It's Not NDT, But Since We All Love Trucks, the New Dodge Ram 1500

http://www.dodge.com

Ram 1500 – the most recognizable pickup on the road – delivers best-in-class
fuel economy with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including a
more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine and first-in-
segment technologies: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system,
thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics,
including grille shutters and air suspension.

"The new 2013 Ram 1500 is the most capable, best-looking half-ton pickup in
the world and delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency, new technology and new
features while upgrading the interior and exterior," said Fred Diaz, President
and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC.

"We changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame with air
suspension, to a new eight-speed transmission to a new interior with the next-
generation Uconnect® system.

"With best-in-class towing and payload, best-in-class ride and handling and
best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content,
performance and capability to our customers," Diaz added.

POWERTRAIN
The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine (Ward's 10 Best Engines Award two
years in a row) with variable-valve timing (VVT) offers best-in-class standard
305 horsepower, with 269 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class fuel economy for
V-6 trucks. New V-6 features 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more
torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the
previous 3.7-liter V-6 powertrain.

The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 with fuel-saving cylinder shut-off and VVT
provides 395 horsepower, 407 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class fuel economy
for V-8 trucks (at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to 2012
V-8 powertrain). Also, the HEMI delivers best-in-class towing and payload –
11,500 pounds and 3,125 pounds respectively, with Ram 1500 Tradesman
Heavy Duty.

The class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8),
standard equipment with 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar, doubles the amount of gears
compared to previously available four-speed automatic transmission, which
improves drivability and enhances fuel efficiency. The new eight-speed also is
available with the 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI – the Company's first application with a V-
8 (TorqueFlite 8 with V-8 is late availability). The exclusive new transmission is
operated by an innovative, dash-mounted rotary e-shift dial, which enables
quick blind-shift transitions from "Reverse" to "Drive" when towing or
navigating out of mud, snow or busy parking lots.

Owners will appreciate an innovative rotary e-shift dial for trucks equipped with
the new TorqueFlite 8-speed transmission that replaces both column and floor
shifters. The exclusive rotary e-shift enables intuitive operation with a direct
and confident feel, even with gloves on. The convenient, dash-mounted, easy-
to-understand and operate system provides total control of the sophisticated
eight-speed transmission and is Ram Truck's innovative approach to electronic
shifters, already used in Class 6-8 trucks. This new design allows quick blind-
shift transitions from "Reverse" to "Drive" when towing or navigating out of
mud, snow or busy parking lots and crowded worksites. The new rotary e-shift
dial also yields space for more functional and usable storage in the console.
Another segment exclusive with the eight-speed transmission is a new thermal
management system that is designed to quickly raise engine and transmission
fluid temperatures. By raising fluid temperatures, parasitic losses resulting from
high-viscosity engine oil and transmission fluid can be reduced, improving fuel
efficiency by 1.7 percent. As the engine temperature increases to pre-
determined levels, warm engine coolant is circulated through a thermal
exchange unit, which also contains dedicated pathways for transmission fluid.

As the thermal exchange unit heats up, it also heats up the transmission fluid.
This action dramatically reduces warm up time for the transmission, improving
fuel economy, drivability and shift quality. In most powertrain configurations,
the transmission heats up independently of the engine, delaying warm-up time
and reducing efficiency.

Adding to industry firsts in a pickup truck is the application of stop-start,
another fuel saving feature available on select 2013 Ram 1500 models. This
new system improves fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent, an increase of about
one mile-per-gallon to the truck's city drive cycle.

Stop-start increases fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the truck
comes to a complete stop. Amenities (radio, gauges, heating or air
conditioning, etc.) continue to operate, making the operation transparent to the
driver. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake,
allowing seamless acceleration.

Enabling components have been upgraded for heavy-duty operation on models
equipped with the stop-start feature.

ENGINEERING

Although the new 2013 Ram 1500 boasts numerous segment-exclusive
features, many aren't readily visible, but deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency,
ride and handling.

Aerodynamics

The new 2013 Ram 1500 continues to maintain its ruggedly handsome
appearance with new exterior design elements. Extensive wind-tunnel testing
honed the 2013 Ram 1500 exterior shape, resulting in continued best-in-class
aerodynamics. Also, the cooperative application of active aerodynamics and
modern styling led to a six percent aerodynamic improvement on the new truck.
The 2013 Ram 1500 Regular Cab 4x2 coefficient of drag (Cd) is .363 –
compared with a Cd of .386 for a 2012 Ram 1500 Regular Cab 4x2.

