2013 RAM Heavy Duty Unveiled With Best-in-Class Towing

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

For those that didn’t get a chance to catch the live stream for the 2013 RAM Heavy Duty unveiling, we’ve got all the details on the American automaker’s newest lineup of HD pickups.

The 2013 RAM Heavy Duty boasts the highest level of capability with best-in-class towing and best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). It also features best-in-class torque and improved fuel economy thanks to its 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel powertrain.

The big surprise perhaps is that the RAM Heavy Duty will only come with a six-speed transmission option, when the standard RAM 1500 got an eight-speed transmission for the 2013 model year. Nonetheless, engine choices include the previously mentioned 6.7-liter Cummins which has three variants offered. The inline-six turbo diesel can now be paired with a RAM segment-exclusive six-speed manual transmission to deliver 350-hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. The second option mates the powerplant to a six-speed automatic with 370-hp and an impressive 800 lb-ft of torque.

Lastly, buyers can opt for an upgraded Cummins with a new Aisin six-speed automatic that offers 385-hp and 850 lb-ft of torque.

As for the HEMI lovers, the 5.7-liter V8 produces 383-hp and 400 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 also makes its debut in the RAM 3500 Heavy Duty pickup as standard equipment.

Actual fuel figures were not announced yet, but RAM did mention that thanks to a new diesel exhaust after-treatment, the RAM Heavy Duty pickups now deliver a best-in-class 15,000-mile oil change interval and sees a 10-percent gain in fuel economy compared to the previous model.

Additional new features for the 2013 model year include auto rain-sensing wipers, SmartBeam headlamps, while central locking now includes the RamBox cargo management system and tailgate power locks, creating a convenient solution for locking all exterior doors and storage with one push of a button.

The 2013 RAM Heavy Duty production is expected to begin the first quarter of next year and we expect a pricing announcement closer to its availability.

GALLERY: 2013 RAM Heavy Duty

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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