2014s, Ram 8-speed Hemi ready for ordering
A source has come in from the cold to tell Allpar that ordering is now open for the Ram 1500 Hemi with the eight-speed automatic, as well as the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2014 Jeep Compass, and 2014 Jeep Patriot.
The 2013 Ram 1500 Hemi with eight-speed automatic does not yet have an official gas-mileage estimate; with the six-speed, which is to continue production indefinitely, the truck is rated at 14 mpg city, 20 highway. In contrast, the standard V6 Ram, which comes with the eight-speed, is rated at 17 city, 25 highway; the Aero boosts that to 18/25, identical mileage as Chrysler minivans and the Dodge Journey. (All figures here are two wheel drive.)
With the eight-speed, the Ram Hemi is expected to get substantially better gas mileage; the Grand Cherokee went from 13/19 to 15/21 with a moderately different version of the V8 engine, an increase of 2 mpg across the board. Acceleration is also expected to increase, across the board.
The Compass and Patriot boast a new conventional automatic six-speed transmission (except with Freedom Drive II); Compass also has had a refresh for what appears to be its final year. Buyers who desire a Patriot will reportedly not have another chance to get one, as this is reputedly the last model-year for the Cherokee-profile front-drive/AWD crossover.
