Increased fuel economy. Improved capability. Advanced aerodynamics.
RamZone followers and fans of the official Ram Facebook page know that we’ve been talking a great deal lately about the new 2013 Ram 1500. This week Ram fans had the chance to join the conversation.
On Monday Ram Head of Marketing Dave Sowers made himself available to Ram fans during a live chat on the Engineering a GIANT Facebook app. Although Dave is especially proud of the new Ram’s fuel economy, fans were free to ask him anything Ram-related, regarding the upcoming model year or any other.
Don’t worry if you missed it. The complete chat transcript is posted below.
Monday, July 9, 2012
4:01 (Ram Team) Hello and welcome to our Engineering A Giant live chat session. This session will focus on the Aerodynamics of the new 2013 Ram 1500, but we welcome all questions and will do our best to answer as many inquiries as possible. The chat moves quickly so we appreciate your patience as we attempt to answer as many questions as possible in the time we have with our Ram Executive.
4:04 Comment From Doug
How much WHP is the new ram?
4:05 Thanks Doug! The new 2013 Ram 1500 will have 305HP with the Pentastar V6 and 395HP with the HEMI V8. Those are crank horsepower numbers.
4:08 Comment From Glen
Is there any plan to put the 6.4/392 Hemi in this truck?
4:13 Thanks Glen! We’re always looking at different options, but it is not currently part of the plan. We think that you will be impressed with the performance of the 5.7L HEMI V8 with our TorqueFlite 8 transmission (including best in class fuel economy) that will be available mid model year.
4:14 Comment from Jeff
When will we first see a new Laramie Longhorn and when can I order one with new 8 speed trans with Hemi?
4:17 Thanks Jeff! The new 2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn will be available to order in August with the HEMI V8 and 6 speed transmission. The new 2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn with the HEMI V8 and TorqueFlite 8 speed will be available in the first quarter of 2013.
4:18 Comment from Chris
With fuel prices being where they are at, what is being done to create a pickup that will attain at least 30+ mpg?
4:22 Thanks Chris! The new 2013 Ram 1500 features 12 innovative technologies and will achieve best in class fuel economy for both V6 and V8 engines. We continue to work hard to further improve fuel economy. Keep your eyes on Ram.
4:22 Comment From Doug
Thank you, and just one more question, what is the base price with the hemi engine?
4:23 Thanks Doug! Pricing should be available closer to our on sale date, this September.
4:25 Comment From Bob W.
Just wanted to give a great big pat on the back to engineers at Ram! I own a 2012 Ram Sport. I’ve owned all 3 brands… Ford, Chevy and let me tell you, the Ram is by far the best truck I’ve ever owned! Hands down!
4:25 Thanks for your support, Bob! We couldn’t agree more!
4:26 Comment From Glen
Well I have a 2003 Hemi Ram 1500 quad 4×4 and love it. Is there that much difference in power?
4:32 Thanks Glen! Since 2003, we have added active intake, variable cam timing, electric power steering, intelligent fuel saver technology (Cylinder Shut off), amongst other improvements. Your truck was rated at 345 HP. We have improved by 50HP to our 395HP today and we’re still able to deliver best in class fuel economy.
4:32 Comment From Jeff
When will the 6’4” bed be available?
4:34 Thanks Jeff! The 6’4″ bed is available in the regular and quad cabs at launch in September. The 6’4″ bed with the crew cab will be available in the Spring of 2013.
4:35 Comment From Jim
How does extending the side steps help the aero?
4:39 Thanks Jim! The aerodynamics is all about managing air flow around and under the truck. The wheel-to-wheel side steps reduce unwanted air flow in front of the rear wheels. Our truck already had best in class aerodynamics, but we’ve been able to improve that by 6% in 2013. The side steps contribute 0.5% improvement in highway fuel economy while providing easy access to the pickup bed.
4:40 Comment From Jeff
How much will the V6 be able to tow?
4:41 Thanks Jeff! Final towing payload numbers will be available closer to launch.
4:42 Comment From David
Don’t you jeopardize the performance of the Ram with all the aerodynamic changes, meaning off road performance.
4:46 Thanks David! I am glad you asked. Our goal was to significantly improve aerodynamics while maintaining on and off-road performance. We used technologies like Active Grille Shutters and a flexible front air dam to improve performance. They both maintain off-road performance. We also added Active Level Four Corner Air Suspension which automatically lowers the truck at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics and offers raised off-road settings that will provide Best in Class ground clearance. How’s that for no compromise?!
4:47 Comment From Ben
How will active grille shutters affect the truck’s performance?
4:50 Thanks Ben! Active Grille Shutters are another feature that provides no compromise performance. They will be closed when cooling is not needed thereby improving aerodynamics and automatically open when the truck’s cooling demand increases. The grille shutters reduce drag roughly 5%.
4:52 (Ram Team) We have roughly 10 minutes left in our chat. Keep the questions coming!
4:52 Comment From Beau
Any chance of rushing the release date of the Hemi-8 speed combo? This is worse than waiting for Christmas. lol
4:53 Thanks Beau! The Elves are working as fast as they can.
4:53 Comment From Chris C.
Hello, I own a 2010 Ram 1500 Quad 4×2 sport, wonderful truck! Im very excited about the new 8 speed on the 2013’s with the Hemi. I probably wouldn’t want the air suspension. How much of a hit on fuel economy would I be making? I know lowering the truck on the highway will improve the mileage a bit but would it really be that significant?
4:56 Thanks Chris! We will achieve best in class fuel economy for both V6 and V8 before the addition of Active Level Air Suspension. The beauty of the air suspension is that it further improves capability (off road and load leveling) and will provide additional real world highway fuel economy benefits.
4:56 Comment From Jeff
I agree with Beau. I hate it when you see a new product that you want and have to wait a year to get it.
4:57 (Ram Team) Only 5 minutes left in our chat. Be sure to get your questions in now!
4:58 Comment From Josh C.
Are they continuing the RamBox in 2013 and when will we see a new Dakota?
5:01 Thanks Josh! We are absolutely continuing RamBox in both the 5’7″ and 6’4″ beds. In fact, we will make it even more convenient with the addition of AllSecure, which adds power locks to the tailgate and RamBoxes. We’re continuing to explore a mid-size truck replacement, but have nothing to announce at this time.
5:02 (Ram Team) Thank you for joining our second Engineering A Giant live chat session. Be sure to follow Ram on Facebook and Twitter so you can join us for our next Engineering A Giant live chat!
