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Ram 1500



























2013 Dodge Ram 1500

 
The new 2013 Ram 1500 is the Ram Truck brand's latest entry into the ultra-competitive full-size, light-duty pickup truck segment. The new truck represents the brand's first iteration to its most recognized truck since the inception of the Ram nameplate in 2011.

"What started as a mild refresh of the Ram 1500 quickly rolled into a best-in-class fuel economy and best-in-class capability gem," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC. "Customers are going to experience an entirely new truck with technology and features not offered anywhere else."

The new 2013 Ram 1500 is the latest innovation off Ram's full-size, body-on-frame truck architecture, designed, engineered and executed to strike at the emotional chords of the "Guts and Glory" mindset of enthusiasts and potential buyers. In form and function, the new 2013 Ram 1500 conveys boldness, valor, virtue and power-oriented capability like no other in its class, but it does so, aesthetically and functionally, at a different level.

The light-duty full-size pickup truck segment has evolved from "brute capability and acceptable efficiency" to an engineering and execution that combine desirable size, configurations, capability, refinement, efficiency, technology and quality.

The new 2013 Ram 1500 will offer the most fuel-efficient model in its class, and more available functional, innovative and interactive technologies than the competition. The new truck will have capability on par with or better than anything in its class and more quality-validated than anything in it class.

The ride and handling compares favorably with premium-oriented sedans, but sacrifices nothing in terms of payload and towing capabilities for which it is best-in-class. The 2013 Ram 1500 conveys confidence with responsive steering, brake-pedal feel and great ride characteristics.

Ram's newest truck also offers more factory-installed exterior options and systems than anything in its class. The distinctive, brand-oriented design and refined mechanical interior and exterior executions deliver on the concept of "bold opulence." Customers in this category will view it as being far more expensive than its competitors, but the new Ram 1500 remains a great value.

Like its 2012 predecessor, the new 2013 Ram 1500 will be available in three cab configurations (two-door Regular Cab, four-door extended Quad Cab® and four-door Crew Cab) with three box sizes - 5-foot-7-inch box, 6-foot-4-inch box and 8-foot box.

The new truck will be offered in 11 models/packages: ST, Tradesman, Express, SLT, Big Horn, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Sport, R/T, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn.

The new 2013 Ram 1500 competitors are: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Start of production of the 2013 MY Ram 1500 is scheduled for third quarter of 2012. Regular Cab configured vehicles will be produced at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico; Quad and Crew Cab configured vehicles will be manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Mich.

POWERTRAIN

Major changes under the hood of the new 2013 Ram 1500 will help deliver best-in-class fuel economy and substantial increases in power and performance with the Chrysler Group's award-winning Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine coupled with the first use of an eight-speed TorqueFlite 8 transmission in a pickup truck.

The 5.7-liter HEMI® also will benefit with the first use of an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new, TorqueFlite 8 is available with the V-8 engine and features a higher capacity torque converter and is scheduled for availability in late 2012.

Coupled with the debut of an eight-speed transmission, select Ram 1500 models will offer a new stop-start feature that automatically shuts the engine off when the truck comes to a complete stop, conserving fuel. The engine restarts when driving is resumed.

"The coupling of our legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and Ward's 10-best, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 to a new eight-speed automatic transmission led the way to best-in-class fuel economy for the 2013 Ram 1500," said Bob Lee, Vice President, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering — Chrysler Group LLC. "Although the addition of a new eight-speed achieved double-digit percentage gains in fuel economy, we also added a number of segment exclusive technologies such as thermal management, stop-start and active grille shutters to further improve efficiency."

Best-in-class V-6 Fuel Economy - Pentastar V-6 Engine

With best-in-class standard horsepower rated at 305 at 6,400 rpm and torque of 269 lb.-ft. at 4,175 rpm, the 2013 Ram 1500 goes from zero to 60mph, three seconds faster than the previous V-6 powertrain. The new Ram 1500 becomes the latest vehicle to benefit from the advanced technology Pentastar engine. Features include Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), high-torque over a broad rpm range, low exhaust emissions, E85 capability, exceptional fuel economy, and best-in-class noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Introduced less than two years ago, the new V-6 engine has become the workhorse engine across the Chrysler lineup and has replaced seven previous V-6 engines. The Pentastar won Ward's 10 Best Engines award in its debut year of 2011 and repeated this honor in 2012.

The compact, 60 degree, all-aluminum block is constructed of high strength die-cast T380 aluminum with cast iron bore liners. Six bolt main bearing caps contribute to an extremely rigid lower engine structure. Cast aluminum pistons are fitted to forged connecting rods. Aluminum cylinder heads with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder include integral exhaust manifolds. High flow, tumble intake ports and a 10.2:1 compression ratio deliver an optimal balance of power, fuel efficiency and refinement.

Despite the high compression ratio, the Pentastar V-6 is designed to run on regular 87 octane fuel to reduce the cost of ownership. The 3.6-liter Pentastar also is E85 compliant across all 50 states.

To help deliver better fuel efficiency and better volumetric efficiency across a wide torque band, the engine also includes variable-valve timing (VVT) with dual-independent cam phasing. Nearly 90 percent of the engine's peak torque is available from 1,800 to 6,400 rpm - an important consideration when towing or hauling a load.

With increases in both horsepower and torque, there is no shortage of capability. For 2013, customers can opt for a V-6 engine with a 4x4 powertrain and in crew cab models.


Best-in-class V-8 Fuel Economy - 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8

Long associated with power, enhanced fuel efficiency also is provided with the legendary HEMI® through the use of variable-valve timing (VVT) and cylinder shut-off technology. The 2013 Ram 1500 is the first vehicle to combine the new eight-speed automatic and the HEMI V-8 engine (late availability).

With 395 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 407 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,950 rpm, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers performance and best-in-class towing and payload — 11,500 pounds and 3,125 pounds, respectively with the Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty. Equipped with VVT, the engine is designed to deliver power across a wide torque band.

Fuel enhancing features with the HEMI include cylinder shut-off technology, which deactivates four cylinders of the engine during light acceleration or cruising situations on the highway when full V-8 power is not needed. Depending on the driving, cylinder shutoff can increase fuel economy from 5 to 20 percent. Transparent to the driver, the system operates between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm and provides V-8 power for acceleration and heavy loads and four-cylinder operation when the torque requirement is less than the maximum available from four cylinders, saving fuel.

Additionally, VVT technology improves fuel economy by first, reducing the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later, and second by increasing the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more energy to be transferred to the wheels instead of being lost out of the exhaust as heat. VVT also improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.

Fuel savings also are realized through an Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut Off feature (iDFSO), which expands opportunities for turning off fuel to the engine during deceleration events thereby improving fuel economy in both city and highway driving.

Also, towing and payload capacity for the 2013 Ram 1500 is best-in-class with towing up to 11,500 pounds and payload up to 3,125 pounds, depending on model.


TorqueFlite 8 Automatic Transmissions

The new, 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission is the new standard transmission for Ram 1500 with V-6. For HEMI® V-8 - equipped Ram 1500 models, the higher torque capacity version 8HP70 will be available in the first quarter of 2013.

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.

Fully electronic, both the 8HP45 and 8HP70 transmissions feature on-the-fly shift map changing. More than 40 individual shift maps for very specific conditions optimize shift quality and shift points for fuel economy, performance and drivability. The intelligent software takes into account variables including engine torque gradients, kick down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, hill detection, friction detection and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map. Additional parameters integrated into the control strategy include vehicle speed control, electronic stability control interaction and temperature. The result is automatic shifting ideally attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving demand.

The transmission efficiency and wide ratio spread provide the best possible fuel economy by operating at a lower engine rpm in both city and highway environments. Driving at a lower rpm also helps to effectively reduce emissions by nearly 11 percent. Internally, identical transmission gear ratios are used in both the 8HP45 and 8HP70 transmissions.

The addition of more gear ratios also helps reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting. Gear changes are nearly imperceptible due to the evenly spaced gear steps between each gear ratio. Internally, both transmissions have four gear sets and five shift elements (multi-disc clutches and brakes). Only two shift elements are open at any time. With fewer open shift elements, drag losses due to multiple parts rotating relative to one another are reduced, improving fuel efficiency.

High efforts in shifting have been eliminated with gear selection controlled by a shift-by-wire system. Shift positions, selected by the driver via a rotary e-shift dial on the instrument panel, are transmitted electronically with no mechanical linkage from the shifter to the outside of the transmission. Elimination of this linkage removes any shift effort from the driver's gear selection but maintains an intuitive operation with a direct and confident feel. Calibration also is improved for smoother shifting in garages or while parking.

Torque capacity for the 8HP45 is 332 lb.-ft. (450Nm). The heavy-duty 8HP70 has a torque capacity rating of 516 lb.-ft. (700Nm).


Thermal Management System

Making its introduction and a segment exclusive on the 2013 Ram 1500 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 low-viscosity engine oil and transmission fluid are reduced, improving fuel efficiency by 1.7 percent.

One of the system enablers is a new electronic thermostat. Unlike previous mechanical thermostats, the electronic version constantly monitors engine temperature, allowing shorter warm up time and maintaining the engine at the most efficient operating range. 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 and engine oil. As the thermal exchange unit heats up, it also heats up the fluids. 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.

Standard on trucks with the TorqueFlite 8, the new thermal management system is primarily used to increase fuel efficiency but assists in preventing the transmission from exceeding operating temperatures in situations when towing or hauling — improving durability and performance.


Stop-start

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 (mpg) 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.

The system monitors brake pedal position and vehicle speed over time to determine appropriate engine shut off, preventing frequent on/off cycling in heavy stop-and-go traffic situations.


Precise powertrain calibration and input from a number of systems determines when to engage the system.

Due to additional high-use and electrical load demands placed on the starter, alternator and battery, these components have been upgraded for heavy-duty operation on models equipped with the stop-start feature. This includes a high-durability starter housed in a stronger case, heavy-duty flywheel teeth and a more robust starter solenoid. During testing, the new starter was subjected to durability testing cycles more than 2.5 times that of a non-stop-start equipped unit - more than 300,000 on/off cycles. The new battery features 800 amps with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology. An upgraded 220-amp alternator also is included in the charging system.

System voltage is continually monitored through a battery sensor. If the battery's charge is reduced, the truck will discontinue stop-start until the battery is recharged to an acceptable level.

Stop-start is activated automatically and requires no input from the driver. A system disable switch is located on the dash if the operator wishes to suspend the feature.


Transfer Cases

Two transfer cases are available on the 2013 Ram 1500: the Borg Warner 44-45, which enables part-time four-wheel drive operation with a two-speed gear system; and the Borg Warner 44-44, which enables an on-demand four-wheel drive system, also with a two-speed gear system. Both transfer cases are engaged with a dash-mounted rotary dial (column shifter) or buttons (TorqueFlite 8 rotary e-shifter).

