DETROIT – Ram Trucks has revealed the all-new MY-2013 Ram 1500, which is available either with a 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine or a 5.7L HEMI V-8.

The 3.6L Pentastar produces 305 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.7L HEMI V-8, which produces 395 hp and 407 lb.-ft. of torque, and delivers at least 10 percent better fuel economy than the 2012 model when paired with the TorqueFlite 8, automatic transmission. The TorqueFlite 8, 8-speed automatic transmission, comes standard on the 3.6L V-6 Pentastar models. 

(To view a photo gallery of the all-new MY-2013 Ram 1500, click here)

The Ram 1500 is available in the following trim levels: Tradesman, Express, SLT, R/T, Big Horn, Sport, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn. Among the new features are a new larger Ram grille; headlight upgrades, bumper, and fascia; interior upgrades, and a new Uconnect system. The Crew Cab models also feature a new 6-foot-4-inch bed option.

In an effort to improve fuel efficiency, the Ram 1500 includes several weight-reducing materials, including advanced high-strength steel, which has lightened the vehicle by 30 lbs., new box floor cross-members, which eliminate 7 lbs., and a new front bumper design, which removed 4 lbs. In addition, the Ram 1500 features an aluminum hood, which shed another 26 lbs. from its overall weight.

The Ram 1500 also features a plethora of fuel-saving technology, including: an eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start technology, a thermal management system, pulse-width modulation, active aerodynamics, and electric power steering. Together, this technology improves fuel mileage by up to an estimated 18.7 percent.

In addition to fuel-saving technology, the Ram 1500 also features more than 45 active and passive safety and security features, including standard front air bags, front and rear side-curtain air bags, seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, seat belt pretensions, BeltAlert system, and available adjustable pedals, ParkSense rear park assist, and ParkView rear back-up camera.

The new Ram 1500 features an active grille shutter system, which automatically closes the airflow through the huge grille when cooling is least needed. The system improves fuel economy by 0.5 percent by reducing drag roughly 3 to 5 percent and improves warm-up time/defrost time, according to the automaker.

When the active grille shutters are closed, airflow is redirected over and around the front of the truck, enhancing aerodynamic performance rather than creating turbulence in the engine compartment. Engine coolant temperature and vehicle speed determine shutter position. The shutters remain closed when less engine cooling is required and aerodynamic drag is most significant; the system will open the shutters when the truck's cooling demands require additional airflow, for example traveling up a hill or pulling a trailer in high-temperature environments.

The Ram 1500's new air suspension system features five height settings that operate automatically or may be controlled manually via console of key fob controls:

• Normal Ride Height (NRH): Is the default, load-level ride height setting, giving 8.7 in. of clearance (measured from the base of the door sill).

• Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.1 inc from NRH. Aero Mode imprvoes fuel efficiency by up to one percent and is activated by vehicle speed, adjusting for optimal performance and fuel economy.

• Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle 1.2 in from NRH for added height in clearing obstacles.

• Off-road 2: Delivers more off-road capability, increasing ground clearance by 2 in. over NRH.

• Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 2 in. from NRH for easy entry/exit and cargo loading.

The new air suspension system adds up to 4 in. of lift span, offering best-in-class step-in heigh of 21 inches, best-in-class ground clearance of 10.7 in., best-in-class depature angle of 27.8 degrees, and best-in-class breakover angle of 24.2 degrees supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride.

The air suspension system also allows for different spring rates depending on the ride height. In Off-road 2, the rate is firmer when compared to NRH, improving the ability of the suspension to soak up obstacles. In Aero mode, the rate is softened to improve the ride on highways.

The MY-2013 Ram 1500 also includes a new Keyless Enter 'n Go feature and optional remote central-locking RamBox cargo management system and tailgate combined with door locks.

Additionally, a separate button on the key fob gives the operator the ability to manually lower the truck, allowing for ease of passenger entry and bed loading.

The vehicle comes with a five-year/100,000 mile warranty.

For more about the vehicle, read the Chatty Chassis blog on the launch here.