The 2013 Ram 1500 pickup is already the most efficient vehicle in its class, a lead set to extend further when Chrysler introduces a diesel model to the range.
The 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will get Chrysler's 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine, as seen in the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel.
In that application, it develops 240 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque.
Paired with an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, Ram is predicting best in class fuel efficiency and torque--and the model should beat the existing Ram 1500 V-6, with its 20 mpg combined figure.
Range should also be impressive--the diesel Grand Cherokee can achieve over 700 miles on a tank.
“Truck owners have been emphatically asking for it, and Ram will be the only manufacturer to offer a diesel powertrain in the half-ton segment with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO of the Ram Truck Brand.
Today's diesel engines are able to meet the tough power and torque demands of customers, while returning gas mileage and emissions far better than equivalents from a few years back.
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be first to get the engine, and Chrysler is even considering it for the Wrangler, for equally demanding off-road driving fans.
Sales of the half-ton diesel Ram 1500 will begin in the third quarter 2013.
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