The part-time transfer case provides three operating ranges 2HI (two-wheel drive), 4HI (four-wheel drive) and 4LO (low-range reduction four-wheel drive) plus a neutral position. The 2HI is designed for any road surface at any time. Both 4HI and 4LO are for off-road use or slick surfaces. Operating mode may be switched between 2HI and 4HI while the vehicle is in motion, but the vehicle's transmission must be in neutral to engage 4LO. The low-range reduction ratio for 4LO is 2.64:1, which provides increased low-speed torque capability for pulling power in off-road conditions.

The on-demand transfer case provides four operating ranges: auto, 2HI, 4HI and 4LO. The auto range provides optimum versatility by engaging two- or four-wheel drive depending on road conditions. 2HI, 4HI and 4LO function the same as in the part-time transfer case.

Driveshafts incorporate 1350 series universal joints, two-piece thrust washers with triple-lip seals and improved journal cross strength.


Axles

Two final drive ratios, 3.21 and 3.55, are available on both the 2WD and 4WD models, reducing engine rpm throughout the operating range for better fuel economy.

Four-wheel drive models of the 2013 Ram 1500 use a front axle designed for optional air suspension or standard torsional independent front suspension, incorporating half-shafts that drive front hubs. The axle also has a disconnect system that automatically disengages the axle when four-wheel drive mode is disengaged, for increased fuel economy.

The rear axle uses a new optional air suspension or multi-link mounting design to facilitate a coil-spring setup, with forward-facing shock absorber brackets. Four gear ratios are available: 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10.

In addition, an optional helical-gear, limited-slip rear axle is available. The limited-slip function instantaneously divides torque between the rear wheels in proportion to the traction available to each wheel. The system is consistently smooth when turning corners because it responds only to variations in traction.


ENGINEERING

Although the new 2013 Ram 1500 boasts numerous segment-exclusive features, most are under the skin, yet certainly help the new truck stand out from the herd, delivering best-in-class fuel efficiency, ride and handling.

"For 2013, we looked at available technology and aligned systems with the goal of greatly improving fuel economy," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC. "The Ram 1500 continues to build on segment exclusives, providing everything customers expect in a modern truck, while delivering best-in-class fuel efficiency, more technology, innovation and features."


Aerodynamics

The new 2013 Ram 1500 retains its ruggedly handsome appearance with a new, bolder and more aggressive front end. 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 6 percent aerodynamic improvement on the new truck. The 2013 Ram 1500 Regular Cab 4x2 coefficient of drag (Cd) is 0.363 - compared with a Cd of 0.386 for a 2012 Ram 1500 Regular Cab 4x2.


Exterior

The front air dam of the 2013 Ram 1500 has been extended downward to create a 0.6 percent improvement in fuel economy. Engineers used a new thermo-plastic material, which is much more malleable, preventing breakage due to contact with curbs, rocks or other objects.

A new wheel-to-wheel tubular side-step design offers aerodynamic improvements over the current version by allowing air to pass around the truck more smoothly. The improvement adds 0.5 percent to fuel efficiency and allows customers easy access to the forward portion of the truck bed.

For 2013, select Ram 1500 models feature a segment exclusive, standard, lockable tri-fold tonneau cover. Serving a dual-purpose, the tonneau cover improves fuel economy by 0.8 percent and adds security and weather protection for bed storage. The unique design is flexible, giving owners the ability to utilize one, two or all three sections of the cover by folding the system on top of itself.


Active Grille Shutters

The new Ram 1500 is the first truck to employ 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.

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.


Air Suspension

Best-in-class ride and handling get even better. The 2013 Ram 1500 is now available with an all-new air suspension system for optimum ride and aerodynamic performance. Another benefit to the new air suspension is the 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.

The new air suspension system features five height settings that operate 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 vehicle 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 entry/exit 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.

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 Normal Ride Height, improving the ability of the suspension to soak up obstacles. In Aero mode, the rate is softened to improve ride on highways.

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.


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 a constantly turning a hydraulic pump, improving fuel efficiency up to 1.8 percent and adding 5 horsepower. Also, the introduction of EPS reduces complexity by removing the previous hydraulic pump, high-pressure hydraulic hoses and cooling apparatus. This greatly streamlines manufacturing and maintenance. With EPS, each Ram 1500 model can be specifically calibrated to optimize steering effort and precision regardless of body or powertrain configuration. Additionally, EPS senses constant input from the driver, for example a crown in the road and compensates for improved comfort.


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.

Contingent on model, 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 7 pounds and a new front bumper design removes 4 pounds. Additionally, aluminum lower control arms in the front suspension contribute to 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 engine and new TorqueFlite 8 transmission reduce weight by approximately 76 pounds. The V-8 engine 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.


Fuel Delivery

The primary fuel pump is responsible for ensuring a constant pressure of fuel at the engine's injectors. Although the truck is not always at full throttle, the pump must continuously run at operating capacity to compensate for when the engine requires full throttle fuel delivery. The PWM system includes a sensor at the fuel rails dictating fuel pressure requirements, allowing the primary fuel pump to operate on-demand, much like a light dimmer switch. This efficient operation not only results in reduced parasitic loss by relieving the alternator and reducing unnecessary load on the engine, but also greatly improves the durability of the fuel pump system by significantly reducing duty cycles.


Cooling Fan

For 2013, the radiator's electric cooling fan also features PWM, allowing the high-current fan to operate at variable speeds. As in fuel delivery, the fan does not need to operate at full capacity during all drive cycles. Although most automotive fan systems have the ability to function at a variety of speeds, few will closely monitor the engine temperature and make slight changes in speed to compensate for subtle temperature changes. The combination of a PWM fan, active grille shutters, engine and transmission thermal management system, and an electronic thermostat provide an advanced temperature-control solution for the 2013 Ram 1500.


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 is 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 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.

Two frame lengths are available: 120-inch and 140-inch. The new 2013 Ram 1500 is capable of handling the best-in-class towing and payload, 11,500 pounds and 3,125 pounds respectively.

In 2009, the Ram 1500 introduced an exclusive multi-link, coil-spring rear suspension and the competition has been trying to catch up ever since. Standard on Ram 1500 models, excluding Ram 1500 Tradesman HD, the innovative rear suspension provides improved ride and handling characteristics with no loss of capability. A coil-spring design centralizes and absorbs bumps and impacts, while reducing the amount of friction in the spring system. This design also weighs 40 pounds less than a leaf-spring configuration.

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.


Brake System

A new brake system relocates the anti-lock brake (ABS) pump for improved NVH and is engineered for shorter brake pedal travel. Also, a new hydraulic-boost compensation unit enhances brake pedal feel and performance under emergency stop events.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all 2013 Ram Truck models. Front rotors measure 13.2 inches (336 mm) in diameter and are clamped with dual-piston calipers, while rear rotors are 13.8 inches (352 mm) and utilize single-piston calipers.


DESIGN

The new 2013 Ram 1500 continues to maintain 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 lower outboard corners have been beveled for a more "gusseted," durable appearance.

"The Ram 1500 has the most recognizable design on the road today and we want to preserve that claim," said Joe Dehner, Head of Ram Truck and Dodge Design, Product Design Office — Chrysler Group LLC. "With understated changes, the best looking light-duty truck out there continues to maintain its 'ruggedly handsome' appearance with new improvements to aerodynamics."

The classic Ram crosshair horizontal and vertical grille bars are now flush at the top and bottom of the grille surround. The bars themselves are more sculpted and artfully cross in the middle to create a perfect location for an updated interpretation of the Ram badge, which now incorporates sculpted bevels around the shield.

Four new grille designs are available on the 2013 Ram 1500. ST, SLT and R/T have a new molded-in Black "Hex-Link" design. Big Horn and Sport both receive a "Billet-Perf" texture available in two different finishes specific to their model. The Laramie model features the "Hex-Perf" texture in Chrome and Laramie Longhorn offers an upscale "Wave-Mesh" texture.

The new front bumper design supports the saddled Ram grille theme with new vertically oriented fog lamps for improved light spread, distance and brightness. Larger openings around the front tow hooks (four-wheel-drive models) allow for easy access to the hooks. The bumper is available in four different finishes specific to each model - satin black, body-colored, two-tone accent or chrome.

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. A vertically ribbed inner lens softens the glow of the LEDs. The new lamp is standard on Sport (with unique Black bezels) and Laramie Longhorn while optional on Laramie. The Ram design team carefully crafted the interior bezel and housing to create a visually entertaining, yet functional piece of hardware. Also, a Ram shield logo is molded into the housing and the Ram name molded into the inside of the outer lens.

Each Ram 1500 model features new wheel designs that incorporate the "gusseted" theme from the Ram grille.

Exterior door and fender badges are relocated to a "portrait" style format from the current "landscape" format, yielding not only a cleaner appearance but more usable real estate on the door for a commercial customer's signs and graphics. A new HEMI® fender badge is larger and finished in chrome with red and black accents.

For 2013, the Ram 1500 offers 12 different colors, including five new shades. Black Gold Pearl, Copperhead Pearl, Maximum Steel Metallic, Prairie Pearl and Western Brown Pearl 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-looking box cross-section design with a hexagon tread pattern. Front and rear custom end caps feature "Ram" logos. Also, the new wheel-to-wheel 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-foot-4-inch bed option is now available on Crew Cab models giving customers the ability to combine Ram 1500's largest available cab with the largest available bed.

An all-new premium taillamp is standard on Sport (with unique Black finish) and Laramie Longhorn, optional on Laramie. The stop/tail/turn functions consist of 15 red LEDs with three red LEDs for the side marker. A frosted inner lens creates visual entertainment and softens the glow of the LEDs.


Interior

For 2013, new features and technologies create an 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 multi-media systems. The 2013 Ram 1500 also features an exclusive eight-speed transmission with a new rotary e-shift dial design.

"The 2013 Ram 1500 gave us the opportunity to build on an already best-in-class interior while integrating new technologies and features," said Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design — Chrysler Group LLC. "We've added richer colors and uniquely exceptional materials to give our customers a premium feel that stays true to the hardy nature of a Ram Truck."

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. ST is available in Black/Diesel interior trim. SLT is available in Canyon Brown/Light Frost or Black/Diesel and the Sport model features all-Black materials. Stepping up to Laramie, customers can choose from all Black or Canyon Brown/Light Frost. Laramie Longhorn has new Cattle Tan/Black or Canyon Brown/Light Frost options.

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. ST receives Dark Foundry coloring with an Iron Gray Metallic bezel. SLT features premium Anodized Driftwood paint with Satin Chrome accents. Sport uses Dark Diesel Anodized with Light Black Chrome and Piano Black finishes for a "street truck" feel. Laramie features Light Anodized Driftwood paint, adding a contemporary Wenge wood pattern. Laramie Longhorn now features real Walnut Burl inserts stained in Canyon Brown or Cattle Tan. Silver Pebble paint covers the bezel and blends with the rich tones used throughout the cockpit. 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.

