Ram 1500 to offer ZF 8-speed automatic for 2013
Ram’s 2013 1500 pickup will introduce ZF’s 8-speed automatic, standard on the V6 and available with the HEMI V8, targeting improved fuel efficiency and new tech features.
Ram’s 2013 1500 pickup will launch with ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission, making it the first full-size American pickup to offer the German supplier’s 8HP gearbox. The new transmission will be standard on trucks fitted with Chrysler’s 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, and optional with the 5.7-litre HEMI V8. Ram is aiming to deliver improved fuel economy and refinement across the range.
The ZF 8HP automatic, already used in premium European models, is designed to work with stop-start systems. Ram’s version features ZF’s hydraulic impulse oil storage (HIS) unit, which stores hydraulic pressure to enable rapid gear engagement when the engine restarts. This integration allows the stop-start feature to operate smoothly, contributing to lower fuel consumption in city driving.
Efficiency and performance gains
Chrysler claims the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 will deliver 13 percent more torque and 20 percent better fuel economy than the previous 3.7-litre V6. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8, when paired with the new 8-speed, is projected to improve mileage by 10 percent over the outgoing six-speed automatic. The move is intended to keep the Ram 1500 competitive as rivals also push for lower emissions and running costs.
Models equipped with the 8-speed automatic will also see a change inside the cabin. Instead of a column or console shifter, Ram fits a rotary selector knob on the centre stack, to the right of the steering wheel. Trucks with the older six-speed automatic retain the traditional column shifter. This change frees up space and reflects the trend towards more car-like controls in pickups.
Technical upgrades beyond the gearbox
The 2013 Ram 1500 brings other functional upgrades, including an air suspension system derived from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The air suspension offers multiple ride height settings for different driving conditions, including an “Aero” mode that lowers the truck to reduce drag and improve efficiency at speed. These changes are part of a broader update intended to modernise the Ram’s appeal and performance.
- ZF 8-speed automatic standard on 3.6-litre V6
- Optional with 5.7-litre HEMI V8
- Rotary gear selector replaces shifter on 8-speed models
- Air suspension with multiple ride heights and Aero mode
Implications for Ram and the pickup segment
By adopting ZF’s 8-speed automatic, Ram positions the 1500 as a technical leader among US pickups at launch. The combination of improved fuel economy, modernised controls and advanced suspension aims to appeal to both private buyers and fleet operators seeking lower running costs. The move also highlights the growing influence of European suppliers like ZF in the American light truck market.
For more on Ram’s in-cab technology, see the selection of Sprint for embedded Uconnect wireless in the 2013 Ram 1500 and SRT Viper: /sprint-and-chrysler-close-deal-for-embedded-wireless-services
