New York 2012: 2013 Ram 1500 Gets Pentastar V6, 8-Speed Auto, Air Suspension

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

A mid-cycle refresh for the 2013 Ram 1500 brings about some interesting changes. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is now available, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (dubbed the TorqueFlite8). But wait, there’s more.

Also available is a new air suspension, a first for a 1500 pickup. Ride height can be adjusted for easy access, improved fuel economy and to facilitate off-roading. Electric grille shutters, a UConnect infotainment system, electric power steering and an engine start-stop system are also included.

The success of Ford’s V6 F-150 trucks has proved that there is a market for a V6 pickup, so long as it’s a good one. The Ecoboost and Ford’s 3.7L V6 are fine engines in their own right, and the Pentastar has been getting a lot of love lately, with TTAC hoping on the bandwagon as well. A 5.7L Hemi V8 will also be available, but it may not be the automatic choice anymore. Perhaps a V6 truck shoot-out is in order. Over to you, Mr. Dykes.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • 95_SC 95_SC on Apr 05, 2012

    Is this a full air suspension or just a load leveling type air suspension that augments conventional springs. The later type is what is found on the Ford Panthers and has been very reliable. The former can be found on the Lincoln Mark VIII and was not as robust. How does the Pentstar pull this thing around? All reports say the EcoBoost does an excellent job in the Ford. Well see how the long term reliability is, but the Pentstar has those same unknowns at this point. It has the makings of a good motor, ut this is a lot of truck to pull around. As mentioned earlier, the Ford's turbo gives its' 6 a decent amount of low end grunt.

    • NulloModo NulloModo on Apr 05, 2012

      The base V6 in the F-150 is the 3.7 liter Duratec which is about on par with the Pentastar in terms of power (a couple less HP, a couple more lbs/ft of torque). The 3.7 liter moves the F-150 along just fine and still has solid towing numbers for a base engine, so I doubt the Pentastar will have and trouble with the Ram.

  • Nickoo Nickoo on Apr 06, 2012

    Nice truck, I wish I could afford one. It will be the ram tradesman for me!

  • Junebug Junebug on Apr 06, 2012

    Just looking at the interiors of Ford, Dodge and Toyota and they're much better than the Chevy/GMC trucks (IMHO) of course. They're all too damn big however.

  • Rudedawg Rudedawg on Nov 06, 2012

    I know this is a truck thread but I sure hope the Pentastar V6 in the Ram trucks is not plagued with the same cylinder head issues that is now arising in Jeeps and Challengers. 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 4.7 H.O. 4x4 1987 Toyota 4-Runner 1986 Toyota P'up

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