Surrounded by a chrome tracer, the all-new HVAC controls take lessons learned from other Chrysler Group Uconnect Touch 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. The top row is for functional features and includes air-suspension lift, stop/start, stability control, park sense and tow/haul. The bottom row is for "comfort" controls and includes: air suspension lower, heated steering wheel, heated seats and ventilated seats. All buttons in the comfort bank also are redundant in 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 new console center stack also includes a 115-volt outlet and new drawer at the base of the stack with a smooth, premium feel, tool box-slide action. The new drawer features 12-volt outlets on either side and an optional powered USB on the driver side.

The Ram 1500's new, class-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 both bench and bucket seating configurations. 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 operation with a direct and confident feel. "Park" is located at the furthest left, then turning clockwise to "Reverse", "Neutral" and "Drive" at the furthest right. This new design allows for quick and easy shifting for operators wearing gloves and for blind-shift transitions between "Drive" and "Reverse." Two designs were created for the new dial. ST, SLT and Sport feature a black rubber over mold with chrome surround while all Laramie models include a solid, spun-aluminum knob finished in silver. Electronic Range Select for the new eight-speed transmission is located on the face of the steering wheel, right side, allowing individual gear selection. The transfer case retains full capability with LED lit "4WD Auto," "4WD Lock," "4WD Low," "2WD" and "Neutral" push buttons located directly under the e-shift knob.

New technology also moves to the gauge cluster. Previously only available on premium models, the 3.5-inch vehicle information center 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 system, select 7-inch cluster background screens are tailor-made to specific Ram models, with designs that match the truck's theme.

With the console shifter out of the way, all 2013 Ram 1500 trucks with bucket seats offer additional storage capacity in its place. Six-passenger capability continues to be available with the 40-20-40 bench seat. For models without the eight-speed transmission and e-shift, a floor or column shifter is available.

Two new steering wheels are available. Electronic Range Select for the new eight-speed transmission is located on the face, right side. ST and SLT receive a urethane wheel with a Black or Canyon Brown bezel. Optional on SLT and standard on Sport models is a leather wheel with either Black or Canyon Brown painted bezel. Laramie includes a leather wheel with Anodized paint in Black or Canyon Brown and Laramie Longhorn features a Silver Pebble bezel, two-tone real wood and two-tone stitching in Black or Canyon Brown. Premium steering wheels offer a heating option.

Seating colors and feel are upgraded with richer, darker colors, including a new premium cloth material. ST is available in Dark Slate and Black. SLT is available in Dark Slate and Black as well as Canyon Brown with Light Frost door panels. Sport and Laramie models feature all Black; Laramie models offer Light Frost leather and Canyon Brown. Laramie Longhorn seating features Cattle Tan leather or Canyon Brown.

The center consoles for both the bucket and 40-20-40 bench seat configurations are all-new with efficient storage in mind. The new bucket seat console utilizes the extra space as additional storage. The bench seat design includes three new cup holders built into the console lid that features a washable rubber bellow lining, allowing storage for most cup sizes as well as other personal items. Folding back the center console and center front seat base reveals a large storage bin that houses the CD player. Both versions of the console feature two tiers of storage and are available with a new multi-media port with USB, SD card and auxiliary inputs in the upper tier. Additionally, a 2.5-amp USB power port and 12-volt outlet are available to meet device-charging needs.

Lastly, new for 2013, all Ram 1500 models feature Sapphire Blue LED lighting on switches and the rear view mirror. Sport, Laramie and Longhorn are adorned with white LED lighting for dome, map and foot wells. All Laramie and Longhorn models feature additional Sapphire Blue ambient lighting throughout the interior, an enhancement for premium trim levels.


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 air bags, 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, hosting a number of technologies including all-speed traction control, trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS).

"Trucks are becoming more often a family vehicle and we built our new Ram 1500 with that in mind," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC. "The 2013 Ram 1500 offers a truck-load of active and passive safety and security features including advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, Hill-start Assist, trailer-sway control and Brake Assist."

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 powerlocks, 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.

When it comes to safety and security, the 2013 Ram 1500 employs a two-fold approach. The first includes passive features such as pretensioning seat belt retractors and supplemental side-curtain air bags. The second is comprised of accident-avoidance features including responsive steering, braking, handling and ESC.


More Than 45 Safety and Security Features
  • Advanced multi-stage air bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact
  • Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions - advanced ABS modulates each of the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance
  • All-speed Traction Control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to slipping wheel(s) and reduces excess engine power until traction is regained
  • Auto-reverse sun roof: Advanced sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the sun roof to the open position when an object that restricts glass movement is detected
  • Auto-reverse window: Automatically engages and reverses the window to the down position when an obstacle that restricts glass movement is detected
  • Auto rain-sensing wipers: Automatically sense precipitation on the windshield, activating the windshield wiper system
  • BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted
  • Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance
  • Brake-lock differential system (BLDS): Allows the vehicle to maintain forward motion if one or two wheels lose traction by selectively and aggressively applying brakes to the spinning wheels
  • Brake Override: When a disagreement exists between the throttle and the brake, the brake signal causes the engine controller to reduce engine power, allowing the operator to stop
  • Brake/Park interlock: Prevents the automatic transmission from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied
  • Child seat anchor system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
  • Child-protection rear door locks: Disables the rear doors' inside-release handles via a small lever on the door-shut face
  • Crumple zones: Designed to compress during an accident to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants
  • Digressive load-limiting retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature that limits the maximum force on the belt webbing to help absorb the energy of the occupant's upper torso during an impact
  • Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle's path, ESC applies selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver's intended path
  • Energy-absorbing steering column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact
  • Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and hazard flashers, and unlocking doors after air-bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
  • Height-adjustable front seat belts: Allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seat belt usage by offering a comfortable fit
  • Bi-halogen projector headlamps: A high-output halogen projection main beam is assisted by LEDs for improved light spread, pattern consistency, distance and more lumens
  • HomeLink® universal home security system transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio-frequency codes to operate garage-door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices
  • Hill-start Assist (HSA): Assists drivers when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period of time after a driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal. If throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake pressure will be released
  • Inside emergency release: A glow-in-the-dark release handle, which may be activated in the event of an adult or child being inadvertently trapped inside of the RamBox
  • Integrated trailer brake control: Allows you to automatically or manually activate the electronic brakes on properly equipped trailers for greater stopping power on downhill grades
  • Interior head-impact protection: Interior pillars above the belt line and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures and shoulder-belt turning loops are specifically designed to limit head-impact force
  • Keyless Enter 'n Go: When an individual enters, electronic sensors detect if the vehicle key fob is present. This will then allow the individual to push a button to start without having to insert the key into the ignition (The driver must apply the brake pedal when starting)
  • Knee bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove-box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling air bags to work effectively
  • Lock on Sync tire pressure monitors: Tire pressure monitoring system self-learns tire position after rotation or tire is moved to a new location
  • Navigation system: Easy-to-use maps with audible turn-by-turn directions, more than 6 million points of interest and lane guidance
  • Occupant restraint controller: Detects an impact and determines whether a crash is severe enough to trigger air bag deployment and whether the primary or secondary stage inflation is sufficient. In addition, the controller detects side impacts and determines whether the rail-curtain and side seat-mounted (thorax protection) air bags should deploy. Engagement of front seat-belt pretensioners are also managed through the controller
  • ParkSense rear park assist: Assists at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of audible warnings for the driver and has a display in the customer information center or in the rear-view mirror, depending on truck options
  • ParkView rear back-up camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle and guidelines, which take steering input into consideration. Also aids in lining up a trailer to the vehicle's trailer hitch. Depending on features, the image displays on the navigation screen or rear view mirror when the transmission is shifted into Reverse
  • Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, RamBox and tailgate, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
  • Power-adjustable pedals: Allows brake and accelerator pedals to move toward or away from the driver to achieve a comfortable seating position for improved vehicle control
  • Rain-sensitive wipers: A driver convenience feature that automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates wipers
  • Rain Brake Support: The system uses the ESC pump to occasionally push brake pads lightly against brake rotors in rainy conditions in order to keep rotors dry and assure maximum braking performance under wet conditions
  • Remote start: Conveniently starts the engine from outside the vehicle by using the Remote Keyless Entry fob while maintaining vehicle security
  • Safety cage body structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
  • Seat-belt Pretensioners (both front seat belts): During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seat belts, thereby reducing the forward movement of occupants' heads and torsos
  • Sentry Key® engine immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds
  • Side guard door beams: In front and rear doors, provides occupant protection during a side impact
  • SmartBeam headlamps (auto-high beams): During night driving, the system senses oncoming traffic headlights and automatically switches from high- to low-beam and back again when the traffic has passed
  • Standard side-curtain air bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor which autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs
  • Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM): Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system informs occupants when tire pressure is too low
  • Trailer-sway control: Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic. The system monitors the vehicle's movement relative to the driver's intended path, then applies alternating brake pressure to slow the vehicle and then increases the pressure on one front wheel in order to counteract the sway induced by the trailer
  • Uconnect® system: Integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and safe
  • Uconnect Voice Command: An in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth® compatible phone with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. When the Bluetooth phone is initially connected, the contact list is automatically downloaded, synchronizing as many as 1,000 phone book entries, which can then be selected by simply saying a contact name. It also allows drivers to switch radio modes, tune to AM/FM and SiriusXM Satellite Radio stations and request real-time information (such as fuel prices) from SiriusXM Travel Link using natural voice commands. The handsfree option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility
  • Vehicle theft security alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door- and liftgate-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry


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.

source : Dodge Press
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Avalon










Toyota Avalon (2013)

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. revealed the all-new 2013 Avalon premium mid-size sedan at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The new Toyota Avalon is re-conceived for the premium mid-size sedan segment with a progressive and emotionally styled exterior design.

When it arrives to dealerships in late 2012, the new Avalon will offer improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.

The new 2013 Toyota Avalon is the result of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan's dramatic exterior and interior design was conceived by a youthful and talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc. facilities in Southern California and Michigan. The car's engineering development was principally led by a passionate and dedicated group based at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Continuing a North American focused theme, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at Toyota's facility in Georgetown, Ky. True to the future product mission set forth by Toyota Motor Corporation President, Akio Toyoda, the new Avalon's more stylish, bold, sporty exterior design and luxurious interior styling are matched by an enhanced dynamic package, a combination that foreshadows the more compelling and passionate nature of future Toyota products.

