2013 Hemi Ram 1500 To Get 25mpg?
Tim Esterdahl | Apr 11, 2012 | Comments 21
A re-engineered Dodge Ram, in showrooms in the third quarter, is expected to feature a host of fuel-saving features that could mean it might be able to achieve 25mpg. Or will it?
It looks like a new Ram 1500 could get 25mpg. Albeit, in a regular cab, V6 configuration.
What does this new Ram have to save fuel?
- 3.6-liter V-6 coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission
- A stop-start system that stops the engine when the vehicle stops
- Grille shutters that close to improve aerodynamics when air is not needed to cool the engine
- Parts that quickly raise oil and transmission fluid temperatures after the vehicle starts
Plus, Ram is planning a first of its type combination of the eight-speed transmission with the 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi engine on the 1500.
So what does all of this new Ram 1500 powertrain technology mean? Industry sources estimate that the 2013 Ram with the 5.7L HEMI could achieve a highway mileage rating of 23mpg, assuming that all the fuel efficiency technologies work together to achieve a 15% increase in mileage. Combined with a start-stop system, real world city mileage might just be 17-18mpg with an EPA sticker rating in the same range…not bad considering that this is a big V8.
Sources emphasized that start-stop systems don’t really improve EPA ratings (at least not under the current test), but they do provide real-world benefits. [NOTE: We still don’t have word on the presence of a start-stop system on the 2013/4 Tundra]
Our sources estimate the Ram 1500 V6 is likely to achieve a 25mpg highway rating, only that will be on the smaller 2WD regular cab version of the truck. It will be hard for quad cab or crew cab versions to exceed 22-23mpg highway in any configuration.
Will consumers want a 2WD regular cab that gets an extra 2-3 miles more per gallon? Would you?
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Filed Under: Auto News
Nope, I wouldn’t buy a two-wheel drive truck, especially since I live in the Northeast were it snows.
I think Ram may be on to something though with the 8 speed auto. Now, slap a low pressure turbo on the V6 and that could be real interesting.
Already out there…Eco-boost from Ford? Twin oil/water cooled turbo’s…pretty nice motor.
I think direct injection and an 8 speed tranny is a pretty neat idea and glad dodge is making the attempt to do it and create more sales for them and inspire tundra and silverado to follow suit to improve mpg. Dodge is usually ahead of the game in designs like this but the resale and reliability keep it at the bottom of the 1/2 ton truck world unfortunately. Will I buy one? maybe if the price was right. Should be interesting with silverado and dodge going first with as usual, toyota tundra bringing up the rear in design changes after the others have already done something different. I don’t know about the auto shut off of engine at stops though, think that will create extra wear and tear on the engine shutting off and on all the time, bad idea creates excessive wear on internal engine components.
mk – Interesting point about engine wear…never considered that, as I’ve never heard any of my auto engineer contacts mention it. But now I will ask them. Thanks!
Engine stop/start technology is a mixed bag and will be optional on these trucks. That being said, I will not be getting it on my new Ram. My local dealer advises that there will be a bare bones performance SRT8 Ram hitting the market in August with a 6.4L Hemi and the 8 speed ZF Trans. Should be interesting!
mk – Circling back, I’m told there are no engine wear issues with stop-start. Once the engine is warmed up and the oil is flowing, shutting down for a minute or so isn’t going to effect lubrication, as the engine only needs a very thin film of oil to function.
Additionally, the new engines have anti-wear coatings that reduce the risks even more.
The only downside to the new Hemi Ram 8-speed auto is it cant handle all the torque of my supercharged 5.7L.
LOL – great comment. Thank you.
The price can be lower there mk and you would jump onboard? Knowing they have the worst quality? Not very bright move. Sorry I won’t settle no more. I did that Ford and GM. I won’t even try Fiat/Dodge.
You seem like the kind of guy who still uses phone booths and his just discovered the internet!
If I did 55mph on the interstate I would get 23mpg or more.
I am getting a chuckle about comments regarding the quality of these rams. The fit and finish on all of these ram trucks since 2009 is far better than my Tundra and the other brands in the market. My 08 Tundra is going away and I will be in an 8 speed Hemi Ram as soon as they are available. Granted that looks are subjective,but just ask any Chevy or Ford owner which truck is better looking a Tundra or a Ram and at very least 8 out of 10 will say the Ram.
Charlie – I agree that the fit and finish on the Ram is greatly improved, but poor quality and durability ratings from Consumer Reports and JD Power, and above average depreciation rates all spell “worst truck on the road.”
See https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2012/03/26/2012-ram-1500-worst-truck/
Call me biased, but I’m in good company.
I like a truck that I can use as a truck. A truck that can take abuse, overload, overuse, and keep smiling. I suppose that if I just want to shoot fire tunnel commercials or haul dirt bikes a Toy would be just fine.
Call me biased, but, I also think that I am in good company. How many wreckers have you ever seen wearing a Toyota name badge? I’ll keep my Ram, it gets the job done every time.
I would try a 2-wheel drive with 25+ MPG if it had possi.Why…why dont they throw the 4-cylinder diesel into a small/mid size truck??I want a weekend warrior truck that gets 30 mpg.Like the good old mini-truck days…
RJ,
It’s coming and will most likely be here before you know it. Odds are it will either be a Chevy/GM product or eventually a Toyota. We haven’t seen/heard of a Dodge mid-size product coming to the market anytime soon. If the Chevy/GM product actually sells well, then we could see more manufactures following suit.
-Tim
Thanks Tim….I hope so…there was a rumor and I think it got canceled of a dakota with a small diesel…but oh well its in the past now.
RJ,
Now, there is a rumor that Dodge is thinking about bringing back the Dakota. In truth, it really is just a Chrysler employee saying they are thinking about it. Not a very strong rumor and that is why I said, I haven’t really heard or seen a lot of other stories about it. And like seemingly all new truck rumors, it includes a reference to a diesel.
Check it out on our sister site, Tacomahq.com, http://www.tacomahq.com/2066/n.....act-truck/
Also, I just read an interview by Chrysler/Fiat CEO and Chairman Sergio Marchionne. He was talking about the Grand Cherokee being a diesel and said, “I think it’s going to make a huge difference in the U.S. market. I think it will give diesel, finally, the proper chance to compete. People have the wrong perception of what diesel is like.” Here is the link, http://www.mlive.com/auto/inde.....ysler.html.
Interesting.
-Tim
Ever here of the redone Rampge if that works like it looks meeeooowwww.
When purchased a 2012 Hemi Ram and supposed to get 16 to 20 mpg with eco on and dealer says MDS working , however only gets 14 mpg at any speed or distance driving with eco system on .How can his be? dealer says this is normal function for 2012 5.7l hemi ???????
EPA “estimates.” Not real-world fuel economy results.
Tim