New York Auto Show: 2013 Ram 1500

Bringing along a bevy of best-in-class capabilities, the redesigned 2013 Ram 1500 made its public debut today at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The full-size pickup showcases a fairly mild exterior refreshing—which does deliver dramatically improved and class-leading aerodynamics—along with a more refined cabin, but the major changes have occurred beneath the hood.

New York Auto Show: 2013 Ram 1500—Powertrains

There, a revised powertrain lineup is on display, featuring the segment’s first eight-speed automatic transmission, a 305-hp Pentastar V6 engine, fuel-saving stop/start technology, and, naturally, a 5.7-liter HEMI with cylinder de-activation that’s capable of 395 hp and 407 lb.-ft. of torque. The award-winning Pentastar makes 42 percent more horsepower than the Ram’s previous V6, and 13 percent more torque, yet it’s also expected to provide a 20 percent bump in fuel economy. That would lift the truck’s EPA line to a class-leading 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. As for the HEMI, it pitches in with best-in-class V8 fuel economy (20 percent better than in the current RAM 1500), a best-in-class tow rating (11,500 lbs.) and best-in-class payload capacity (3,215 lbs.).

New York Auto Show: 2013 Ram 1500—Other Highlights

The 2013 Ram 1500 also introduced a number of other fresh features during its New York Auto Show debut, including: 

• An innovative “e-shift dial” to control gear selection with the eight-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel-enhancing technologies like active grille shutters, an advanced thermal management system, pulse-width modulation (to reduce the electrical load on the alternator), and low rolling-resistance tires
• A redesigned frame that improves stiffness, stability and handling while decreasing noise, vibration and harshness
• The next-gen Uconnect infotainment and connectivity system, boasting an 8.4-inch touchscreen; the Ram also showcases a new electrical architecture that helps increase data speeds, too
• An available and all-new air suspension that can adjust the Ram 1500’s ride height for five separate driving scenarios, including two off-road settings and an “Aero Mode” that lowers the truck for improved aerodynamics in highway driving
• More than 45 active and passive safety measures, including a rearview backup camera and standard electronic stability control

With Ram already staking its claim as the fastest-growing full-size pickup brand in America—both in 2011 and so far in 2012—the improvements introduced during this year’s New York Auto Show should accelerate its popularity even further once the new model goes on sale later this year.