Enhanced Avalon Dynamics

In addition to its stunning design, numerous structural and chassis improvements were made to the new Toyota Avalon to enhance the ride quality, straight-line stability and handling. The body structure gains improvements in torsional rigidity thanks to additional and strategically placed welds, improved body bracing, and high-strength steel in key areas in order to provide a stiffer chassis and optimize suspension performance. The new Avalon suspension relies on MacPherson struts with advanced valving and rebound springs to balance handling and agility with ride comfort. Coil spring rate and front and rear sway bar stiffness was increased from the current model to help improve body control and body roll. The Avalon's electric power steering (EPS) system has been tuned to help deliver enhanced controllability and vehicle agility while also realizing superior linear stability.

The new Toyota Avalon offers three distinct drive modes that help tailor dynamic performance to the driver's needs. The drive modes - Normal, Eco, and Sport -are made available through driver-selectable switches. In Sport mode, throttle response is enhanced and steering effort is weighted from center to offer a sportier character. Eco changes throttle response and A/C power usage to help improve fuel economy. Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters help provide a sportier drive while in the D or S Mode, where the revised throttle helps improve shift response to help maximize engine power and vehicle performance.

Dynamic Exterior Styling

The new Avalon's dynamic exterior styling defines a sleek and expressive profile that helps communicate a sense of motion for the vehicle even when it is at rest. The beltline has been lowered to accentuate a strong stance. Compared to its predecessor, the new Avalon is a bit more compact yet displays better proportions with a longer, sloping roofline, flared front fenders, and reduced front and rear overhangs, lower vehicle height, and reduced body-to-tire gap. New 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel and tire combinations fill the wheel well to enhance the vehicle's dynamic exterior expression.

Key exterior design elements include the square Double-eye PES (Projector Ellipsoid System) headlamps with HID (High-Intensity Discharge)and elegant DRL (Daytime Running Lights) feature available that provide excellent night time visibility while helping define a narrower, more taut and muscular exterior expression. A wider, more assertive grille design provides a bolder front perspective. At the rear, high-performance LED combination tail lamps are adopted which are more integrated with the revised rear-body styling. The dual rear tailpipe outlets further the more cohesive design theme.

Modern Interior Experience

Design elements enhancing comfort, convenience and technology help create the luxurious experience that will prove tempting to buyers of the next Avalon. The 2013 Toyota Avalon offers a modern, spacious, premium interior highlighted by abundant rear seat legroom, while featuring a myriad of available features. Beyond mere dimensions, the new Avalon's interior design enhances the cabin's sense of spaciousness and comfort. The front seat's hip point has been lowered by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) to help create improved headroom. The new power front seat design with increased side bolstering is more supportive and offers an expanded range of downward adjustment. In addition, the structural components of the sunroof and the headliner design have been optimized to help increase the cabin's roominess. A concave dash panel design, located in front of the passenger, helps create an expansive feeling. While the rear overhang has been reduced by 1.7 inches, the luggage compartment capacity is 16.0 cubic feet, an increase of 1.6 cubic feet as compared to the outgoing model.

The Toyota Avalon's premium interior attains a high level of refinement by reducing wind, engine and road noise inside the cabin. The resultant interior is even significantly quieter and more comfortable than the current Avalon and it creates an ideal environment to enjoy conversation, music or Toyota's available multimedia system, Entune™. Sound absorbing materials have been strategically placed around the cabin and body structure while not inhibiting a reduction in overall vehicle weight. The windshield and front side-glass panels utilize acoustic glass that helps control sound intrusion into the cabin. Reductions in wind noise have been realized by optimizing exterior shape, specifically cowl and louver sealing, outer mirror shape and position, and wiper-blade position, which have all been developed to dramatically reduce wind noise generation. Exterior gaps and steps have also been minimized to reduce wind noise around the door glass areas.

The new Avalon's interior utilizes premium materials and a high degree of craftsmanship to offer an upscale experience. Rich, supple leather trims the steering wheel, shift knob, and seat upholstery helping add visual and tactile appeal. Hand-crafted, decorative stitching is adopted for the steering wheel, and soft-touch materials on the dash panel and door trim elevate the vehicle's sense of tactile luxury. Smoked chrome-metallic accents are applied to the instrument panel, center console, door panel, and steering wheel surfaces to help add distinction and exceptional feel. Available push-button controlled soft white ambient lighting illuminates key regions of the interior to help convey the sense of luxury. The new Avalon's center console includes a convenient console tray that is ideal for the storage of electronic hand held devices. The new Avalon's console area is equipped with a USB port, AUX input terminal and three 12-volt power outlets to help facilitate device interface and charging.

The new Toyota Avalon will offer innovative technologies such as advanced capacitive touch switches with positioning and sensitivity that makes them ideal for vehicle system controls. Other premium in-car technologies include three color display screens that support the multi-information display, the audio/navigation interface, and the climate control panel. An easy to use Display Audio system with 6.1 inch touchscreen is standard on the new Avalon; while a JBL Synthesis Premium Audio system, HDD Premium Navigation with 7" screen, dynamic radar cruise control, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a three-zone air conditioning system are also on the list of available features and equipment.

Safety

Like all Toyota models, the new Avalon will feature Toyota's Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

The new Toyota Avalon helps to prioritize occupant safety with a best-in-class10 airbags system. A Pre-collision system is also available that is designed to "sense" an impending frontal collision and can help mitigate damage. A variable ratio brake pedal is adopted that varies the initial and final pedal effort ratios to help realize excellent brake pedal feel.

In addition to a rearview monitor, Toyota Avalon offers an available Blind Spot Monitoring system which is designed to help detect vehicles behind the outer mirrors and to help alert drivers in addition to a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) that can alert drivers of cross traffic when they are backing up.

source : Toyota Press
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Viper

SRT Viper GTS-R







SRT Viper GTS


















Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R (2013)

The street legal 2013 SRT Viper unveiled to the world at the 2012 New York International Auto Show isn't the only high-performance snake making a triumphant return in 2012.

The purpose-built, non-street legal and competition-ready SRT Viper GTS-R also was revealed as part of the Chrysler Group's announcement that a factory-backed SRT Viper Racing team will return to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2012.

"Racing has been a significant part of the illustrious history of Viper not only with wins on the track, but also in the continued development of the street cars - and our new 2013 SRT Viper models are proof of those lessons learned," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. "Now with our new team and the launch of the GTS-R, we're excited and proud to begin writing more chapters in the racing history of the Viper later this summer."

SRT Motorsports has partnered with Riley Technologies, based in Mooresville, N.C., on the design-and-build process of the new SRT Viper GTS-R.

Two identical SRT Viper GTS-Rs will compete in the production-based GT class in the series. Four drivers currently are signed to drive including Dominik Farnbacher, from Ansbach, Germany; Marc Goossens from Geel, Belgium; Ryan Hunter-Reay from Dallas and Kuno Wittmer from Montreal. Additional driver and team announcements will be forthcoming.

Both Viper GTS-Rs will race on the proven Michelin GT tires extending the successful technical partnership.

Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series, hails the SRT Viper's return to the Series as one of 2012's top announcements.

"I don't think it's possible to overstate the significance of the SRT Viper returning to the top level of professional sports car racing," Atherton said. "The Chrysler Group has a long, storied and very successful history of competing with the American Le Mans Series. The fact that they're coming back concurrently with the introduction of the new production car and doing it simultaneously, we would be hard-pressed to come up with a better-case scenario. What a great way for SRT Viper to come back to racing."

All ALMS teams compete in the prestigious MICHELIN GREEN X Challenge. Entering its fourth season, the program objectively ranks the competing cars in terms of their environmental footprint, their energy efficiency and speed on the racetrack. A separate, season-long award is given by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and SAE International, acknowledging the vehicle manufacturer and its technology contribution to improving efficiency and reducing environmental impacts of racing. The scoring system for the program was developed by series officials and the U.S. Department of Energy, and it is based on a combination of on-track performance and energy consumption. The LMP and GT teams that win MICHELIN GREEN X Challenge championship will earn an entry to the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans.

"We often say it's clean, fast and efficient," Bob Larsen, president of Obotech and a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, said. "There's a lot of science that goes into the actual scoring, a very thorough and technically rigorous way to factor in the environmental footprint. We look at each car's average speed and the distance that they travel and we adjust their amount of fuel that they would have had to burn in order to go as fast and as far as the leader, and that gives us an equitable basis for comparing the performance of the vehicles."

Viper racing heritage

The Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the first Dodge Viper racing entry, the original GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 2000 - the first for a production-based American car.

Viper finished one-two at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in GTS class in three consecutive years - 1998-2000 - and also captured GTS class, and driver's championships in the American Le Mans Series in 1999 along with the Series class, manufacturer's and driver's championships in 2000.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter of that history with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.

In 2010, the Dodge Viper Cup Series was founded using the limited-edition Dodge Viper ACR-X spec series cars. In 2012, now in its third year, the series has been renamed the SRT Viper Cup Series.

source : Chrysler Press

Dodge SRT Viper GTS (2013)


The all-new 2013 SRT Viper was unveiled at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, marking its highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market.

The fifth generation of the iconic two-seat, American-built supercar has been deliberately evolved to incorporate superior craftsmanship, a host of new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its visceral legacy of outright performance.

"After a gut-wrenching period of uncertainty, the Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built in Detroit, flagship supercar is back and ready to take on the performance car world," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. "Beyond being the flagship for the new SRT brand, the launch of the 2013 Viper proves that we simply would not let the performance icon of the Chrysler Group die. Willed to live on by a very special group of performance enthusiasts inside the company and across Viper Nation, this SRT team under our new leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to create a world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer."

Two new models for any performance buyer

For the 2013 model year, two new models of the iconic supercar will be hand built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit - the home for Viper since 1995. Both SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS models offer new interior and exterior designs incorporating premium materials and new exterior surfaces with aerodynamically functional details that are beautifully integrated into the high-tech carbon fiber and aluminum skin. On the inside, designers and engineers strived to rethink all touch points; and upgrade all material appointments and technologies.

"The SRT Viper model is meant to offer a perfect blend of extreme performance and a deliberate preservation of what has become the iconic DNA of the Viper," Gilles added. "We strove to deliver a supercar that continues to bring the driver as close as possible to the machine."

The SRT Viper GTS builds on the DNA of the SRT Viper model with more technologically advanced solutions, like two-mode active suspension, to allow this world-class GTS to find new limits on the track while also opening up its envelope as a more premium and mature evolution of the classic, extreme performance formula. Designed and built with premium features and materials inside and out, the Viper GTS will compete with the best performance vehicles in the world with a wide range of creature comforts, advanced drivetrain and interior technologies.

"We've purposely evolved the iconic soul and raw performance formula that Viper has maintained over the years," Gilles said. "Our returning customers will see the world-class levels of pride, quality and hand craftsmanship built into the 2013 Viper. With two price classes of the SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS, we have offerings for both the traditional core Viper customer and for the new customer who wants the same performance in a package with more technology and premium creature comforts."

Awe-inspiring V-10 powertrain

At the heart and soul of the 2013 SRT Viper is the venerable, hand-assembled 8.4-liter all-aluminum, V-10 overhead-valve engine.

