Chrysler Canada - Ram to Build Most Capable Trucks Ever

January 8, 2013 , Windsor, Ontario -  Ram Heavy Duty, Canada’s longest-lasting and best-selling diesel pickups, set a new benchmark in capability. In the quest to build the most capable trucks available, Ram officially released class-leading towing and weight ratings for its 2013 line of Ram Heavy Duty pickups and Chassis Cab trucks.

The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup will claim a 13,608 kg (30,000 lb) trailer capacity thanks to a new class-exclusive 50,000 pounds-per-square-inch, high-strength steel frame, improved transfer case, higher-load transmission, an upgraded 6.7-litre Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with best-in-class 850 lb-ft of torque and other significant driveline upgrades.

Ram’s closest competitor is limited to a 10,478 kg (23,100 lb) maximum trailer.

"We built the new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty to be the undisputed Heavy Duty ‘King of the Road.’ These new rigs deliver on the number one key attribute most critical to these customers: uncompromising capability,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Towing capability, reliability and engine performance are ranked first through third, respectively, with HD customers. The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks unequivocally deliver all those things, as well as a very low total cost of ownership.”

The Ram 3500’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) -- which is defined by the maximum combined weight of the truck, payload and trailer -- has been raised to 17,055 kg (37,600 lb), which again far surpasses the closest competitor’s 13,835 kg (30,500 lb) GCWR.

Ram has increased the capability in its other truck models as well.

For 2013, the Ram 2500 will also benefit from increased towing and GCWR. At 8323 kg (18,350 lb) and 11,340 kg (25,000 lb), Ram 2500’s towing and GCW ratings are also best among ¾-tonne pickups.

Ram Chassis Cab trucks also deliver maximum capability with best-in-class towing and GCWR figures 13,426 kg (29,600 lb) and 17,010 kg (37,500 lb), respectively (5500 model).

Ram Heavy Duty adds a number of new available features for 2013, including a factory-integrated fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch mount, a 7711 kg (17,000 lb) Class V hitch with 816 kg (1,800 lb) of tongue weight, class-exclusive standard Electronic Stability Control for dual-rear-wheels and a new Centre High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) positioned camera, the first of its kind in the heavy duty pickup category, to provide a full view of the bed for easier hook-up of fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers as well as monitoring cargo.

For 2013, all Ram Heavy Duty diesels benefit from an all-new cooling system. A high-efficiency fan, dual radiators, dual transmission coolers and low-slung charge air cooler with 25 per cent more heat rejection capacity help ensure the diesel engine remains as cool as possible at all times. Lower operating temperatures deliver improved performance, durability and lower operating costs. Cummins Turbo Diesel-equipped Ram trucks also provide best-in-class oil change intervals of up to 24,000 kilometres.

Ram is also introducing an industry-exclusive Ram Active Air intake system. When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cooler air from the front of the vehicle – a function that also engages at high altitudes for superior throttle response in low oxygen environments. When conditions are wet from snow, ice or water-fording, the system pulls air from an under-hood inlet, clear from snow packing and water.

Also among the upgrades for 2013, Ram Heavy Duty front drive shafts and U-joints are larger to align with the truck’s new Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).

To handle the best-in-class towing capability of the new Ram Heavy Duty, a new front and rear suspension system with advanced geometry builds upon the chassis improvements and greatly improves overall roll stiffness. An advanced three-link front suspension on the Ram 3500 is necessary for the vehicle’s higher GVWR and for use with heavy front loads, including snow plows. Additionally, a newly designed Hotchkiss leaf spring rear suspension on the Ram 3500 offers improved ride and handling while delivering higher towing and payload capability.

About Chrysler Canada Inc.
Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2013. Chrysler Canada's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep® Wrangler, Chrysler 300 and Ram trucks.

Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, one of the world's leading automotive companies. Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, SRT®, FIAT® and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.