New 2013 Ram to Offer V-6, 8-Speed Transmission

In a sign of the times, Chrysler filed voluntary report that indicates the new 2013 Dodge Ram will offer a Pentastar V-6 and eight-speed transmission to be more fuel-efficient.

The voluntary report was sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission and discloses the changes to the 2013 Ram 1500. It is considered voluntary due to Chrysler being a private company.

The filing states that in 2013 Chrysler “will add the Ram pickup to the list of our vehicles that offer the Pentastar V-6.” Currently, the Ram offers a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 215 horsepower. This new V-6 is a 3.6-liter Pentastar that delivers more horsepower, 290, and 260 pounds-feet of torque. It is currently being used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Along with a new engine, the new Ram will have an eight-speed transmission that according to the report “reduces fuel consumption by up to 12 percent over our current five-speed transmissions” versus the current Ram. It will also feature new lightweight axles.

While many truck manufactures have begun offering a more fuel-efficient V-6 engine, many owners are frustrated by the lack of body style options when purchasing this engine. There is still the desire by some truck owners to have a full-size truck with plenty of interior room and the better fuel economy of a V-6.

It remains to be seen what body styles the new 2013 Ram 1500 will offer, but odds are that the V-6 will only be offered in its regular cab configuration.

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