Improvements for 2013 include a new, ultra-high flow and lightweight composite intake manifold, high-strength forged pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves, new catalysts to reduce back pressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses. More than 25 pounds has been shaved from the fully dressed engine.

Preliminary performance ratings for the SRT-engineered V-10 Viper are 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque - the most torque of any naturally aspirated engine in the world.

The Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission has been improved with a shorter throw shifter, closer gear ratios and a final drive ratio that has been shortened to 3.55 from 3.07. The 2013 Viper models will be more engaging to drive and top speed is now achieved through 6th gear with maximum engine speed (redline) at 6,200 rpm.

Outstanding ride, handling and capability

Starting with a stiffer structure that provides 50 percent more torsional rigidity, the chassis of the 2013 SRT Viper benefits from numerous enhancements - many learned through racing efforts with Viper GTS-R and Competition Coupe models.

Major updates include the addition of a new aluminum "X" brace under the hood that ties the suspension pickup points to the magnesium cowl super casting and contributes to improved torsional rigidity and stiffness. A new aluminum impact beam at the front of the car contributes to overall mass savings and improved weight distribution while providing excellent crashworthiness.

Structurally, many areas of the chassis were reworked to take advantage of new materials, reduce thickness in some areas and reshape components for more structural rigidity in others. The result is an overall weight savings of approximately 100 pounds.

At the rear, the suspension has been re-engineered with the toe link moved forward of the axle for better tow control and dynamic stability.

A new, driver selectable two-mode suspension system, featuring Bilstein DampTronic Select shock absorbers with both street and track settings, is standard on GTS models.

For 2013, SRT Viper models ride on standard Pirelli P Zero, Z-rated tires with substantially improved overall performance, cold weather performance, enhanced overall grip and steering response on a variety of road surfaces while also broadening the performance envelope. An optional SRT Track Package features Pirelli P Zero Corsa, "soft"-tuned, "racing-type" compound tires that improve handling and precision further on the road or the race track.

For the first time, standard safety technologies such as electronic stability control and traction control help to maximize traction performance at virtually any speed and driving environment.

All 2013 Viper models will come with a steering-wheel-mounted launch control switch, allowing for optimal acceleration from standing starts.

Benchmark braking

Stopping performance for the 2013 SRT Viper is engineered to provide shorter stopping distances, better modulation, improved durability and balanced brake performance without fading under extreme conditions.

Four-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminum calipers, and vented rotors with a diameter of 355 mm by 32 mm, are used at all four corners. Brake calipers are forged and weight optimized by fully machining all surfaces. The calipers are among the stiffest available with distortion from heat nearly eliminated even under the most demanding braking conditions.

The available SRT Track Package features lightweight and slotted two-piece rotors from StopTech.

New premium materials, craftsmanship and technologies

The all-new, driver-oriented interior cabins of the SRT Viper models have been totally revamped for 2013 with superior craftsmanship, premium material appointments and performance-oriented technologies.

For the first time, all major interior surfaces are sewn and wrapped with additional padding applied in comfort areas. On the Viper GTS model, all surfaces are fully leather skinned, and standard accent colors are applied to the seats, doors, center console and stitching.

Quality fit and finish across the lineup is showcased by triple-paint-finished Gun Metal appliqués on the cluster bezel, HVAC outlets, window switch bezels, shifter base, park brake bezel and the integrated passenger grab handle on the center console.

Standard high-performance racing seats from Sabelt feature a lightweight Kevlar/fiberglass shell created by a state-of-the-art resin transfer molding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability. Both driver and passenger enjoy improved comfort from thigh support and deep side bolsters designed to match the extreme lateral acceleration capabilities of the SRT Viper.

Seating position in the 2013 SRT Viper models is 20 mm lower for more room and enhanced performance-driving ergonomics. Seat travel is extended by 90 mm overall, which enables expanded seating options from a more rearward positioned bulkhead. For the first time, seat height can be adjusted by up to 40 mm - manually on the SRT model and power controlled on the GTS.

The new 2013 Viper is the most spacious model in the history of the nameplate. The floor pan and bulkhead have been extended approximately 90 mm to provide improved legroom and more rearward seat track movement.

Designed specifically for the 2013 SRT Viper, the new 7-inch, full-color, customizable instrument cluster display uses a full-time analog tachometer readout in the center to confirm the performance driving feedback philosophy of the Viper. Drivers have a wide range of custom and personal options such as an additional digital speedometer readout just below the tachometer. The vehicle information is clearly communicated with easy-to-understand icons. Intuitively controlled through a simple four-way steering-wheel control, the driver can configure the screens to display the information they desire, easily mixing and matching information.

Uconnect Access provides new level of connectivity

The 2013 SRT Viper lineup includes the new, next generation Uconnect Access in-vehicle connectivity system that provides drivers with access to more information, emergency services, more entertainment and improved graphics.

Viper customers can choose between two Uconnect Media Centers, RA3 and RA4, which provide a range of new features and multiple ways to control media in the vehicle. The system includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen along with a set of hard keys for commonly used functions, including traditional knobs for tuning the radio bands and radio volume. Touchscreen buttons along the bottom of the screen allow drivers to easily access the radio, climate controls, navigation, phone, and new, select, certified applications. The new, highly sculpted steering wheel has a host of finger-tip mounted controls for audio, Uconnect, cruise control (first application) and launch control.

SiriusXM Travel Link also is available with Uconnect, providing premium data services and information to make every trip more efficient. SiriusXM Traffic works with the vehicle's navigation system to display traffic speed and traffic flow information along with accident information to assist drivers in routing around congested areas. An expanded SiriusXM channel lineup includes exclusive programming, including the new SiriusXM Latino channels, an auto industry first.

A range of Harman Kardon surround-sound systems are available across the SRT Viper lineup that feature the latest in audio system technology. All Harman Kardon audio systems include a high-voltage class D amplifier with tracking power supply and up to 11 channels of amplification. The Harman Kardon system with exclusive Logic 7 surround-sound processing is available in the Viper GTS model with a total of 18-speakers, including four subwoofers located behind the seats. All Harman Kardon systems in the 2013 SRT Viper lineup include high-performance, high-efficiency GreenEdge technology loudspeakers that are extremely light and include rare earth magnets. The magnets inside each speaker ensure efficient speaker operation and enhanced performance. The audio systems operate on 32 volts - so the new and improved sound system achieves more than double the acoustic power of the current system.

Refined evolution of SRT's hallmark - aggressive and functional exterior designs

The all-new, timeless exterior design blends contemporary execution with evolutionary refinement.

All-new carbon-fiber hood, roof, decklid and aluminum door panels are firsts for SRT Viper models resulting in significant weight reduction, improved high-speed stability and a slippery .364 drag coefficient.

The forward-hinged hood carries the redesigned Viper badge - aptly named "Stryker" by the Viper Club of America - positioned in the center; and offers unobtrusive access to several service points and the SRT-engineered V-10 powerplant.

The classical low-stance and the extreme cab rearward proportions that have become the unmistakable silhouette of the iconic supercar, return on the 2013 SRT Viper models along with the dramatic fender "gills" - another traditional Viper design cue that helps to extract heat from the engine compartment.

The 2013 Viper models feature a contemporary take on the traditional "double-bubble" roof configuration that maximizes headroom for the driver and passenger while maintaining a low frontal area - allowing additional room for helmets during recreational competitive driving.

Dual-function, bi-xenon projector headlamps are tightly packaged with white light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lamps and LED turn signals in a sinister "snake eye" configuration.

Functional "blisters" incorporated into the 70 mm projector headlamp lenses create a three-dimensional view that gives Viper a distinctive glare.

The lower-front grille is purposefully designed as an evolution of the traditional Viper low-profile cooling opening configuration and discretely carries a refined V-shape structure.

The exhaust system continues to exit forward of the rear wheels and now carries further refinement with cast aluminum, sill-mounted exhaust bezels.

For the first time, the 2013 SRT Viper models carry LED taillamps that integrate stop-and-turn illumination in one element. Snakeskin texture in the lens carries the surface work seen in the gills and hood textures. With dark-masked lenses, the horizontal lamps appear dark until the LED elements fire. Each lamp carries 50 LEDs that provide a unified "crystallized" illumination effect.

The five-spoke, forged-aluminum "Rattler" wheel design on the 2013 Viper model is available with fully polished (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black finishes.

The Viper GTS has a split six-spoke forged-aluminum "Venom" wheel design with three available finishes, including polished face with graphite-painted pockets (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black.

Available SRT Track Package wheels are ultra-lightweight, track-ready wheels in Hyper Black or matte black finishes.

Race Inspired and High-performance Interior

The all-new, driver-oriented interior cabins of the SRT Viper models have been totally revamped for 2013.

Superior craftsmanship blends new premium surfaces with thoughtfully applied color and material appointments, performance-oriented technologies, refined ergonomics and enhanced spaciousness and storage.

For the first time, all major interior surfaces are sewn and wrapped with additional padding applied in comfort areas. On the Viper GTS model, all surfaces are fully leather skinned and standard accent colors are applied to the seats, doors, center console and stitching.

Quality fit and finish across the lineup is showcased by triple-paint-finished Gun Metal appliqués on the cluster bezel, HVAC outlets, window switch bezels, shifter base, park brake bezel and the integrated passenger grab handle on the center console.

"Our passionate team of designers and SRT engineers set out to revamp the Viper interiors with truly premium materials, extreme attention to details and the newest information display technologies," said Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design — Chrysler Group LLC. "The new cockpit carries a driver-oriented theme that rewards the senses with true supercar feel and looks."

New, standard racing seats were developed with Sabelt, the renowned supplier of race-oriented interior components. The high-performance seats feature a Kevlar cushion and lightweight fiberglass shell created by a state-of-the-art resin transfer molding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability. Both driver and passenger enjoy improved thigh support and deep side bolsters designed to match the extreme lateral acceleration capabilities of the SRT Viper while providing comfort. Both seats can also accommodate a 3- or 6-point harness for racing belts.

Seating position in the 2013 SRT Viper models is 20 millimeters (mm) lower for more room and enhanced performance-driving ergonomics. Seat travel is extended by 90 mm overall which enables expanded seating options from a more rearward positioned bulkhead. For the first time, seat height can be adjusted by up to 40 mm.

Premium woven-fabric seat skins on Viper (leather skinned on GTS) keep both driver and passenger comfortable, and both feature "Viper" embossed in the seat backs.

A new, fully leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel is designed specifically for the 2013 SRT Viper models and features a thick performance-rim grip, flat-bottom contour for enhanced clearance, along with the new "Stryker" emblem in three-dimensional finish.

Performance-optimized weight ballasts located inside the new steering wheel provide the driver with precision feedback and a competition feel.

Audio system controls are located intuitively on the backside of the center spokes of the steering wheel. On the left front side of the steering wheel are controls to cycle through the instrument cluster menus, activate the voice-recognition system and place or receive handsfree phone calls. Electronic stability control four-mode selection, cruise and launch controls are located on the right side.

