Burning-hot deserts, snake- and bug-infested swamps, busy mall parking lots—your Ram Truck should be a refuge in even the most inhospitable environments. While this position is shared by everyone at Ram, it’s up to Chief of Interiors Ryan Nagode and his team of talented designers to make sure it happens.
To read how they did it with the new 2013 Ram 1500, have a look at the transcript below, which comes from the live chat Ryan participated in with Ram fans late last week.
4:00
Hello and welcome to our third Engineering A Giant live chat session. This session will focus on the Interior 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 Chief of Interiors, Ryan N.
4:02
Comment From Santiago
Hey Ryan, You are all doing a great job on all of the Chrysler Interiors!
4:03
Thank you, Santiago! We had a great time working on the interior of the new Ram 1500.
4:04
Comment From Thom
Hey! Why did Ram decide to use the knob shifter in the new truck??
4:08
Thank you, Thom! We had to find a common location that would satisfy both our bench and bucket seat trucks. Our new TorqueFlite 8-speed transmission requires electric shifting, thus utilizing an easy-to-use four position rotary knob. We think people are really going to love it!
4:08
Comment From Beau
You guys are doing a great job! Any word on how much the 8 speed hemi option will cost?
4:09
Thank you, Beau! In regards to the 8-speed HEMI, we will be able to share more about pricing closer to the on-sale date later in the model year.
4:10
Comment From Santiago
Are there any plans on a dark colored headliner for the dark interiors?
4:13
Thank you, Santiago! We are always looking to improve upon our interiors, and also looking for ways to differentiate our models. This is something we are considering.
4:13
Comment From Marc
In a web article it states that the Laramie is only available in black, or canyon brown w/light frost is this accurate.
4:14
Thank you, Marc! This is accurate.
4:14
Comment From Eric
Why can’t you select a forward gear other than D?
4:16
Thank you, Eric! On all TorqueFlite 8 equipped trucks, the gear selection is on the upper right-hand corner of the steering wheel.
4:17
Comment From Lauren
Which new interior feature do you thing will be most beneficial to truck drivers?
4:21
Thank you, Lauren! We think there are two new features that are most beneficial. The relocation of all your controls, like air suspension and trailer brake, into one central switch bank on the center stack. And the second, the 7″ multi-view display in the center of the gauge cluster offering the driver the choice of what information to display.
4:21
Comment From Thom
Awesome. There’s wood in the truck, right? What kind is it?
4:25
Thank you, Thom! The wood in the truck comes from a European source. It is a natural open pore grain wood with a low gloss finish. What is unique about this Walnut Burl is that in Europe, these trees were used as fence posts. Over time, the trees engulfed the barbed wire creating a swirling pattern within the wood. This only occurs in 1 in 1 million trees, and was a perfect addition for our new 2013 Ram Laramie Longhorn.
4:25
Comment From Guest
Hopefully this isn’t such a bizarre question…I saw a youtube episode on the RAM Channel last year for the Easter Moab Safari, I saw Fred Diaz speaking from his office before the footage went through….He has a Laramie Longhorn Office Char…..Who do I speak to?I want one!
4:26
Thank you! You may want to keep an eye out for upcoming auction items on our Engineering A Giant tab…wink wink!
4:27
Comment From Christopher
I do have to say you guys have the best interior for trucks all around.
4:27
Thank you for your support, Christopher!
4:28
Comment From Ed
Would you happen to know if the air suspension will compensate for trailer towing/carrying cargo?
4:31
Thank you, Ed! The air suspension will automatically level the truck when loaded. It also has a “kneel mode” that lowers the truck about 2″ from normal ride height for easier loading and unloading. It can also be activated using your key fob!
4:33
Comment From Beau
Great job on the interior Ryan! Will the Express models have the 7″ EVIC gauge cluster? Or have the option to get it?
4:34
Thank you, Beau! We will have more details about feature availability closer to on-sale date later this year.
4:35
Comment From McDavid
What’s your favorite feature in the 1500?
4:37
Thank you, McDavid! My favorite feature is the new 8.4″ Uconnect touch screen, and Uconnect Access feature with embedded connectivity to the cloud and costumer friendly apps.
4:38
Comment From Christopher
What makes the Ram different from any other truck in your opinion?
4:42
Thank you, Christopher! There are many things to choose from. In my mind, it’s the best-in-class fuel economy, best warranty, best powertrains and class leading technology all wrapped up in truly unmistakable styling. We also have features no other truck manufacturer can offer you such as the RamBox and 8-speed transmission.
4:44
Comment From Thom
In what models does the leather interior come standard?
4:46
Thank you, Thom! The leather comes standard on the Laramie and Laramie Longhorn, but it is an option on the Sport model. The standard Sport comes with a leather and cloth combination.
4:49
Ten minutes to go. Get your questions in now!
4:49
Comment From Paul
Which model saw the biggest upgrade from last year’s model?
4:52
Thank you, Paul! Our SLT and SLT plus models actually saw the biggest upgrades in terms of color and materials. We have upgraded the look and feel of our cloth seats as well as offer a unique insert for our SLT plus trim style. Our doors now feature a unique paint and satin chrome bezel treatment. Throughout the entire new 2013 Ram 1500 lineup, we have more differentiation between models than ever before.
4:52
Comment From Guest
What are the gear ratios in the Torqueflite 8?
4:54
Thank you! That’s an interesting question for the interior guy, but luckily I have an Engineer here with me. In order first gear through eighth gear: 4.71, 3.14, 2.10, 1.67, 1.29, 1.00, 0.84 and 0.67.
4:55
Comment From Guest
Is a bench seat still available and in which models?
4:55
Thank you! A bench seat is available in every model excluding Sport and Laramie Longhorn.
4:56
Comment From Santiago
Will the Regional Packages such as the Lonestar and the BigHorn fall in the SLT Plus Trim Level?
4:57
Thank you, Santiago! Yes, you are correct.
4:57
Comment From Christopher
What will the fuel economy be like for the 2013 models?
4:58
Thank you, Christopher! The new 2013 Ram 1500 will have best-in-class fuel economy for both 6 and 8 cylinder engines.
4:58
Thank you for joining our third Engineering A Giant live chat session. You can find a transcript of the full chat on the RamZone blog at http://ramtrucksblogsdev.azurewebsites.net/ . Thank you again for joining our chat and be sure to follow Ram on Facebook and Twitter so you can join us for our next Engineering A Giant live chat!
