Chrysler Hikes Ram Pickup Fuel Economy 25%

Chrysler Group LLC says it has boosted the fuel economy of the base model of its 2013 Ram 1500 fullsize pickup 25% from the model it replaces, making the $23,600 truck the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class.

The improvement comes from Chrysler's 305-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine; an automatic stop-start system; a new eight-speed automatic transmission, better engine thermal management and a variety of aerodynamic enhancements.

Chrysler says the combination has a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating of 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. That compares with 14/20 mpg for the smallest engine offered in the current Ram 1500: a 215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with four-speed automatic.

The 1500's optional 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine was rated at 14/20 mpg in 2012. Chrysler has not revealed the rating for next year's version of the powerplant, which is equipped with a cylinder shut-off system.

The driver activates the new 1500's transmission with a rotary "e-shift" dial on the dash. Chrysler describes the unusual control knob as more intuitive and easier to operate while wearing work gloves or when making "blind" shifts between Reverse and Drive during tight parking or towing maneuvers.

Chrysler lowered the coefficient of drag for the Ram 1500 Regular Cab with 4x2 drivetrain to 0.36 compared with nearly 0.39 for the current version of that model. Contributing to the lower Cd are an active-shutter grille, electric power steering, air suspension with automatic load leveling and wind tunnel styling tweaks such as a lower front air dam.

The 2013 truck's normal ride height is 8.7 inches to the base of the door sill. The air suspension system can lower the vehicle 0.6 inches to increase highway fuel economy about 1% or drop it 2 inches in park mode. The system raises ride height to as much as 10.7 inches for off-road travel.