For the first time, cruise control comes standard on both 2013 Viper models - following a request from Viper Nation.

A new, lower-positioned center console provides optimized shift reach and comfort for the driver. Additionally, a shorter throw, leather-wrapped shift knob has a lower profile (approximately 40 mm).

A media console that houses USB, SD and auxiliary (in addition to wireless Bluetooth connectivity) ports is located in the center console storage bin.

The standard Keyless Go system enables passive entry and keyless ignition (with a push button start) via a custom keyless fob.

The new 2013 Viper is the most spacious model in the history of the nameplate.

The floor pan has been extended approximately 90 mm by moving the rear bulkhead rearward to provide enhanced legroom and more rearward seat track movement.

Storage space inside the new cockpit of the 2013 SRT Viper also has been improved with an oversized, lighted glove box that opens via a dampened door with an electric push button located in the center stack. A new storage compartment between the driver and passenger seat (open bin with netting on Viper model while enclosed, leather wrapped and sewn on GTS model) is integrated into the rear bulkhead.

Below the bulkhead storage area is a large, rubber-lined bin that features two full-size, removable cup holders (available on Viper, standard on GTS). Integrated map pockets are built into both doors on both models.

All interior storage spaces are flocked with soft-touch material, showing attention to the smallest design detail and to enhance overall quality.

Adjustable accelerator, clutch and brake pedals are constructed from high-quality magnesium and aluminum alloy.

Intricate interior detail appointments on the doors and center-storage tray include exclusive, subtle-raised schematics of famous race tracks including the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordscheilfe in Nürburg Germany and Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, Calif., where current single-lap records are held by previous generation Viper ACR models.

SRT Viper interior focuses on core performance needs

The six-way, manually adjusted driver seat in the 2013 Viper features premium fabric backs and are positioned 20 millimeters lower than the previous model with height adjustments for enhanced driver positioning.

The performance trim layout of the 2013 SRT Viper model features a sewn-and-wrapped instrument panel, center console, doors and A pillars. Color-keyed stitching is applied throughout the interior cabin.

The standard black interior combination includes black accent stitching on the instrument panel (through the cowl), center stack, console, pull brake, shifter boot, shifter head, steering wheel, upper doors and seats.

The standard black cloth seating surfaces in the 2013 Viper model also can be upgraded with black, red or tan Nappa leather.

SRT Viper GTS features intricately crafted materials and color appointments

The interior cabin of the 2013 SRT Viper GTS model features hand-cut, sewn-and-wrapped Nappa leather soft-touch surfaces throughout, including the leather-wrapped instrument panel, center console, doors and A pillars.

A variety of selectable colors are provocatively applied to the leather-appointed areas where the body comes in contact, including the doors, seats, console and HVAC outlet accents. Standard quality stitching is used in matching interior colors on the GTS model.

Available interior color combinations on the Viper GTS model include black, black/Header Red and black/Caramel.

An optional GTS Premium Interior Package features SRT Laguna premium leather surfacing throughout the entire cabin in either black or Sepia. Unique embossments are designed into the door bolsters, seats and the storage bag while a new Alcantara headliner completes the package.

The six-way, power-adjustable, standard leather-skinned driver seat is positioned 20 mm lower than the previous model with height adjustments for enhanced driver positioning.

New customizable instrument cluster configures to driver preference

Designed specifically for the 2013 SRT Viper, the new 7-inch, full-color, customizable display uses a full-time analog tachometer readout in the center to confirm the performance driving feedback philosophy of the Viper. Drivers have a wide range of custom and personal options, such as a digital speedometer readout just below the tachometer. A wide range of vehicle information is clearly communicated with easy-to-understand icons. Intuitively controlled through a simple four-way steering-wheel control, the driver can configure the screens to display the information they desire, easily mixing and matching information.

The customizable instrument cluster appears dark until the driver starts the car. Once the SRT Viper's V-10 engine fires up, the LED-backlit gauges come to life. The dominant center tachometer display features an animated readout that glows red and shows off the new "Stryker" logo when engine rpm approaches redline to safely alert the driver to upshift via their peripheral vision.

When necessary, additional context-based messages including warning and diagnostic information are displayed with easy-to-understand readouts. Text warning messages also are displayed and automatically sent into stored messages that enable the driver to review when parked.

Drivers can configure the tachometer to display their last shift point and a peak rpm hold marker can be set up for optimum performance.

The new customizable instrument cluster provides an unmatched presentation of the exclusive SRT Performance Pages' statistics and feedback to the driver, including 0-to-60 mph; 0-to-100 mph; eighth- and quarter-mile elapsed times; braking distance; instant G-force measurement readouts and top-speed performance. All Performance Pages data can be stored for future use.

Drivers can customize the cluster readouts through nine available main menus. The four corners of the center display can be set to show information at a glance, including current fuel economy, outside temperature, compass direction and alternate gauges when needed. The nine main screens include a full tachometer for the traditional performance enthusiast, speed, fuel economy, trip A odometer, trip B odometer, audio, stored messages, vehicle information and SRT Performance Pages.

The screens can be configured depending on driver preference. Once a screen is chosen, it becomes the default setting, with no need to select a save or set buttons. The settings are linked to each key fob, so two drivers who share a vehicle will see their personal gauge settings as soon as their key fob is used to start the vehicle.

Pumping up the volume more efficiently

The 2013 SRT Viper features a standard 9-speaker audio system that includes a 7-channel digital signal processer amplifier. Optional systems include the 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround system with 5.2 speaker playback architecture that features five surround channels and two subwoofers. An available 18-speaker Harman Kardon surround system with Logic7™ and 5.4 speaker playback includes five surround channels and four subwoofers. All Harman Kardon audio systems include a high-voltage class D amplifier with tracking power supply and up to 11 channels of amplification. The Harman Kardon systems also include high performance, high efficiency GreenEdge™ loudspeakers.

SRT Viper GTS models feature a standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system with 5.2 speaker playback that includes five surround channels and two subwoofers. Available is an 18-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system with Logic7 with 5.4 speaker playback architecture featuring five surround channels and four subwoofers. Also included is the Harman Kardon high voltage class D amplifier with tracking power supply and up to 11 channels of amplification and high performance, high efficiency GreenEdge loudspeakers.

The GreenEdge loudspeakers are extremely light and include rare earth magnets. The magnets inside each speaker ensure efficient speaker operation and enhanced performance. The audio system also operate on 32 volts - so the new and improved sound system achieves more than double the acoustic power of the current system. The tracking power supply is the backbone to the audio system and provides power on demand. The system is designed to dynamically adjust to provide power when the music playing inside the vehicle needs it.

Uconnect Access arrives

Uconnect Access, Chrysler Group LLC's next generation, more powerful, in-vehicle connectivity system will be available with the introduction of the 2013 SRT Viper.

Customers will be able to choose between two new, next-generation 8.4-inch touchscreen Media Centers that will provide multiple ways to connect. The Uconnect Media Center R3 and Uconnect Media Center R4 include a wide range of features that will not only keep Viper customers connected, but more importantly keep them focused on the road.

With an under-the-hood cellular connection, occupants are connected to a variety of new services and select applications. The new Uconnect Access system also includes a new rearview mirror design that directly connects vehicle occupants to emergency services or roadside assistance at the touch of a button. The connection to emergency services is activated once the rearview mirror- mounted button is pushed.

Consumers also will be able to download Chrysler Group-approved applications that will be introduced over time. After downloading, SRT Viper customers can interact with approved applications that have been designed for in-vehicle use.

The next generation Uconnect system is designed to be forward-thinking, providing the freedom to upgrade to the latest features and services.

Certified applications are easily controlled and operated using steering-wheel controls, voice-recognition technology or via the single touch of a button.

The new Uconnect Access Media Center R4 provides consumers with HD radio, which offers new programming options and crystal clear sound. A wide variety of options for integrating digital music into the car, including USB, SD Card, auxiliary jack or CD are available.

Enhanced navigation features are available on the Uconnect Media Center R4 and include the ability to enter destination information and points of interest using voice recognition. Enhanced 3D graphics will help drivers identify buildings and landmarks along their route.

Uconnect Access is powered by the Chrysler Group's PowerNet electrical architecture and incorporates the award-winning Uconnect Touch human machine interface.

Sprint is the strategic wireless partner for the next-generation Uconnect Access system. The integrated wireless technology inside the 2013 SRT Viper enhances the driving experience by offering new connected services and select applications. The services delivered through the partnership are simple to use and offer an intuitive user experience.

An increasing number of features in the new SRT Viper rely on enhanced user interfaces, including voice-recognition capabilities and commands to keep the focus on the primary driving task.

Exterior Design

The all-new exterior designs of the 2013 SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS models seamlessly blend contemporary execution with evolutionary refinements that incorporate new surfacing, world-class materials and technologies all geared to create a stunning example of a true driver's car.

Both new SRT Viper models continue to carry the timeless proportions of the three previous body styles of the iconic, two-seat, world-class supercar. From there the 2013 SRT Viper models sport refined visual and functional statements.

The redesigned Viper badge - aptly named "Stryker" by the Viper Club of America - is positioned in the center of a new, clamshell, all carbon-fiber hood. The forward-hinged hood, selected to satisfy Viper purists, offers significant weight savings and unobtrusive access to front suspension areas and the front, mid-engine, SRT-engineered V-10 powerplant.

A newly designed, significantly larger and dedicated "cold-air" intake - a visual styling cue from the first Viper coupe built in 1996 - is integrated into the hood of both Viper models. The 9-inch (229 mm) by 2-inch (51 mm) scoop vacuums cooler air that flows directly into the engine and doesn't mix with air taken in for the radiator. As a result, the incoming air is only 10 degrees above ambient temperature on average, producing consistent power output.

Three air extractors are strategically positioned on both sides of the centerline of the power-bulge hood on the Viper model to ensure effective removal of heat and reduced air turbulence in the engine compartment.

The Viper GTS features dual extractors to give the hood a more refined and organic look. Both hood designs were refined in the Chrysler Group's full-scale wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Mich. for maximum thermal and aerodynamic performance.

Dual-function, bi-xenon projector headlamps are tightly packaged with white light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lamps and LED turn signals in a sinister "snake eye" configuration.

Functional "blisters" incorporated into the headlamp lenses create a three-dimensional view that gives Viper a distinctive glare, while visually reducing the front overhang appearance. The 70-mm projectors are surrounded with silver rings - the only "bright element" in the vehicle's face - and are set against matte-black (Viper) or Dark Neutral Metallic Graphite (Viper GTS) bezels.

The lower front grille, purposefully designed as an evolution of the traditional Viper "bottom mouth" configuration, discretely carries a refined V-shape structure.

