ZF, the famous German transmission maker, announced they will be supplying the 2013 Ram 1500 trucks with eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The eight-speed automatic will be standard equipment on Ram trucks with the award-winning Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine.? The efficient new engine and transmission is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

The eight-speed (8HP) will also be offered on the famous 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

In keeping with Chrysler tradition, the new transmission will be called the TorqueFlite 8.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is designed to work in conjunction with the Ram 1500?s stop-start technology. This function is enabled by the development of the hydraulic impulse oil storage (HIS). It supplies the hydraulic oil that the transmission’s shift elements need for starting. When the engine is switched off, it allows for a quick engagement? as it is required with the stop-start function. With the stop-start function of the hydraulic impulse oil storage, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption by 3.3 percent.

?The application of the first-ever 8-speed-equipped, full-size truck, enables us to showcase the strength and adaptability of our transmissions,? said Dr. Gerhard Wagner, ZF board member and head of the Powertrain Technology division.

The 2013 Ram 1500, which launched at the New York International Auto Show on April 5, comes standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar and boasts 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy, when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6 powertrain.