Ram mpg rises 25% with V-6, less drag
Photo credit: Larry P. Vellequette
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NASHVILLE -- Powered by Chrysler's 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and thanks to more than a dozen improvements to reduce drag, the 2013 Ram 1500 has a fuel economy rating of 18 city/25 highway.
That's up from 14 city/20 highway for the current model.
For perspective, Ram's 2013 full-sized light-duty pickup has the same fuel economy rating as General Motors' mid-sized pickups, the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
The 2013 Ram also beats its major competitors, the 2013 Ford F-150's 17 city/23 highway and the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado's 15 city/20 highway.
But the 2013 Ram is significantly less powerful than the popular EcoBoost version of the F-150. The Ram has 305 hp at 6,400 rpm while the F-150 with EcoBoost gets 365 hp at 5,000 rpm.
In the market segment in which brand loyalty is highest, Ram officials are hoping their new fuel-economy numbers move the market.
The 2013 Ram is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the fourth quarter. Stickers start at $23,585, including freight.
The basics: The 2013 Ram 1500 comes with a 4.7-liter V-8 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. New for 2013 are eight-speed automatic transmissions paired with Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and the newly available 3.6-liter V-6. Interior and exterior styling remain largely untouched. The V-6 delivers the best fuel economy.
Notable features: To save fuel, Ram engineers added a stop-start system, active grill shutters, early heating of lubricating fluids to reduce friction and an adjustable suspension to lower the truck at highway speeds to reduce air drag. A lower front air dam also reduces drag. Electric power steering cuts parasitic energy losses because it draws power only when activated.
Inside the cab, a revised Uconnect infotainment system enables consumers to make phone calls either through their own cell phones or through an account they can create with Sprint.
What Ram says: "What was supposed to be a minor refresh ended up being an absolute out-of-the-water major, major complete re-do from the ground up," said Fred Diaz, head of the Ram brand, at a press event here.
Compromises and shortcomings: Many of the fuel-saving features aren't available in lower trim packages, forcing shoppers to pay a higher price to save the most money at the pump.
Photo credit: Larry P. Vellequette
The market: The Ram has gained market share in the pickup segment over the last two years without being able to tout best-in-class fuel economy. The impressive fuel-economy numbers will help the Ram gain ground, especially as GM has said it won't chase big fuel-economy gains in next year's redesign of the Silverado and GMC Sierra.
The skinny: The Ram 1500's new V-6 and eight-speed transmission have plenty of low-end grunt for climbing hills and passing other motorists. Inside, the pickup is roomy, with comfortable seating and lots of amenities, including a new navigation system that renders images realistically. Pickup buyers are a loyal bunch, but the fuel-economy gains may enable the Ram to shake loose some competitors' customers.
You can reach Larry P. Vellequette at lvellequette@crain.com.
