RAM 1500 Takes 'Truck of Texas,' Skewers Competition

It’s a good day for Ram 1500 fans — the Texas Auto Writers Association just named it this year’s “Truck of Texas.”

“Our members overwhelmingly chose the 2013 Ram 1500 as the Truck of Texas and the truck for Texans. The new Ram 1500 is amazing,” said association president Michael Herzing.

Chrysler also walked away with the “Truck Line of Texas” title and the Ram 1500 Laramie edition snagged the “Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas.” Testing for the Texas Truck Rodeo involved more than 50 association members evaluating more than 60 vehicles.

“The new technologies in this truck are true game changers and raise the bar for the competition. You’ve got to love how tough, capable, comfortable and fuel efficient this new truck is, especially for Texans who frequently drive long distances,” Herzing said, “Until we drove it, we couldn’t believe a truck this nice and capable could achieve 25 miles to a gallon like the Ram does. It blew our members away.”

The improved fuel economy comes courtesy of a new 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 42 percent more power and 13 percent more torque while offering 20 percent better fuel economy. That engine is mated to an eight-speed transmission which helps achieve those numbers. Ram also added an “active” front grille with slats that close to improve aerodynamics at highway speeds.

“Texas is Ram’s biggest market and we’ve worked relentlessly to build powerful trucks with best-in-class fuel economy and capability for our customers. The pickup market is fiercely competitive and we are proud the Texas Auto Writers have awarded Ram trucks with these coveted titles,” Ram truck president Fred Diaz said.