Air Suspension

Best-in-class ride and handling gets even better. The 2013 Ram 1500 is now
available with an all-new air suspension system featuring five height settings
for optimum ride and aerodynamic performance. The feature operates
automatically, or may be controlled manually via console or key fob controls:
Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.7 inches of clearance (measured from the base of
the door sill) is the default, load-leveled ride height

Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.1 inches from NRH. Aero Mode improves 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 truck 1.2 inches from NRH for added height in clearing
obstacles

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

Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 2 inches from NRH for easy ingress/egress and
cargo loading

The new air suspension system adds up to 4 inches of lift span, offering best-
in-class step-in height of 21 inches, best-in-class ground clearance of 10.7
inches, best-in-class departure 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.

Another benefit to the new air suspension is load-leveling capability, which
automatically detects load on the suspension from a trailer or payload. The air
pressure increases until the vehicle reaches normal ride height, leveling the
truck and improving the loaded ride.

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 reduced
tailgate lift-over height.

Electric Power Steering

The 2013 Ram 1500 features electric power steering (EPS). By using an electric
motor to power the truck's rack and pinion steering system, the engine is
relieved from the task of constantly turning a hydraulic pump, improving fuel
efficiency up to 1.8 percent and adding five horsepower. Also, the introduction
of EPS reduces complexity by removing the previous hydraulic pump, high-
pressure hydraulic hoses and cooling apparatus.

Weight Reduction

Weight reduction is an important variable in the fuel economy equation.
Reducing the weight of components improves fuel economy and allows for
more content without affecting payload or towing capability.

A newly redesigned frame benefits from a weight reduction of up to 30 pounds
by using advanced high-strength steels. Also benefitting from advanced metal,
new box floor cross-members in the bed eliminates seven pounds and a new
front bumper design removes four pounds. Additionally, aluminum lower
control arms in the front suspension contribute to additional weight reduction
and handling. The Ram 1500 also features an aluminum hood saving 26
pounds.

Underneath the hood, the combination of the new Pentastar V-6 and new
TorqueFlite 8 transmission reduces the weight by approximately 76 pounds.
The V-8 and TorqueFlite 8 together reduce weight by more than 30 pounds.
The weight reductions not only allow for more convenience, comfort and
entertainment features but also best-in-class fuel saving technology such as
thermal management, stop-start and active aerodynamics.

Pulse-width Modulation

Pulse-width modulation (PWM) is a new fuel-saving technology for the Ram
1500, which reduces parasitic electrical load. The technology not only
eliminates unnecessary load on the alternator but also improves the durability
of benefitting systems. Fuel delivery and the forward cooling fan are two
systems that take advantage of PWM, adding a 0.4 percent improvement in fuel
efficiency.

Low rolling-resistance Tires

The 2013 Ram 1500 features standard low rolling-resistance tires to minimize
wasted energy and decrease required rolling effort. Tread patterns, advanced
materials and millions of miles of testing result in greater fuel efficiency.

Chassis

The 2013 Ram 1500 uses a newly designed frame with improved, low torsion
(stiffness) attributes that increase stability and handling precision while
decreasing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) up to 30 percent, depending
on drive cycle. Front rails feature 20 percent increased yield strength from the
use of high-strength steel. Among other features, the new frame design
incorporates a new powertrain, new air suspension and new body-mounting
technology.

Portions of the frame are hydroformed for dimensional accuracy (hydroforming
reduces the amount of welding that leads to distortion), and side rails are fully
boxed. The front frame section incorporates advanced, high-strength steel that
maintains overall strength and durability while saving approximately 30
pounds. To further improve NVH, new larger body mounts are located on the
front frame rails and at the C-pillar.

New standard front independent suspension combines redesigned upper
control arms, aluminum lower control arms and retuned geometry with coil
springs for improved responsiveness and handling. New, more robust ball joints
on the front suspension yield greater durability and are engineered with
improved sealing methods.

DESIGN

The new 2013 Ram 1500 retains its ruggedly handsome appearance with all-
new interior and exterior design aesthetics, improved aerodynamics and all-
new, segment-leading technology – and every Ram 1500 truck benefits from
new content specifically designed to match each model's unique style.

