Cowboy Cadillac
Ain't no trash in my trailer!
Ram 1500 All-new for 2013
What was supposed to be a mere freshening became an overhaul when the Ram engineers were finally done with the ’13 version of the 1500 pickup. And we do mean major. It took Ram public relations 10 pages to draft the “overview” press release, something that’s usually done in a single page, maybe two.
The details are still being hammered out pending the truck’s launch in late 2012, but here are a few highlights. Chrysler is aiming for best-in-class fuel economy for its light-duty Ram, promising a 20 percent improvement from both the new 3.6L Pentastar V-6 and a revised 5.7L Hemi V-8. That new level of efficiency has not robbed power; in fact, at 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, the V-6 will produce 42 percent more horsepower and 13 percent more torque than the previous 3.7L V-6. The Hemi’s output is up too, by 5 hp to 395 (peak torque remains 407 lb-ft).
Both engines will be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with enough steps in the gearbox to keep the motors in their driveability sweet spot. The transmissions have a whole new controller: a rotary dial on the instrument panel. P-R-N-D will be selected with the dial; forward gears will be chosen via buttons on the face of the steering wheel. The 4WD actuation is now relegated to buttons under the trans dial.
Speaking of which, two 4WD systems will be offered. One, the BorgWarner 44-45, is a traditional part-time system. The second, a BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case, has the traditional 2-Hi, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo ranges but also offers an “auto” mode with on-demand 4WD that engages depending on road conditions. Both cases have a 2.64:1 low-range ratio.
Other fuel efficiency tricks incorporated into the new Ram include a massage of the sheetmetal to improve the vehicle’s drag coefficient, an optional air suspension that lowers the truck at highway speeds (also improving drag), hybridlike stop/start technology, and low-rolling-resistance tires, though we doubt we’ll see those last two features on 4x4 models.
You’re probably way ahead of us on the suspension bit. Yes, an air suspension that lowers a truck can also raise it. The new Ram can be lifted by as much as 2 inches to increase ground clearance and approach and departure angles.
But wait, there’s more! Chrysler is using the new Ram to debut the next-generation Uconnect infotainment system, which offers wireless Internet, voice recognition to interact with your smartphone, and expanded satellite radio services. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are available, the powered rear window now has a defroster in it, and the key fob will control not only the door locks but also the tailgate lock and the optional RamBoxes.
We’ll bring you more as the truck gets closer to introduction.
Read more: http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/depart...ff_road_truck_news/viewall.html#ixzz1xd4jLFEv
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/departments/drivelines/131_1208_august_2012_drivelines_off_road_truck_news/index.html
I'm definately not impressed with the rotary dial for gear selection.
What was supposed to be a mere freshening became an overhaul when the Ram engineers were finally done with the ’13 version of the 1500 pickup. And we do mean major. It took Ram public relations 10 pages to draft the “overview” press release, something that’s usually done in a single page, maybe two.
The details are still being hammered out pending the truck’s launch in late 2012, but here are a few highlights. Chrysler is aiming for best-in-class fuel economy for its light-duty Ram, promising a 20 percent improvement from both the new 3.6L Pentastar V-6 and a revised 5.7L Hemi V-8. That new level of efficiency has not robbed power; in fact, at 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, the V-6 will produce 42 percent more horsepower and 13 percent more torque than the previous 3.7L V-6. The Hemi’s output is up too, by 5 hp to 395 (peak torque remains 407 lb-ft).
Both engines will be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with enough steps in the gearbox to keep the motors in their driveability sweet spot. The transmissions have a whole new controller: a rotary dial on the instrument panel. P-R-N-D will be selected with the dial; forward gears will be chosen via buttons on the face of the steering wheel. The 4WD actuation is now relegated to buttons under the trans dial.
Speaking of which, two 4WD systems will be offered. One, the BorgWarner 44-45, is a traditional part-time system. The second, a BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case, has the traditional 2-Hi, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo ranges but also offers an “auto” mode with on-demand 4WD that engages depending on road conditions. Both cases have a 2.64:1 low-range ratio.
Other fuel efficiency tricks incorporated into the new Ram include a massage of the sheetmetal to improve the vehicle’s drag coefficient, an optional air suspension that lowers the truck at highway speeds (also improving drag), hybridlike stop/start technology, and low-rolling-resistance tires, though we doubt we’ll see those last two features on 4x4 models.
You’re probably way ahead of us on the suspension bit. Yes, an air suspension that lowers a truck can also raise it. The new Ram can be lifted by as much as 2 inches to increase ground clearance and approach and departure angles.
But wait, there’s more! Chrysler is using the new Ram to debut the next-generation Uconnect infotainment system, which offers wireless Internet, voice recognition to interact with your smartphone, and expanded satellite radio services. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are available, the powered rear window now has a defroster in it, and the key fob will control not only the door locks but also the tailgate lock and the optional RamBoxes.
We’ll bring you more as the truck gets closer to introduction.
Read more: http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/depart...ff_road_truck_news/viewall.html#ixzz1xd4jLFEv
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/departments/drivelines/131_1208_august_2012_drivelines_off_road_truck_news/index.html
I'm definately not impressed with the rotary dial for gear selection.
