The full-size pickup truck is one of the best-selling segments in America. With the introduction of the 2013 Ram 1500, the knockout blow has been delivered to both Ford and Chevrolet; no other full-size pickup has ever featured more first- and best-in-class achievements.
You’ll notice the 2013 Ram right away with its new grille, headlamps, LED front turn signals and taillamps but there are also plenty of improvements you won’t see. The 2013 Ram features a long list of enhancements, including an all new frame and powertrain, that put this iconic pickup truck in a class by itself and raise the quality, power and fuel efficiency bar yet another notch for pickup trucks.
For 2013, the Ram will be available with two powerful and fuel efficient engine options. Capturing the prestigious Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award two years in a row, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) will come standard. This remarkable engine boasts best-in-class standard horsepower, at 305, along with 269 lb/ft of torque. Not only will the Ram have best-in-class power, but its fuel economy numbers will also be best-in-class, outperforming the previous 3.7-liter V6 by at least 20 percent.
For even more brawn, the 2013 Ram will be available with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with Fuel Saver Technology, which allows the Ram to run on four cylinders when full power isn’t needed. The HEMI powerplant will generate 395 hp and 407 lb/ft of torque while returning best-in-class fuel economy for V8 trucks, and it offers best-in-class towing (11,500 pounds) and payload (3,125 pounds) in the Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty.
Also helping fuel efficiency is stop-start technology, available on select 2013 Ram 1500 models, that shuts the engine off when coming to a complete stop without shutting off any interior accessories, making the operation seamless.
Perhaps the core of how the Ram can achieve best-in-class fuel efficiency is a brand new, first-in-class achievement – a “TorqueFlite 8” eight-speed automatic transmission that comes standard with the Pentastar V6, doubling the amount of available gears for dramatically improved fuel economy. In addition, best-in-class aerodynamics (0.363 coefficient of drag) helps the Ram cut through wind better than any other pickup.
Replacing the traditional column and console shifter, the TorqueFlite 8 transmission is operated with an innovative, dash-mounted rotary electric-shift dial for quick transitions between reverse and drive when towing or navigating through adverse conditions and tight parking lots. And the absence of a console shifter opens up additional space for storage.
The transmission also features a segment-exclusive thermal management system that quickly heats up both the engine and transmission temperatures in cold conditions to help improve fuel economy, drivability and shift quality. All these powertrain elements are backed up by one more best-in-class feature: a five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
The Ram 1500 was already known for having car-like ride qualities, thanks to its coil rear suspension; for 2013, the Ram will be available with an air suspension system that offers five height choices and up to four inches of lift span for better off-road performance and more aerodynamic, lower on-road performance. It all adds up to best-in-class step-in height, ground clearance, departure angle and breakover angle.
Once inside the 2013 Ram you might mistake your surroundings for a luxury sedan. Premium, soft-touch materials are found throughout the cabin, which also features available leather upholstery and Walnut grain trim with a unique, rugged and complex burl appearance not found in any other truck.
A next-generation 8.4-inch Uconnect® system integrates the HVAC controls, navigation and entertainment systems into one intuitive interface, while still retaining the option of manually selecting all settings by hand dial. The Uconnect Media Center can automatically detect Wi-Fi internet hotspots and integrate with new smartphone applications being released every few months. HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, hands-free phone, navigation, music and texting with compatible phones are all features in the Uconnect system.
In the gauge cluster directly in front of the driver is an optional seven-inch Vehicle Information Center (VIC) that’s new for 2013. Displaying everything from vehicle speed and audio information to fuel economy, outside temperature and trailer-tow information, the VIC is designed to keep the driver in full control without being distracted from the road.
Add on the ParkView rear back-up camera and a remote central locking system that also locks the unique and innovative RamBox cargo hatches in the tailgate, and there is no other pickup available today that can compare with the host of advanced technological features found in the 2013 Ram.
From its engine and drivetrain options, to its fuel efficiency and ride quality to its styling both inside and out, every single aspect of the 2013 Ram 1500 is best-in-class. If you’re considering a new pickup truck for work, family or just play, the 2013 Ram should be at the top of your list. Visit our showroom today and meet this exciting new machine.
