS feed Posted Apr 5th 2012 12:01AM The Ram 1500 will receive a significant refresh for the 2013 model year, and the majority of the changes are indeed more than skin-deep. That's because the 2013 Ram wi ll hit the showroom floor with a host of powertrain upgrades, including features that have never been offered on American pickup trucks until now. Chrysler promises that the new 3.6 will improve fue l efficiency by "at least 20 percent." Many of the Ram's new technologies speak to its fue l-saving nature, including an eight-speed automatic transmission for both six- and eight-cylinder model s, stop-start, improved aerodynamics, electric powe r steering, grille shutters and an auto-adjusting air suspensio n. The air suspension is essentially a version of t he setup used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and features an Aero Mode, lowering the ride heigh t by 1.2 inches to help cut through the wind more efficiently. Ram will also offer the Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as the base powerplant, delivering 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of tor que. For reference, Ford rates the 2012 F-150 pickup's naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 at 302 hp and 278 lb-ft. Chrysler promises that the new 3.6 will improve fue l efficiency by "at least 20 percent" compared to t he old 3.7-liter unit. Another 20 percent added to 20 miles per gall on on the highway and 14 mpg in the city equates to a classleading 24 mpg highway and 17 mpg city. Of course, V8 power is available, courtesy of Chrys ler's tried-and-true 5.7-liter Hemi, which now deli vers 395 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. That's five more horsepowe r compared to the 2012 model, and that improvement comes courtesy of the new electronic power steering syste m. The most impressive part is that the Hemi-equipp ed model will also boast 20 percent better fuel economy, thanks largely to the fact th at the eight-speed automatic is also fitted to this eight-pot mill. Chrysler will announce offi cial fuel economy numbers closer to the Ram's on-sa le date. 2013 Ram 1500 Unveiled With Eight-Speed Auto, Start /Stop, Air Suspension [W/Videos] 

## OFFICIAL Page 1 of 2 2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight
- speed auto, start/stop, air suspension [w/videos]

8/7/2012 http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/2013
- ram - 1500
- unveiled
- with
- eight
- speed
- auto - start - ...The Ram 1500 can achieve these substantial efficien cy gains because of the aforementioned fuel-sipping

technologies, but engineers have also cut considera ble weight. The V6 powertrain is an amazing 76 poun ds lighter than the outgoing 3.7-liter, and the TorqueFlite ei ght-speed and Hemi combine for a 30-pound reduction in the 5.7- liter model. Other weight savings come from an alum inum hood (26 pounds), chassis with more high-stren gth steel (up to 30 pounds), new floor cross-members in the b ed (seven pounds), new front bumper (four pounds) a nd the electronic steering system (four pounds). Additional improvements include upgraded exterior s tyling, a richer- looking cabin and a stiffer chassis that promises decreased noise, vibration and harshness. The Ram w ill also feature improved available infotainment te ch, including an 8.4-inch navigation screen and a confi gurable seven-inch thin-film transistor screen that is standard on Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models. Scroll down to read over the Chrysler press release, which inc ludes a ton more information. You can also watch a few videos that highlight some of the new features.

Category: New York Auto Show , Truck , Technology , Design/Style , Ram Tags: 2013 ram 1500 , new york , new york 2012 , new york auto show , ram , ram 1500 

### Page 2 of 2 2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight
- speed auto, start/stop, air suspension [w/videos]

8/7/2012 http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/2013
- ram - 1500
- unveiled
- with
- eight
- speed
- auto - start - ...