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The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 continues to be available, offering 395 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency has been improved by at least 10 percent over the 2012 version, and it now provides best-in-class fuel economy for V8 trucks. And the HEMI still delivers best-in-class towing (11,500 pounds) and payload (3,125 pounds) in the Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty model.

The 4.7-liter V8 is also available, with 310 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.

A class-exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission, now called "TorqueFlite 8," is standard on V6 models, and an upgraded version will become available on V8 models later in the model year. The TorqueFlite 8 improves drivability and enhances fuel efficiency. A new thermal management system uses engine coolant to warm the transmission fluid more quickly; this improves fuel economy, drivability and shift quality.

Trucks equipped with the TorqueFlite 8 have an innovative new rotary e-shift dial, mounted on the instrument panel, instead of a column or floor shifter. The e-shift is easy to operate, even with gloves on, and frees up space for additional storage in the center console. Buttons below the e-shift dial control the 4WD system on 4x4 models.

Select 2013 Ram 1500 models will offer a stop-start feature, the industry's first application of this technology in a pickup truck. Stop-start increases fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the truck comes to a complete stop. Amenities (radio, gauges, heating or air conditioning, etc.) continue to operate, making the operation transparent to the driver. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake, allowing seamless acceleration. Enabling components have been upgraded for heavy-duty operation on models equipped with the stop-start feature.

Aerodynamics and Weight Reduction Contribute to Fuel Economy

Ram's best-in-class fuel economy is achieved by more than new engines and transmissions.

Extensive wind-tunnel testing honed the 2013 Ram 1500 exterior shape, resulting in continued best-in-class aerodynamics. Also, the cooperative application of active aerodynamics and modern styling led to a six percent aerodynamic improvement on the new truck. The 2013 Ram 1500 Regular Cab 4x2 coefficient of drag (Cd) is .363, compared with a Cd of .386 for a 2012 Ram 1500 Regular Cab 4x2.

Behind its distinctive grille, Ram 1500 uses active grille shutters. Normally open, the shutters close at higher speeds when conditions allow, directing air around the truck instead of through the engine compartment. Ram 1500 is the first truck in the segment to use this technology.

Weight reduction is an important variable in the fuel economy equation. Reducing the weight of components improves fuel economy and allows for more content without affecting payload or towing capability. Examples of weight reduction include:

• A newly redesigned frame using advanced high-strength steels saves up to 30 pounds
• New advanced metal box floor crossmembers save 7 pounds
• A new front bumper design saves 4 pounds
• An aluminum hood saves 26 pounds
• Aluminum lower control arms in the front suspension contribute to additional weight reduction and improve handling
• The 3.6L Pentastar V6 and TorqueFlite 8 transmission together save approximately 76 pounds
• The 5.7L HEMI V8 and TorqueFlite 8 together save more than 30 pounds

Chassis

The 2013 Ram 1500 uses a newly designed frame with improved, low torsion (stiffness) attributes that increase stability and handling precision while decreasing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) up to 30 percent, depending on drive cycle. To further improve NVH, new larger body mounts are located on the front frame rails and at the C-pillar.

The new standard front independent suspension combines redesigned upper control arms, aluminum lower control arms and retuned geometry with coil springs for improved responsiveness and handling. New, more robust ball joints on the front suspension yield greater durability and are engineered with improved sealing methods.

Best-in-class ride and handling gets even better, with an available new air suspension system featuring five height settings for optimum ride and aerodynamic performance. The feature operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console or key fob controls. It has five modes:

• Normal Ride Height (NRH), the default, load-leveled ride height
• Aero Mode, which automatically lowers the vehicle 1.1 inches from NRH for optimal performance and improved fuel economy
• Off-road 1, which raises the truck 1.2 inches from NRH for added height in clearing obstacles
• Off-road 2, which increases off-road capability by raising the truck by 2 inches over NRH
• Park Mode, which automatically lowers the vehicle by 2 inches from NRH for easy entry/exit and cargo loading

Vehicles equipped with this system offer best-in-class step-in height (21 inches), best-in-class ground clearance (10.7 inches), best-in-class departure angle (27.8 degrees), and best-in-class breakover angle (24.2 degrees).

To enable easier passenger and cargo loading and unloading, the new air suspension can be remotely controlled from the key fob. It also provides load-leveling capability when transporting a heavy payload or a trailer.

The 2013 Ram 1500 features electric power steering (EPS). By using an electric motor to power the truck's rack and pinion steering system as needed, the engine no longer has to constantly turn a hydraulic pump, improving fuel efficiency and adding five horsepower. It also reduces complexity.

Low rolling-resistance tires are standard equipment to minimize wasted energy and decrease required rolling effort. Tread patterns, advanced materials and millions of miles of testing result in greater fuel efficiency.

Exterior

The new 2013 Ram 1500 retains its ruggedly handsome appearance with all-new interior and exterior design aesthetics, improved aerodynamics and all-new, segment-leading technology ? and every Ram 1500 truck benefits from new content specifically designed to match each model's unique style.

The grille is now approximately one inch taller, and is "saddled" within the new upper fascia panel for a more integrated appearance. The classic Ram crosshair horizontal and vertical grille bars are now flush at the top and bottom of the grille surround.

The new front bumper design supports the grille theme with new vertically oriented fog lamps for improved light spread, distance and more lumens. Larger openings around the front tow hooks (on 4x4 models) allow for easy access to the hooks.

