Ram 1500 To Get Diesel Engine
Chrysler will be the first truck maker to offer a diesel engine on a half-ton pickup, when the Ram 1500 gets an oil-burner in Q3 of this year.
The diesel will be the same 3.0L VM Motori engine as used in the Grand Cherokee, good for 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque in that application. USA Today, which broke the story, reported that Ram boss Fred Diaz would not disclose power figures or pricing information, the two big question marks for the new model.
Diesel options in heavy duty pickups typically cost thousands more as optional equipment. TrueCar’s Jesse Toprak suggested that offering a small premium, akin to Ford’s EcoBoost V6 in the F-150, would shake things up in the segment, but Diaz seemed to shrug off that notion. Regardless, Toprak felt that the diesel option could be good for as many as 10,000 units.
With this announcement, it will be interesting to see if any truck makers follow suit and offer a quarter-ton diesel option. Aside from wanting to combat Ram’s lock on this model, there will likely be positive implications as far as CAFE goes. VM Motori is half owned by GM, though the company will offer a new mid-size Colorado for fuel-economy conscious buyers (though in many markets, the Colorado can be had with a Duramax diesel).
More by Derek Kreindler
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@DenverMike I sorry I will not debate you anymore, particularly after what you wrote above. You are a stupid and dangerous person. Why would anyone deviate from the manufactures specifications regarding the use of a vehicle and a commercial vehicle carrying loads? And you claim to be a transport operator? What a selfish, ignorant, irresponsible jerk you are. You are a hazard to your community. I thought you stated that you use your V8 for work only. How can you possibly achieve those fuel figures. Or you are a troll and a real fool. I'm sorry if what I wrote offends other contributors on this site but this guy is a genuine loser. @Lynn E. I think you have nutted out DenverMike. I might not totally agree with your view of pickup drivers though.
My belief is that most of these will be sold for fleet use, most half ton truck buyers are not into diesels here in the US.
@Jaje said: "Complete ignorance of the subject and your “observations” do not trump science and reality. Simply stated diesel has a higher energy density than gasoline" Thanks for that it was going to be reply.
@Denvermike said: "@RobertRyan – “You should be not on the road, completely reckless behavior.” I’ve done some crazy things behind the wheel (in my youth), but this doesn’t EVEN REGISTER. Seriously, you’re being silly." So driving dangerously on the road, does not "even register" for you?