Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/93737
FIRSTDRIVE without any fall off in torque. I did fi nd myself reaching for the column shifter a couple times. But those "phantom shift" moments soon diminished as I got used to the new rotary dial shift knob on the dash. When more shift control was need I used the steering wheel- mounted "+/-" buttons to lock the 8-speed into the right gear when running the steeper grades of the country roads. (Will paddle shift- ers be the next step for Ram?) HEMI IMPROVED As for the Hemi, Ram's vener- able 5.7L V-8 is the third engine option. It will initially be available with the standard six-speed auto- matic, with the 8-speed coming in late spring of 2013. Ram says the TorqueFlite 8 will boost its mpg about 10 percent. Other fuel gains come from electronically controlled shutters over the radiator that open and close to maximize air fl ow around the truck to reduce wind drag. Another feature is the start- stop technology in which the engine stops when the truck comes to a stop. What I noticed when driving a pre-production version of the Hemi with the 8-speed is not only has fuel economy improved but the power curve is very strong from tip-in to top-end. It's hard to beat the performance of a close-ratio 8-speed automatic be it in a V-6 of Hemi V-8. You really feel the benefi ts of those 1.5:1 gear splits when towing. AIR SUSPENSION A FIRST Ride and handling have been sig- nifi cantly improved as well. The new electric power steer- ing pump on the rack-and-pinion provide excellent on-center feel. The new Ram stays on track and the steering eff ort/feedback is nicely executed. As for ride, I drove Ram 1500s equipped with both standard and air suspensions. If you are going to be off - pavement or towing a lot, the optional self-leveling air suspen- sion ($1,595) is the ticket. Ram's package, which has fi ve modes (Normal, Aero, Off road 1, Off road 2 and Park) can be adjusted a total of four inches from the highest to the lowest, Some 2013 Ram 1500s are rated to tow up to 10,500 pounds with the Hemi, a 3.92:1 axle ratio and a weight-distributing hitch. A few Refi nements in the interior of all the mdoels make the new Ram 1500s one of the most comfortable and eye-pleasing on the road. Changes in the body, grilles, headlights, wheels and other areas set the 2013 Ram 1500s apart from the previous generation. providing added approach/de- parture angles for off -road driving when raised – and easier ingress and bed loading when lowered. The air suspension self-levels, select V-6 models can tow more than 6,000 pounds. too, alleviating the eff ects of heavy trailer tongue weights or payloads. The system's operation is both silent and velvet smooth with the air tanks and pump located under the bed aft of the rear axle housing. RAM TOWING NOTE All 2013 Rams still maintain a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds in "weight-carrying" mode. Trailers above that weight 24 PROPICKUP October 2012 need to utilize a weight- distributing hitch. V-6 models with the standard 3.21 axle ratio are limited to trailered weights less than 5,000 pounds, while the maximum towing capacities on other V-6/V-8 models require the optional 3.55 or 3.92 axle ratios. REFINED INTERIORS Speaking of smooth, kudos to Ram designers on their improve- ments to the 2013 model's interiors. Everything from door panels and dash textures to seats to the placement of the controls is well done. Gone are the rock-hard armrests and cheap plastic feel of the interior. Even base model 2013 Rams make you feel like you are sitting in a premium model. Along with that comes a pick- up designed for the new age of connectivity. If you need to com- municate and stay connected with the electronic world, the new Rams have it covered. I'll be able to learn a lot more about the 2013s once we get one in our hands for more long-term evaluation. But for now, I have to say Ram has set a pretty high performance bar for their com- petitors to reach in the full-size pickup market. When you bring power, performance, fuel economy and comfort to the table with a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, it's a very attractive package to any contractor, DOT, municipality or pickup fl eet man- ager – Ram loyal or not.