2012 Ram Heavy Duty Gets New 6-speed Automatic Transmission, Best In Class Towing

by Patrick Rall

The folks at Chrysler’s Ram Truck brand have announced that when the 2012 Ram Heavy Duty models hit showrooms later this year, they will feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission for trucks equipped with the power 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel.  This combination of the Cummins Turbo Diesel and the revised 6-speed
automatic gearbox offer 350 horsepower and a whopping 800lb-ft of torque
at just 1,250rpm, making the 2012 Ram HD one of the most powerful
trucks on the market.  Also, when that powerful drivetrain is mated with
the Max Tow package in the 2012 Ram 3500, it is able to pull an
incredible 22,750 pounds – giving it best in class towing capabilities. 

Chrysler goes on to point out that unlike the cross town rivals from
Ford, Chevrolet and GMC, the Cummins Turbo Diesel in the Ram HD is able
to reach these impressive towing and power numbers without the annoyance
of dealing with Diesel Exhaust Fluid; all while still being able to
meet emission standards everywhere in the United States.

The 2012 Ram HD models equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel will
still come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, but for those who
want to get the absolute most out of their truck in the way of towing
and hauling capacities, this new 6-speed automatic could be the way to
go.  Chrysler points out that the revisions made to the gearing of this
new automatic transmission will also help to improve fuel economy, but at
this point, the company has not offered an idea as to just how much
fuel economy will improve.  Considering that most Ram Heavy Duty buyers –
especially those purchasing a truck that can tow 22,750 pounds – are
far more concerned with the abilities of their truck than they are with
fuel economy, the added fuel economy will come as a nice addition, but it
wouldn’t have nearly the impact on the segment as the towing capacity
or power output.

Ram Truck brand President and CEO Fred Diaz had this to say about the announcement of the new 6-speed automatic transmission: “Ram Heavy Duty truck owners need pulling power – 79 percent of them
rate towing as extremely important. Reliability and engine performance
are tied for second – named as extremely important by 73 percent of
owners. 800 lb.-ft. of torque combined with Ram Truck’s unsurpassed
5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and Cummins’ proven reputation
for reliability – are a direct response to our customers’ high
expectations. We stand behind our commitment to build great trucks with
best-in-class capabilities.”

Finally, along with the revised 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2012
Ram HD will receive a handful of new features including optional black
grilles on various models and a new steering wheel complete with stereo,
information center and audio/video system controls.  The mighty Hemi V8
will return as the standard engine for the 2012 Ram HD, packing 383
horsepower, but unlike the Cummins-powered models, the 2012 Ram HD with
the Hemi will only get the 5-speed automatic transmission.