Finished front-brake cooling ducts in body color (Viper) or high-gloss black (Viper GTS) are efficiently placed within the lower grille and provide a refined surface contrast to the rest of the lower intake's organic surface work. The ducts effectively channel air to the front rotors and Brembo calipers to help cool the brakes and contribute to the Viper's legendary performance.

Beautifully sculpted and functional air inlets are positioned at the lower outboard corners of the front fascia to efficiently channel incoming air to, through and out the front wheel wells to reduce lift and increase high-speed stability.

The side profiles of the 2013 SRT Viper models showcase the low-stance, classical long-hood and cab-forward proportions that have become the unmistakable silhouette of the iconic supercar.

The dramatic fender "gills" - another iconic and traditional Viper design cue that functionally removes air and heat from the engine compartment - carry the same mold-in-color black serpentine textures as applied on the grille extractors.

The 2013 Viper models feature the traditional "double-bubble" roof configuration that maximizes headroom for the driver and passenger while maintaining a low frontal area - even when helmets are needed during competitive driving.

The stretched roofline - constructed in carbon fiber for the first time - enables the performance coupe to appear like it's sitting more atop its rear wheel line.

The extended roof "widow's peak" also brings a distinctive clean, swept appearance as it flows into the back glass surface.

Rear brake ducts (gloss black or available carbon fiber), integrated into the B-pillars, channel air downward to cool rear rotors and calipers while also helping to visually stretch the roof, window graphic and side view profile.

The rear back glass is flatter, inset and carries a seal free exposed edge of glass - again the result of an extended canopy and overall refined exterior execution.

Dramatically shaped doors are constructed using an innovative superform aluminum process to achieve lightweight targets and aggressive styling.

New door-release handles are electronic-solenoid-switch (touch) activated and work in unison with SRT Viper's Keyless Go system.

The exhaust system continues to exit forward of the rear wheels - another iconic Viper design cue - and now carries further refinement with cast aluminum, sill-mounted exhaust bezels.

A one-piece, anodized aluminum fuel door carries the "VIPER" font and brings another level of exterior design detail.

For the first time, the 2013 SRT Viper models carry LED taillamps that integrate stop and turn illumination in one element. Snakeskin texture in the lens carries the surface work seen in the gills and hood textures. With dark-masked lenses, the horizontal lamps appear dark until the LED elements fire. Each lamp carries 50 LEDs that provide a unified "crystallized" illumination effect.

The new, lightweight carbon-fiber decklid carries the vehicle's central high-mounted stoplight (CHMSL), which displays the new "Stryker" logo.

A new rear appliqué - painted in body color on the Viper model and gloss black finish (or available carbon fiber) on the Viper GTS - accentuates the rear width proportions and adds another level of detail.

Rear exhauster ports positioned beneath the taillamps extract air from beneath the car and out the rear wheelhouse to relieve pressure buildup for improved aerodynamics and enhanced stability.

The rear diffuser was designed in the wind tunnel for enhanced aerodynamic performance, optimum rear downforce and drag.

The five-spoke, forged-aluminum "Rattler" wheel design on the 2013 Viper model is available with fully polished (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black finishes.

The Viper GTS has a split six-spoke forged-aluminum 'Venom" wheel design with three available finishes including polished face with graphite-painted pockets (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black.

Wheel sizes are 18 inches by 10.5 inches in the front (0.5 inches wider than previous generation); and 19 inches by 13 inches in the rear.

For 2013, SRT Viper models ride on standard Pirelli P Zero, Z-rated tires with substantially improved performance. The Pirelli tire offerings - P295/30ZR18 on the front and P355/30ZR19 on the rear - feature silica and carbon-black enhanced tread compound molded into a subtle asymmetric, wide rib tread design to increase the rigidity of the tread to resist deformation, enhance grip and steering response on a variety of road surfaces, while also broadening the performance envelope.

Brembo brake calipers are painted black on the Viper while the Viper GTS model sports red calipers.

For 2013, the SRT Viper lineup will feature the deepest, richest, highest quality paint ever offered with optional painted stripes that are buried under a top-layer of clear coat. Available exterior colors include: Black, Bright White, Adrenaline Red, Gunmetal Pearl, Race Yellow, Shadow Blue Pearl, Stryker Red tinted Pearl and Viper GTS Blue Pearl.

Both the Viper and GTS models feature their own unique optional stripe pattern in three available colors including Black, Bright White and Gunmetal Pearl.

New 2013 SRT Viper V-10 Engine Offers More Power, More Torque, Less Weight

At the heart and soul of the 2013 SRT Viper is a hand-assembled 8.4-liter all-aluminum, V-10 engine.

The iconic V-10 has been continuously upgraded over the years with improvements in oiling, airflow and an industry-first, single-cam variable-valve timing system. For 2013, the engine features a new ultra-high-flow, composite intake manifold for improved air distribution, new forged pistons, new lightweight, sodium-cooled exhaust valves and an aluminum flywheel. The engine also includes new exhaust catalysts to reduce backpressure. The result is a significant improvement of 40 lb.-ft. of torque and 40 horsepower with weight savings of more than 25 pounds for the fully dressed engine.

Coupled to the more powerful engine is a Tremec TR6060 six-speed transmission that has been refined with tighter gear ratios and a shifter with reduced throws to maximize driver involvement, while effectively transferring power to the pavement. Additionally, the final -drive ratio has been shortened to 3.55 from 3.07 giving the 2013 SRT Viper even more voracious and effortless acceleration at all speeds.

For 2013, all Viper models will feature traction control. To help maximize traction for straight-line performance, all Viper models also will include launch control as standard equipment.

Also making its debut on Viper is an advanced multi-mode electronic stability control system. This feature will dramatically broaden the Viper's performance envelope for drivers at all skill levels.

Preliminary performance ratings for the SRT-engineered V-10 include horsepower increased to 640 and torque increased to 600 lb.-ft., making it the highest torque of any naturally aspirated automotive engine in the world. Maximum engine speed (redline) is 6,200 rpm with fuel cutoff at 6,400 rpm.

More power, an emphasis on even torque delivery throughout the operating range and attention to detail at all levels, combine to make the latest generation of the SRT Viper V-10 an outstanding successor to the Viper's lineage.

Block and reciprocating assembly

Constructed of precision cast aluminum, the 90-degree, deep skirt block includes use of high-strength T356 aluminum and includes cast-iron bore liners, strengthened bulkheads that ensure block rigidity under high rpm operating condition and improved water jackets for consistent temperatures across the engine.

Bore and stroke of the cylinders is 103 mm by 100.6 mm (respectively).

The forged-steel crankshaft is supported by six main journals with cross-bolted, four-bolt, main-bearing caps, two vertical and two horizontal, for increased structural strength. Forged, powder -metal connecting rods measuring 158.6 mm are included for superior strength.

The new V-10 includes the use of forged-aluminum pistons. In addition to higher strength, the new pistons are 10 grams lighter than the previous design to help reduce mass in the reciprocating assembly. Reduced diameter, full-floating, 24 mm piston pins also are new.

In addition to forging, the pistons have been developed for reduced friction. New steel piston rings also reduce friction with a 1.5 mm top and a 1.2 mm second ring width.

Compression ratio of the engine is 10.2:1.

One of the biggest contributors to the reduced rotating inertia in the powertrain is the aluminum flywheel. The new aluminum flywheel has reduced weight by 11 pounds. The flywheel includes a steel outer-ring gear and friction wear surface for durability. The flywheel, when combined with a twin plate 240 mm twin-disc clutch, reduces overall rotating inertia by 20 percent, translating in roughly 1/10th of a second reduction in 0-to-60 acceleration and improved performance in lap times on a typical road course by approximately .5 seconds.

For improved cooling, particularly at the rear cylinders, the head gaskets have been redesigned through the use of computer simulations, validation and extensive testing to provide more balanced cooling across all cylinders.

With optimized coolant flow, a more balanced cylinder-to-cylinder temperature distribution allows for improved performance.

Oiling system

The 8.4-liter V-10 is fitted with a cast-aluminum oil pan that is designed to provide superior oil management characteristics in the most demanding driving situations. The design of the pan is fitted with special baffles, channels and scrapers to funnel engine oil back into the sump of the engine. Additionally, the pan is designed and constructed to serve as a structural component for improved powertrain bending.

The Viper V-10 also includes a unique, race-proven swinging arm oil pickup that moves with relationship to G-forces encountered in tight-track turning conditions, acceleration and braking conditions.

Exclusive to the Viper, the swinging pickup moves within the oil pan to ensure that the maximum amount of oil is available to the engine without any losses due to side-to-side sloshing in the pan.

A single gerotor oil pump provides the pressure for the oiling system and is directly driven off the crankshaft. The engine oil cooler is standard.

Oil change intervals are recommended at 6,000 miles. Pennzoil 0W40 synthetic motor oil is the exclusive lubricant recommended by SRT engineers for its ultra-low friction properties that contribute to the V-10's higher performance. Crankcase capacity with filter change is 10.5 quarts. A special SRT-designed oil filter is used with the 8.4-liter engine.

Intake assembly and cylinder heads

The intake assembly of the 8.4-liter Viper V-10 is entirely new with the adaptation of a new, lightweight composite intake manifold that provides better fuel/air distribution, excellent thermal capabilities and reduced weight.

The new intake system features runners that are approximately one-inch longer than the previous design, and the move to a composite construction from aluminum has reduced air charge temperatures significantly.

Pushrods are 10 percent stiffer with wall thickness increased from .06 inch to .08 inch.

Thermal heat transfer, particularly during short hot-soak conditions, is reduced. The composite intake has better insulating characteristics to ensure a cool intake charge for improved response and power.
For 2013, new, electronically controlled twin throttles dramatically improve throttle response and control.

Like the block, cylinder heads are constructed of high-strength, T356 aluminum for superior strength. The combustion chambers have been computer numerical control (CNC) machined for improved flow and charge motion. Structural changes in the cylinder heads have been incorporated for strength and durability.

Combustion chambers are 72 cc in volume. Intake and exhaust valves are both angled at 12 degrees. Lightweight, hollow-stem, intake valves measuring 52.8 mm provide ample intake charging. Sodium-filled exhaust valves, measuring 40.8 mm, are now used. The use of lightweight valves helps reduce reciprocating mass from the valve train. Sodium is added to the exhaust valve stem for better heat transfer and helps prevent hot spots in the valve head and combustion chamber that can lead to engine knock.

Valves are actuated by a single assembled camshaft in the block. The Viper engine uses a unique roller-type cam-in-cam design that enables independent exhaust phasing relative to the intake.

The intake profile has been revised to provide more usable torque at the higher rpm ranges of the engine.

The V-10 is equipped with variable-valve timing (VVT) on the exhaust side.

Ignition is through 10 individual coil packs mated to dual-platinum spark plugs. Spark plugs have been designed for a 100,000-mile change interval.

