by Don Armstrong
Is it any surprise that Texas is home to the biggest truck market – in the world?
With that kind of clout, it’s no wonder that truck-makers covet winning the big Truck of Texas trophy from the Texas Auto Writers Association.
Once a year about 50 of us card carrying members gather at the Knibbe Ranch, just north of San Antonio. We test about 65 trucks, SUV’s and CUV’s to see which are the best-of-the-best in each category. In the truck bracket, the writers decided the 2013 Ram 1500 topped everything competitors could muster and was, after two grueling days of punishment, ceremoniously handed the big silver cup.
President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Fred Diaz said, “We changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame with air suspension, to a new eight-speed transmission to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect® system.
“With best-in-class towing and payload, best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to our customers.”
The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine offers 305 horsepower, 269 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class fuel economy for V-6 trucks, 17-city and 26-highway.
The 2013 Ram 1500 retains its ruggedly handsome appearance with all-new interior and exterior designs, improved aerodynamics and all-new, technology.
The Uconnect systems provide the Ram 1500 with a built-in wireless connection, allowing vehicle occupants to be automatically connected to a variety of new services. Users can remotely lock or unlock doors or start their vehicles from any distance via the web or a Smartphone application.
To compliment the range of Ram 1500 models, the interior design team created new, individualized themes with different colors and materials. For the Laramie Longhorn, the 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.
We could go on and on about the new Ram 1500, but if you’re in the market for a light duty pickup, I encourage you to visit your favorite Ram dealership to see and experience what we journalists think is the best truck for Texas.
Pricing starts at $22,590.
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