Exterior

Ram Truck brand designers started with the Ram grille making it not only larger
– with the same overall width, but approximately one inch taller – "saddled"
within the new upper fascia panel for a more integrated appearance. The classic
Ram crosshair horizontal and vertical grille bars are now flush at the top and
bottom of the grille surround.

The new front bumper design supports the "saddled" Ram grille theme with new
vertically oriented fog lamps for improved light spread, distance and more
lumens. Larger openings around the front tow hooks (four-wheel drive models)
allow for easy access to the hooks.

The 2013 Ram 1500 quad headlamp design has improved light spread, pattern
consistency, distance and 30 percent more lumens. An all-new premium
headlamp lighting system is a bi-functional halogen projector design with 15
amber LEDs for park/turn/position lamp and three amber LEDs for the side
marker.

For 2013, the Ram 1500 offers 12 different colors, including five new shades.
Black Gold, Copperhead, Maximum Steel Metallic, Prairie and Western Brown are
all new and available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

The new, polished stainless steel running boards have a sturdy box cross-
section design. Also, the new wheel-to-wheel exclusive running board design
offers aerodynamic improvements over the current version and provides
customer's improved access to the forward portion of the truck bed.

A new 6-ft.-4-in. bed option is now available on Crew Cab models giving
customers the ability to combine Ram 1500's largest available cab with the
largest four-door/bed combination. All-new premium tail lamps are standard
and consist of 15 red LEDs with three red LEDs for the side marker.

Interior

For 2013, new features and technologies create opportunity for a redesigned
interior with material upgrades; improved fit and finish; all-new interior themes
with different colors and materials; all-new HVAC controls and new multimedia
systems. The 2013 Ram 1500 also features an exclusive eight-speed
transmission with a new rotary e-shift dial design.

Rear occupants can enjoy the same quality, fit and finish as the driver. With
points of contact a priority, new premium materials, colors and designs are now
on all four doors. Soft-touch materials enhance armrests and upper bolsters
with expanded use of premium surfaces.

The 2013 Ram 1500 features the next generation 8.4-inch Uconnect system
with background screens tailor-made to specific Ram models and themes. To
make room for the new big screen, the center stack is upgraded with matching
materials found throughout the interior. To complement the range of Ram 1500
models, the interior design team created new, individualized themes with
different colors and materials. For the Laramie Longhorn, the Ram design team
sought out a very rare Walnut grain with a unique burl that was unintentionally
created by ranchers using trees as fence posts for barbed wire. Eventually, the
trees grow over the rusting metal wire, creating a swirl coloring pattern and
tone that is not found anywhere else.

The all-new HVAC controls take lessons learned from other Chrysler Group
Uconnect applications and feature simple, improved function, meeting the
highest Human Machine Interface (HMI) standards. The HVAC system includes a
redundant architecture allowing the operator to use either the 8.4-inch
touchscreen or manual controls to alter the truck's environment. Below the
upgraded HVAC arrangement is a new switch bank with relocated, easy-to-use
controls for a number of features depending on vehicle models and options. All
buttons in the comfort bank also are redundant on the Uconnect system.
Contiguous to the switch bank is a prominently placed, adjustable integrated
trailer brake control allowing the driver to add or reduce trailer brake function
on the fly.

The Ram 1500's new, exclusive eight-speed transmission created the need for
an innovative rotary e-shift dial in the cockpit to replace the center console gate
shifter – a first for pickups. The new shifter works in a multitude of seating
configurations and will replace floor and column shifters for use in the eight-
speed transmission. Realizing this is a dramatic change in the way trucks have
historically shifted gears, the interior design team accepted the challenge with a
new shift knob, naturally and prominently placed to the driver's right, at the
lower left-hand side of the center stack, in place of the previous transfer case
shift knob. The rotary dial enables intuitive blind-shift transitions between
"Drive" and "Reverse" with a direct and confident feel. The transfer case retains
full capability with push buttons located directly under the e-shift dial.
New technology also moves to the gauge cluster. Previously only available on
premium models, the 3.5-inch vehicle information screen is now standard on
ST and SLT and displays vehicle operating functions. The new thin film
transistor (TFT), 7-inch screen is now available on SLT, standard on Sport,
Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models. The 7-inch screen features fully
customizable function and configurability. Similar to the 8.4-inch Uconnect
screen, select 7-inch cluster background screens are tailor-made to specific
Ram models, with designs that match the truck's theme.

