Well, OK, perhaps the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel doesn't have an engine actually designed by Maserati.

But, hey, what other pickup truck can claim to use even the same engine as sexy, sinuous, six-figure Italian luxury sport sedans?

As cleverly pointed out by Ward's Auto, the new diesel Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck uses the same 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 engine that's fitted to both the Maserati Quattroporte and the new 2014 Maserati Ghibli sedans--in Europe.

Maserati Ghibli

Maserati Ghibli

North American buyers, unaccustomed to diesels in passenger cars--except for those from longtime diesel stalwarts Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, plus newer arrivals Audi and BMW--often don't realize that in Europe, even luxury sedans usually come with a diesel option.

MORE: New Diesel SUVs & Crossovers: Jeep, Audi, Mercedes Fuel Economy Tested

The more fuel-efficient diesel engines generally save money at Europe's higher fuel prices, and can lower registration and tax costs in countries that base those fees on tailpipe emissions.

The 3.0-liter V-6 fitted to the Ram 1500 pickup--and also the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel as well--puts out 240 horsepower and a substantial 420 lb-ft of torque. It was developed five years ago by VM Motori, an Italian engine firm now entirely owned by Fiat (as is Chrysler itself).

And it's used in a wide array of that company's products, including the two Maserati sedans, and now the Jeep sport-utility vehicle and the Ram full-size pickup truck.

MORE: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel: Diesel SUV Fuel Economy Tested

Chrysler received more than 8,000 orders for the new diesel Ram 1500 pickup in just three days when orders were opened last moth.

Ward's also notes that the 6.2-liter V-8 engine in the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck is closely related to the "LT1" engine of the same displacement used in the Chevrolet Corvette sports car.

Still, we're betting that a bunch of diesel Ram owners will be using their bragging rights to point out, "Same engine as in a Maserati, y'know."

Here endeth today's trivia lesson.

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