2012 Ram 1500

NEW FOR 2012:

- Six-speed automatic transmission replaces five-speed automatic on V8 models

- RamBox storage boxes now available on 6-foot-4 beds

- New Ram-brand steering wheel with front-mounted cruise control

- Available power-folding trailer tow mirrors

- New chrome body side moulding

- Black grille replaces bright grille on ST trim line

- Laramie adds standard rearview camera

- Monotone paint option available on Outdoorsman and Laramie Longhorn

- Exterior colours: Black Clear Coat, Deep Molten Red Pearl Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat and Tequila Sunrise Pearl Coat added

For 2012, the Ram 1500 V8 models receive a new six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous five-speed. All other changes are in trim: the RamBox storage system is available on more models, a new steering wheel has a front-mounted cruise control button, the ST model receives a black grille, and the Laramie trim line adds a rearview camera.

The Ram 1500 is available as a Regular Cab with 8-foot or 6-foot-4 bed; as a Quad Cab with 6-foot-4 inch bed; and as a Crew Cab with 5-foot-7 bed. Ten trim levels are available: ST, SXT, Tradesman, Express, Outdoorsman, SLT, Sport, Big Horn, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn.

The Regular and Quad Cab come with a 3.7-litre V6 with four-speed automatic, 4.7-litre flexible-fuel V8 with six-speed automatic, or 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with six-speed automatic. The Crew Cab comes with the choice of either V8 engine.

Two four-wheel drive systems are available. A part-time, shift-on-the-fly manual system, comes on the ST, SLT and Outdoorsman trim lines, while an on-demand automatic system comes with the Big Horn, Sport and Laramie models. The part-time 4x4 system can only be used on slippery or loose surfaces, while the automatic system can be driven in all conditions.

Features on the ST include 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, grey bumpers and upper fascia, bright grille, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability program, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 40/20/40 heavy-duty vinyl bench seat, folding rear seat, black door handles, tilt steering wheel, automatic headlamps, CD/MP3 stereo, black vinyl floor covering, and trailer tow with four-pin wiring harness. The Quad Cab version includes rear under-seat storage, and power windows, locks and mirrors.

The SXT adds 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels, bright front and rear bumpers, cloth 40/20/40 bench seat, carpet floor covering, floor mats, cruise control and Sirius satellite radio.

The SLT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille, body-colour upper fascia, overhead console with trip computer, vehicle information centre with exterior temperature gauge and compass, keyless entry, colour-keyed instrument panel bezel, premium door trim with map pocket, and cloth and Stain Repel seat fabric. The Quad and Crew Cab models include B-pillar blackout tape and rear power sliding window.

The Big Horn adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, quad headlamps, heated chrome mirrors with integrated turn signals, chrome tubular side steps, chrome door handles, fog lamps, tow hooks, dual exhaust, bright grille, and locking wheel nuts.

The Outdoorsman includes extra-heavy-duty shock absorbers, 3.92 rear axle ratio, skid plates, two-tone paint, fender flares, painted bumpers, body-colour grille, rubber floor mats, and fog lamps.

The Sport uses the 5.7-litre, builds on the SLT and adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels with locking nuts, body-colour front fascia, rear bumper and grille, dual exhaust, fog lamps, power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, ten-way power cloth bucket seats, halogen quad headlamps, body-colour door handles, 115-volt outlet, and light group package. The Quad Cab adds a split rear fold-flat steel floor.

The Laramie adds dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats with memory, bright grille, lower two-tone paint, fog lamps, interior woodgrain and bright accents, power-adjustable pedals, chrome mirrors, remote starter, MyGIG entertainment system, rearview camera, UConnect hands-free connectivity, surround sound with subwoofer, security alarm, and rear park assist.

The Laramie Longhorn adds premium leather heated and ventilated low-back front bucket seats, heated second-row seats, lower two-tone paint in White Gold, luxury floor mats, premium door trim, full-length console, premium instrument cluster, painted bumpers, accent-colour running boards, premium leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote starter, tow hooks and spray-in factor bedliner.