UCONNECT

Introducing Uconnect Access: A Powerful New Platform That Provides Multiple
Ways to Connect

The Uconnect Media Centers R3 and R4 provide the Ram 1500 with a built-in
cellular connection so vehicle occupants are automatically connected to a
variety of new services and the internet with WiFi hotspot capability. The new
Uconnect Media Centers provide a direct connection to emergency services
when the new 911 button found on the rearview mirror is pushed. Ram 1500
customers also will automatically receive regular vehicle health reports and be
able to remotely lock or unlock truck doors, start the vehicle, and flash lights
from any distance via the web or a smartphone application.

Ram truck owners will be able to access select, certified in-vehicle applications.
Driving-relevant applications will be introduced over time and are designed
specifically for in-vehicle use. The certified applications are easily controlled
with natural voice recognition or steering wheel controls to keep drivers
focused on the road. The responsive 8.4-inch touchscreen includes the award-
winning user interface designed by Chrysler Group Human Machine Interface
engineers, featuring large icons and visual cues allowing consumers intuitive
control of system features.

Uconnect Media Centers Are Always Current

Ram truck owners will be confident to know their truck is designed to be
forward-thinking, providing the freedom to upgrade to the latest features and
services, without having to replace their factory installed Uconnect systems.
Applications are updatable over the air and are downloaded directly to the
Uconnect Media Center, so features remain current. Ram truck owners will be
able to continually evolve their in-vehicle connectivity experience by
downloading app updates or new applications as they become available directly
to the Uconnect Media Center from inside the car, via the 8.4-inch touchscreen.
The Ram 1500's new Uconnect Access system features best-in-class
functionality, integrating new entertainment content and is the first time Ram
will offer HD Radio to its customers. Ram customers also will have access to
SiriusXM satellite radio, handsfree mobile phone operation, handsfree
navigation, handsfree texting with compatible phones and handsfree control of
music. Additionally, new connected services and applications provide real-time
access to information and content that Ram 1500 customers want and need
while on the road. Uconnect is designed to provide drivers and passengers with
relevant, focused and contextual information that is not distracting and easy to
use, allowing drivers to remain focused on the road.

Also enhancing driver convenience, Uconnect features one-step voice command
of navigation, the ability to check real-time fuel prices and listen and respond
to text messages, combined with familiar knobs for climate and comfort
controls.

A Variety of Ways to Control Your Content

Uconnect Access controls are placed on the steering wheel. Customer research
has shown a preference towards audio controls located at the rear of the
steering wheel and Ram was the first truck manufacturer to integrate these
rocker switches for ease of use. Audio system controls, including next station,
radio preset and previous station or track, are located on the left. Volume up or
down and change audio source are located on the right. This means Ram truck
drivers can keep their hands on the wheel while they enjoy a variety of
entertainment content sources.

Media Console Offers a Variety of Options

Neatly integrated within the upper storage tier of the center console, a new
multimedia input includes USB, SD card and auxiliary connections. The USB
allows control of iPod or other media device through the large touchscreen
displays and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. A more powerful 2.5
amp, USB port and 12-volt outlet also provide mobile recharging for electronic
devices. In addition, MP3 and WMA audio files on a USB memory device may
also be played and controlled via the Uconnect system.

New 7-inch Vehicle Information Center

Filling the gauge cluster in front of the driver is an available 7-inch, color,
premium vehicle information screen, featuring a new customizable function that
enables Ram 1500 customers to personalize information inside the instrument
cluster. Similar to the premium Uconnect Systems, select 7-inch instrument
cluster background screens are branded with a Ram theme. Ram's new
information display is designed to visually communicate information, using
graphics and text, quickly and easily.

The vehicle information display offers drivers a wide range of customization
options, from a basic digital speed read out to specific vehicle status
information. Operation of the display is clearly communicated to users with
easy-to-understand icons and instructions. Using buttons on the steering
wheel, drivers can customize the screen with as much or as little information as
they desire. The system is intuitive and can be arranged for a variety of views.
Up to three analog vehicle status gauges can be added to the display. The main
screens found inside the instrument cluster menu are: digital speed, vehicle
information and fuel economy, trip A information, trip B information, trailer-tow
information, audio, stored messages and screen customization. Additionally,
the four corners of the display can be customized to show information at a
glance, including current fuel economy, outside temperature, time and compass
direction.

