2012 New York: 2013 Ram 1500 gets a new grille, suspension and power upgrades

Today at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the new 2013 Ram 1500 made its public debut, revealing an overhaul on many elements including suspension, power and fuel economy and a mild redesign.

Exterior design changes were kept conservative, with a focus on the 1-inch height enhancement of the grille, which was better integrated into the front fascia. Some lines were modified to improve aerodynamics, vertical fog lamps with LED lighting have been added, and Ram offers 12 exterior colors.

On the inside, Ram coated the cab with premium materials, including soft touch fabrics for the armrests and upper bolsters. An upgraded center stack design makes room the next-generation 8.4 -inch touchscreen, which features UConnect technology for cellular integration and remote services. A 7-inch, fully customizable screen for the gauge cluster replaces the previous 3.5-inch one, and is now standard on the ST and SLT variants.

Two power options are available for the Ram, starting with an upgraded 3.6-liter V6 engine (one of Wards Automotive 10 best), that has a smaller displacement than its 3.7-liter predecessor, but packs 42 percent more horsepower, with a total output of 305-hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The motor is a best-in-class standard and also improves fuel economy by 20 percent.

Next up is the 5.7-liter HemiV8 that features fuel saver technology and variable valve timing, kicking out 395-hp and 407 lb-ft of torque, also getting best-in-class fuel economy for V8 trucks. Additionally, the V8 version boasts best-in-class towing, at 11,500 lbs, and payload, with 3,125 lbs.

An impressive new transmission has also been included, which is an 8-speed automatic transmission that doubles the gears previously offered and therefore improves fuel economy. Where this gets fun for the driver its the rotary e shift dial included to operate the transmission on the interior, which was designed to be operated without even having to look.

The Ram’s suspension has been revamped with air suspension technology, which improves control and fuel economy, off road capability, and features automatic load leveling. The air suspension also features 5 height settings that can be adjusted automatically, manually and even with a key fob. Normal ride height is an 8.7-inch clearance, while aero mode drops the truck by 1.1-inches, off road 1, lifts it from normal ride height by 1.2 inches, and off road 2 picks it up by 2 inches, and to lower it 2-inches from normal ride height is the park mode.

A thermal management system also improves fuel economy by quickly increasing temperatures when necessary, as well as the Stop-Start system, which shuts the vehicle off when it comes to a complete stop while allowing all other systems to continue to run.

The 2013 Ram 1500 also features electric power steering, reduced weight, and a redesigned chassis to improve handling and decrease noise.

2012 New York Auto Show

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

By: Alexandra Koken