The quad headlamp design has improved light spread, pattern consistency, distance and 30 percent more lumens. An all-new premium headlamp lighting system is a bi-functional halogen projector design with 15 amber LEDs for park/turn/position lamp and three amber LEDs for the side marker.

Twelve exterior colors will be offered, including five new shades. Black Gold, Copperhead, Maximum Steel Metallic, Prairie and Western Brown are all new and available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

The new, polished stainless steel running boards have a sturdy box cross-section design. Also, the new wheel-to-wheel exclusive running board design offers aerodynamic improvements over the current version and provides customer's improved access to the forward portion of the truck bed.

A new 6-ft.-4-in. bed option is now available on Crew Cab models giving customers the ability to combine Ram 1500's largest available cab with the largest four-door/bed combination. All-new premium tail lamps are standard and consist of 15 red LEDs with three red LEDs for the side marker.

For 2013, Ram 1500 customers can enjoy the convenience of power folding mirrors and a combination power and rear-sliding window with defrost. Also available is a new six-foot-four-inch bed option on the Crew Cab model, allowing for maximum passenger and bed hauling capability.

Interior

For 2013, new features and technologies create opportunity for a redesigned interior with material upgrades; improved fit and finish; all-new interior themes with different colors and materials; all-new HVAC controls and new multimedia systems.

Rear occupants can enjoy the same quality, fit and finish as the driver. With points of contact a priority, new premium materials, colors and designs are now on all four doors. Soft-touch materials enhance armrests and upper bolsters with expanded use of premium surfaces.

Ram 1500's gauge cluster also benefits from new technology. Previously only available on premium models, the 3.5-inch vehicle information screen is now standard on ST and SLT and displays vehicle operating functions. A new thin film transistor (TFT), 7-inch screen is now available on SLT, standard on Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models. The 7-inch screen features a new customizable function that enables Ram 1500 customers to personalize information inside the instrument cluster.

The 2013 Ram 1500 features the next generation 8.4-inch Uconnect system with background screens tailor-made to specific Ram models and themes. To make room for the new big screen, the center stack is upgraded with matching materials found throughout the interior. To complement the range of Ram 1500 models, the interior design team created new, individualized themes with different colors and materials.

The all-new HVAC controls include a redundant architecture allowing the operator to use either the 8.4-inch touchscreen or manual controls to alter the truck's environment. Below the upgraded HVAC arrangement is a new switch bank with relocated, easy-to-use controls for a number of features depending on vehicle models and options. All buttons in the comfort bank also are redundant on the Uconnect system. Contiguous to the switch bank is a prominently placed, adjustable integrated trailer brake control allowing the driver to add or reduce trailer brake function on the fly.

Uconnect Access

The Ram 1500's new Uconnect Access system features best-in-class functionality, integrating new entertainment content and is the first time Ram will offer HD Radio to its customers. Ram customers also will have access to SiriusXM satellite radio, handsfree mobile phone operation, handsfree navigation, handsfree texting with compatible phones and handsfree control of music.

Additionally, new connected services and applications provide real-time access to information and content that Ram 1500 customers want and need while on the road. Uconnect is designed to provide drivers and passengers with relevant, focused and contextual information that is not distracting and easy to use, allowing drivers to remain focused on the road.

Neatly integrated within the upper storage tier of the center console, a new multimedia input includes USB, SD card and auxiliary connections. The USB allows control of iPod or other media device through the large touchscreen displays and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. A more powerful 2.5 amp, USB port and 12-volt outlet also provide mobile recharging for electronic devices. In addition, MP3 and WMA audio files on a USB memory device may also be played and controlled via the Uconnect system.

The new Uconnect Media Centers R3 and R4 provide Ram 1500 with a built-in cellular connection so vehicle occupants are automatically connected to a variety of new services and the internet with WiFi hotspot capability. They also provide a direct connection to emergency services when the new 911 button found on the rearview mirror is pushed. Customers also will automatically receive regular vehicle health reports and be able to remotely lock or unlock truck doors, start the vehicle, and flash lights from any distance via the web or a smartphone application.

Ram truck owners will be able to access select, certified in-vehicle applications that are driving-relevant and designed specifically for in-vehicle use. The certified applications are easily controlled with natural voice recognition or steering wheel controls to keep drivers focused on the road. Ram truck owners will be able to continually evolve their in-vehicle connectivity experience by downloading app updates or new applications as they become available directly to the Uconnect Media Center from inside the car, via the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

Safety and Security

Ram 1500 offers more than 45 active and passive safety and security features, including standard front airbags, front and rear side-curtain air bags and seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, seat belt pretensioners, and the BeltAlert® System. Standard electronic stability control (ESC) hosts a number of technologies including all-speed traction control, trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS). Available safety features include adjustable pedals, ParkSense® rear park assist and ParkView® rear back-up camera.

Available Keyless Enter 'n Go technology allows the doors to be unlocked and the vehicle ignition to be started without having to touch the key fob. Also new for 2013, remote central locking includes the RamBox® cargo management system and tailgate power locks, creating a convenient solution for locking down the entire truck with the push of a button. An available remote start feature allows a driver to start their vehicle from up to 300 feet away. Door controls, illuminated entry, engine immobilizer and panic alert are standard features with the Keyless Enter 'n Go system. Auto rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam® also find their way into the feature availability list, adding to a truckload of content offered in the new 2013 Ram 1500.