All-new Powernet Electrical Architecture

As the Ram 1500 continues to offer more feature content, it created the need
for a technology that allows more information to be electronically
communicated within the truck. The new Powernet system, used for the first
time on a Ram 1500, allows both high- and low-speed data networks to be
equipped with as many as 40 individual modules, all designed to improve
vehicle performance and enhance the comfort and safety of driver and
passengers. Within the Powernet high-speed network, each module (e.g.,
electronic stability control) processes its individual data and transmits the
appropriate commands within the vehicle to activate any additional systems
(e.g. anti-lock brake system and cruise control). Uconnect leverages Powernet
to deliver fast response time, and share critical information between the 8.4-
inch touchscreen and the vehicle information center. The Powernet architecture
also is the backbone that supports the Uconnect Access services and
applications, including the Ram 1500 vehicle health report and remote services.
Sprint Provides Wireless Platform for Next Generation Uconnect Access
Sprint is the strategic wireless partner for the next generation Uconnect Access
system. The integrated wireless technology inside the Ram 1500 enhances the
driving experience by offering new connected services and applications. The
services delivered through the partnership will be easy to learn, easy to use and
will offer a seamless experience with the Ram owner's digital life. An increasing
number of features in the new Ram 1500 will rely on enhanced user interfaces
including voice capabilities and commands to help limit driving distractions and
keep the focus on the primary driving task.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

On the safety and security front, the Ram 1500 offers more than 45 active and
passive safety and security features, including standard front airbags, front and
rear side-curtain air bags and seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags with
Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, seat-belt pretensioners,
BeltAlert® System; and available adjustable pedals, ParkSense® rear park assist
and ParkView® rear back-up camera. The 2013 Ram 1500 also includes
standard electronic stability control (ESC), hosting a number of technologies
including all-speed traction control, trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and
anti-lock brake system (ABS).

The new 2013 Ram 1500 now features available Keyless Enter 'n Go technology,
which allows the doors to be unlocked and the vehicle ignition to be started
without having to touch the key fob. Also new for 2013, remote central locking
includes the RamBox® cargo management system and tailgate power locks,
creating a convenient solution for locking down the truck with the push of a
button. An available remote start feature allows a driver to start their vehicle
from up to 300 feet away. Door controls, illuminated entry, engine immobilizer
and panic alert are standard features with the Keyless Enter 'n Go system. Auto
rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam® also find their way into the feature
availability list, adding to a truckload of content offered in the new 2013 Ram
1500.

Additional New Features

For 2013, Ram 1500 customers can enjoy the convenience of power folding
mirrors and a combination power and rear-sliding window with defrost. Also
available is a new six-foot-four-inch bed option on the Crew Cab model,
allowing for maximum passenger and bed hauling capability.

Unsurpassed Powertrain Warranty – 5 years/100,000 Miles

The 2013 Ram 1500 is backed with a best-in-class 5-year / 100,000-Mile
Powertrain Limited Warranty. The Powertrain Limited Warranty covers the cost of
all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component – engine,
transmission and drive system. Coverage also includes free towing to the
nearest Ram dealer, if necessary. The warranty also is transferable allowing
customers who sell their truck during the warranty period, to pass the coverage
onto the new owner.

The standard 3-year / 36,000-Mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-
to-bumper coverage for the Ram 1500, from the body to the electrical system.

QUALITY

To ensure durability, the Ram development team is putting the 2013 Ram 1500
to the test – actually thousands of checks and almost six million customer
equivalent testing miles – to validate its performance and reliability for the long
haul.

The 2013 Ram 1500's quality is scrutinized at the company's Chrysler
Technology Center's state-of-the-art scientific labs in Auburn Hills, Mich.,
including the Noise/Vibration/Harshness Lab, the Electromagnetic Compatibility
Facility, Wind Tunnel and the Road Test Simulator (RTS).

For example, the RTS recreates the abuse a truck endures at the hands of a
95th percentile driver – meaning someone who drives the vehicle in more
severe conditions than 95 percent of all customers. The RTS can put a lifetime
of wear and tear on a truck in about one month's time. The Ram development
team is committed to finding and fixing any issues before the customer does.

MANUFACTURING

The 2013 Ram 1500 is built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Mich.),
which has built more than 12.5 million trucks since it started operations in
1938. Regular Cab models of the 2013 Ram 1500 are built at the Saltillo Truck
Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.