Ram 1500 Continues to Offer Innovative Features and Products for Truck Customers
09/01/2011
Ram
The Ram 1500 offers a variety of models for customers who rely on their trucks for work and play.
"The Ram 1500 lineup has a truck for everyone," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico - Chrysler Group LLC. "From the value-priced Tradesman with a standard V-8 to the loaded Laramie Longhorn, Ram Truck brand will continue to answer our customers' needs with products that hit high marks for durability, innovation and appearance."
Capability
In addition to the 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 which produces 390 horsepower (283 kW), 407 lb.-ft. (548 N-m) of torque and 20 mpg, the 2012 Ram 1500 offers a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N-m) of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N-m) of torque; five and six-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.
Equipped with the HEMI, the 2012 Ram R/T regular-cab 4x2 model with a short bed and 4:10 gears blasts from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
The 2012 Ram 1500 is offered in Regular Cab, Quad Cab(R) and Crew Cab models, with three box lengths: 8-foot (Regular Cab), 6-foot-4-inches (Regular Cab and Quad Cab), and 5-foot-7-inches (Ram 1500 Crew Cab). Eleven trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: Tradesman, Express, Outdoorsman, ST, SLT, Sport, Sport R/T, Lone Star, Big Horn, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn.
A frame design incorporating high-strength steel supports segment-exclusive, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload (up to 1,850 pounds) and towing capability (up to 10,250 pounds).
Convenience
The 2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab features an available first-in-segment RamBox cargo management system that provides weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into both fender sides for effortless access and convenience. Each box holds up to five cases (120 cans) of 12-ounce beverages.
The RamBox system includes a bed divider/2-foot bed extender for oversize loads and a rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability. The Ram's tailgate features a standard assist feature that reduces the effort needed to raise and close the tailgate.
Another segment-first innovation for the Ram 1500 Crew Cab is a pair of "store in the floor" bins with removable liners that offer even more versatile storage - large enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice. Locking lids are available from Mopar.
There are many other convenient storage locations throughout the Ram 1500 including large upper and lower glove boxes, map pockets in door panels and a configurable center console.
Technically sophisticated, yet simple to navigate, electronic and infotainment choices include a media center with a 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system available in the Quad Cab and Crew Cab. Also available is segment-first surround-sound audio.
Other premium amenities include first-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats, available heated rear seats, one-touch up/down driver and passenger windows, automatic-on headlamps and dual-zone automatic temperature control.
Craftsmanship
In addition to the exterior, the interior of the Ram 1500 stands out with an emphasis on craftsmanship expressed in premium interior appointments including six-ring instrumentation, controls, chrome accents, premium seating with bolsters and two-tone upholstery. An automatic-transmission floor shifter, incorporated into a configurable center console, is available. All Ram 1500 interiors feature "soft-touch" materials with premium fit and finish. Full-width contrasting stitching is offered on soft-touch instrument panels for select models.
On the exterior, the Ram 1500 features an aluminum hood with a large power bulge and a forward-canted grille, imparting a "head down, ready to charge" attitude, while front and rear bumpers wrap around each body side. The rear bumper on HEMI-equipped models is radiused over chromed dual exhaust tips. Attractive 20-inch wheels are available. Sills are pulled down to cover frame rails for a premium appearance. Badges are three-dimensional, rather than decals, and are designed to stand out.
Safety
On the safety and security front, the Ram 1500 offers more than 30 active and passive safety features, including standard front and rear side-curtain air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, side seat airbags, knee bolsters, seat belt pretensioners, anti-lock brake system, BeltAlert(R) system, and electronic stability control; and available adjustable pedals, ParkSense(R) rear park assist and ParkView(R) rear back-up camera.
Manufacturing
The Ram 1500 is built in two locations: Quad Cab and Crew Cab 1500 models are built at the Warren (Mich.) Assembly Plant, and Regular Cab models are built at the Saltillo Assembly Plant in Mexico.