Exhaust

Stainless steel tube-in-shell exhaust headers have been designed to provide very low restriction and a minimal amount of backpressure. Revised tuning of the exhaust provides a more distinct character at part throttle and authoritative tone at a higher rpm with noticeably quieter sound at a mid-range rpm.

For 2013, a revised catalyst wash coat system helps to reduce backpressure by nearly 20 percent.

Tremec TR6060 six-speed transmission

The proven Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission features an entirely new gear set for 2013 to provide the optimal transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheels. The new close-ratio gearing provides a smaller drop in between gear shifts, smoother gear synchronization and overall shift feel.

The new gear set also takes full advantage with a more useful sixth gear that is designed for more power at the higher rpm ranges of the engine.

Drivers will feel a notable improvement in shifting quality with shift throws that are nearly 12.5 percent shorter due to a revised shifter-to-transmission connection. The leather-wrapped shifter assembly is connected directly into the transmission to eliminate complicated levers and pivots that interfere with communication with the driver. The result is a direct-mount shift system that provides a solid and precise shift feel.

The SRT Viper will be equipped with a final-drive ratio of 3.55 to complement the tighter ratios that improve acceleration and responsiveness.

Powertrain mounting

New for 2013, the Viper will include a new powertrain mounting system that uses two hydromounts for the engine.

Designed with a highly elasticized rubber, and filled with a hydraulic fluid, the hydromounts offer superior damping characteristics for grip, drive comfort and acoustic performance. Additionally, the hydromounts contribute to overall smoothness of the engine, particularly at idle.

Two hydromounts are used on the engine to help control vibration.

Like many other details on the 2013 SRT Viper, the motor mounts contribute greatly to the Viper's new-found manners and are another example of how SRT engineers managed to hone the character and broaden the appeal of the sports car without sacrificing its attitude.

Competition Proven and Track Tuned

Starting with a stiffer structure that provides 50 percent more torsional rigidity, the chassis of the new 2013 SRT Viper benefits from a host of engineering refinements designed to enhance both street touring and on-track performance.

True to its racing heritage, the newest Viper is track ready for expert drivers and has deep reserves of capability for a professional racer to indulge. Nearly every chassis system including structure, brakes, suspension, steering, wheels and tires have been re-engineered, redesigned and refined to increase overall performance and shed weight while keeping a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution for the 2013 Viper.

Dimensionally, the wheelbase is 98.8 inches (2,509 millimeters) while overall length is 175.7 inches (4,463 mm). Width of the 2013 SRT Viper is 76.4 inches (1,941 mm). For 2013, the Viper has shed more than 100 pounds with numerous chassis refinements including an all-new spaceframe that benefits from the latest in high-strength steels, carbon fiber and aluminum body panels, lighter wheels and reductions in overall engine weight.

Structure

Combining the best attributes of high-strength steel, magnesium, aluminum and carbon fiber, the structure of the SRT Viper benefits from many lessons learned at the track. Included is a 100 percent boxed frame for enhanced strength and stiffness. Lightweight and easy to repair, the frame has been re-engineered and has become a far better platform that greatly improves performance to achieve status as a world-class sports car.

"Design and engineering development for the SRT Viper extends far beyond the normal cycles of most sports cars," said Russ Ruedisueli, Vehicle Line Executive - SRT Viper. "All SRT vehicles including the Viper must pass the rigorous torture of a 24-hour endurance test that simulates racing conditions."

Advanced high-strength, structural-steel members are used strategically throughout the new
re-engineered frame of the 2013 SRT Viper. To help reduce overall weight, areas of the frame have been refined to take advantage of new materials to reduce thickness in some areas, reshape components for structural rigidity in others and the extensive use of alloys including aluminum, magnesium and composites provide the necessary strength throughout the entire chassis with particular attention to the mounting points for the lightweight front-and rear-suspension systems.

While much of the technology applied to the spaceframe construction is hidden under the carbon fiber and aluminum body panels, a new addition to the structure is visible by simply lifting the hood.

Using lessons learned from the racetrack, a new structural X-brace ties the four corners of the engine compartment together and contributes to the 50-percent increase in torsional rigidity and stiffness. Borrowed directly from Viper GTS-R and Competition Coupe race models, the aluminum brace helps bring more enhanced steering response and uniform stiffness across the entire vehicle.

A new aluminum impact beam at the front of the 2013 SRT Viper also contributes to overall mass savings and improved weight distribution, while providing excellent crashworthiness characteristics.

To provide the near optimal weight distribution, the Viper continues with its front mid-engine layout that has the engine set back fully behind the centerline of the front wheels. The engine also is offset slightly to the right, which contributes to more area in the driver foot well for ideal placement of the throttle, brake and clutch pedals. More importantly, the offset helps cross-car weight distribution with the driver, increasing track performance.

Another example of combining advanced engineering with lightweight materials and thousands of hours of track testing is found in the front cross section. Exceptional front cowl strength is achieved with a cast-magnesium and machined front-dash structure that stretches across the full width of the vehicle.

Throughout the vehicle, structural integrity is greatly improved with a particular focus on suspension pickup points that allowed SRT dynamic engineers to better tune the damper. Improvements in strength were achieved while reducing mass of the Viper, on average, by more than 100 pounds. Taking advantage of the latest advancements in materials engineering, Viper body engineers were able to achieve the provocative body shapes and effectively reduce mass with the use of lightweight materials including composites and super-formed aluminum. The roof, hood and hatch are constructed of high strength carbon fiber while the entire door structure and panels are lightweight aluminum.

Front and rear suspension

With a front track widened from 61.7 inches to 62.4 inches for 2013, the fully independent front suspension features cast-aluminum unequal-length upper and lower A arms that help reduce unsprung mass and enhance handling and dynamic wheel control. For 2013, the suspension has been thoroughly retuned with new Bilstein aluminum-body shocks, spring rates and hollow front- and rear-stabilizer bars.

The rear suspension includes cast-aluminum, unequal-length, upper and lower A arms, toe-control links and coil springs. Rear track is 61 inches (1,550 mm).

On Viper GTS models, gas-charged, monotube Bilstein Damptronic Select, aluminum- bodied shock absorbers equipped with large 46 mm pistons are new for 2013. The new two-mode shocks feature both street and track settings. Shock damping is driver selectable through a two-position switch located on the console within easy reach for the driver. Valving in track mode is optimized for track use to extract maximum grip from the tires.

In street mode, the shocks are designed to provide a compliant ride on the various types of pavement and road conditions, while still providing damping levels appropriate for the extreme capabilities of the SRT Viper GTS.

Spring rates on the Viper model's passive-shock package have decreased 5 percent, while spring rates on the Viper GTS model's Damptronic package have increased 5 percent for a 10 percent difference between the two packages.

Both front- and rear-stabilizer bars are hollow for weight savings and are 27 mm in diameter. The rear suspension has been re-engineered with the relocation of the rear-suspension toe-link. The toe link has been relocated from behind the rear-axle centerline to in front of the rear axle. Additionally, the inner pivot of the link uses a tuned bushing to manage rear-toe compliance with respect to lateral load.

Brakes

Stopping performance for 2013 SRT Viper models is engineered to provide shorter stopping distances, better modulation, balanced brake performance without fading under extreme conditions and durability.

Four-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminum calipers are used up front and at the rear. Vented rotors with a diameter of 355 mm by 32 mm are used at all four corners. Pistons are 44 mm/40 mm, opposed, and brake calipers are forged and weight optimized by fully machining all surfaces. The calipers are among the stiffest available with distortion from heat nearly eliminated even under the most demanding braking conditions.

Total swept area of the brake system is 603 square inches spread over all four corners.

The SRT Viper also features a new master cylinder and power-brake booster for 2013. The brake system moves from a front-rear split to diagonal-split hydraulics.

Traction control and electronic stability control

For the first time the SRT Viper models will include both electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control systems.

The Viper GTS model features a four-mode ESC system includes speed sensors located at each wheel along with a yaw sensor, lateral G and steering-wheel angle sensor. The system is tuned to be fully track capable in all modes, including "Full On." Two graduated levels of stability and traction control are available in addition to "Full Off." This allows the driver to progressively reduce the amount of assist, as driver experience, skills and confidence are gained.

With the system in Full On, drivers receive the maximum benefits of both the traction control system and stability control without unnecessary intrusion and the full cornering capability of the vehicle is realized. Sport mode allows more longitudinal and lateral slip before the traction control and stability control system are engaged.

For competition, the Track mode has no traction control while the higher limits of Sport Mode stability control are maintained. In Full Off mode, both the traction control and stability control are disabled with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) remaining active. A steering-wheel mounted button enables the driver to select the optimal mode depending on road conditions or preference. A telltale graphic in the instrument cluster advises the driver which setting is activated in the ESC system.

Launch control

To help maximize straight-line performance in track conditions, all SRT Viper models will include launch control as standard equipment.

Operational in any ESC mode, the system is engaged by a button on the steering wheel. When the vehicle is at a complete stop, the driver engages the system and then quickly applies full throttle. Launch control holds the engine at optimal launch rpm and waits for the driver to release the clutch. Launch control then uses engine throttle only to achieve controlled wheelslip for maximum acceleration through first gear.

Wheels and tires

Wheel sizes and tire footprint are increased for the 2013 SRT Viper.

Wheel sizes are 18 inches by 10.5 inches up front and 19 inches by 13 inches in the rear. The new wheels also provide a substantial weight savings of more than 16 pounds and help reduce unsprung mass for better performance.

The five-spoke, forged-aluminum "Rattler" wheel design on the 2013 Viper model is available with fully polished (standard), fully painted hyper-black or fully painted low-gloss black finishes.

The Viper GTS has a split six-spoke forged-aluminum 'Venom" wheel design with three available finishes including polished face with graphite-painted pockets (standard), fully painted hyper-black or fully painted low-gloss black.

Specially formulated, Pirelli P-Zero, Z-rated performance compound tires are new for the SRT Viper. Up front, tires measure P295/30ZR18 and rear tires are P355/30ZR19. Final tuning of the new tires has demonstrated improved lap times and higher skidpad grip with the new tires. The new tires provide improved cool and wet weather performance and are tuned to give the driver better road feel.

Steering

Demanding drivers will notice dramatically improved and communicative steering feel with a new steering gear for the hydraulic rack-and-pinion system. The system offers increased on-center precision, as well as refined effort gradient as cornering loads increase. Steering ratio is 16.7:1 with 2.4 turns required lock-to-lock.

Combined with a foundation that starts with a new, stiffer frame that provides 50 percent more torsional rigidity, new shock absorbers, sway bars, Pirelli tires, steering gear and stability control, the 2013 Viper delivers precise road manners and exceptional track performance. The all-new 2013 SRT Viper inspires more involvement and new levels of confidence behind the wheel for non-professional drivers, while increasing Viper's extreme capabilities for owners who take their car to the racetrack.

source : Chrysler Press

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