Chrysler recommits to diesel and hybrid Ram, if the company survives
A pair of planned, more fuel efficient versions of the Dodge Ram pickup apparently remain as on-track as any program can be said to be in the current Chrysler situation. Our buddy Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com spoke with Chrysler product development VP Frank Klegon about what's coming for the Ram. In spite of similar programs being canceled or delayed at Toyota, Ford and General Motors, Chrysler is moving ahead with its light duty diesel program. A Cummins diesel expected to displace 5.0L with a V8 configuration that will launch in 2010 - if Chrysler lasts that long.
The HEMI V8/two-mode hybrid powertrain from the short-lived Aspen and Durango will also find a new home in the Ram. This would make the Ram the only hybrid pickup truck alongside the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra. The hybrid is expected to launch for the 2010 model year.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jharlan 1:21AM (12/20/2008)
There will always be a market for diesel pickups out west. An emphasis on economy as opposed to continually increasing horsepower and torque would be a smart move. As the owner of an F350 diesel I was encouraged when I heard Ford was developing a smaller diesel for the F150 trucks because I knew it would be a winner in farm country. It was cancelled. No wonder they are having problems. People with work trucks aren't interested in 0-60 times. They are interested in trucks that last forever and are economical to drive. The dodge diesel has a lot of fans in farm country. The Cummins diesel engine lasts forever..
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Brian 3:22AM (12/20/2008)
A 5L diesel ? They still don't get it do they?
All we need is a 4L diesel motor! 5L is HUGE, its OLD, its OUT OF TOUCH!
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jaguar879 12:46PM (12/20/2008)
There is not always a direct relationship between engine size and efficiency. In this application it's possible they could get the same fuel economy out of a 5L as out of a 4L.
JN 3:57AM (12/22/2008)
Seems like you're the one out of touch, Brian. A 5.0L diesel is not too big, not at all. In a car, yes, a 5.0L would be too large. But in a light-duty truck, that is a perfect size. You wouldn't bring a knife to a gunfight, would you?
BTW, the combined MPG numbers I've seen bandied about for the Ram 1500 diesel are in the 20-25 MPG range, and by introduction, it would not surprise me if they are even better. :-)
mroverlord 8:45AM (12/22/2008)
To clarify, the 2500/3500/4500/5500 Rams are to get a 5.6L Cummins V8 that will make 550-600 ft/lbs.
The 1500s are slated to a get V6 based on the same platform, displacing about 4.2L and making in the mid 400s for torque.
I would still love to see Chrysler field a 3.0L diesel for things like Dakotas and Jeeps that is NOT built by Mercedes. I have nothing against the Blutech diesels, but they are way too expensive to be putting non-luxury cars.
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66coronet 2:03PM (12/25/2008)
Apparently the V-8 5.6L cummins has been replaced by a V-8 5.0L cummins for the 1500 pickup. The I-6 6.7L cummins is still for the 2500 and larger Dodge.
I'm still hoping the smaller Cummins V-6 will be out soon too.
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Art 2:53PM (12/23/2008)
A V8 Diesel I don't want that. What are they thinking over there at Dodge. Cummins has been building a bullet proof straight 6 why go over to a V8.
I agree with Brian get a 4.0L straight 6 cylinder turbo diesel and add a 6 speed tranny that will help with the fuel economy. 5.0L is a big engine and not needed for a mid size truck.
My 5.9L Cummins is oversized for the 2500 truck more power and torque than I will ever need. I love my truck but was looking forward to getting a smaller diesel truck that was more fuel effiecient but not if its a V8.
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