Ram to build only light duty diesel pickup for sale in U.S.
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Ram’s new pickup is in a class by itself.
Chrysler’s truck division has announced plans to introduce a diesel-powered version of the Ram 1500 light duty pickup this year. It will be the only vehicle in the segment available with this type of engine.
The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 based on the one offered in the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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Ram has not unveiled detailed specifications for the new truck, but says it will deliver best in class fuel-economy and torque when it goes on sale in the third quarter of this year.
The engine is rated at 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque in the Grand Cherokee, which has a tow rating of 7,400 pounds. The Cherokee has an estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg, while the current gasoline-powered V6 Ram 1500 gets a class-leading 25 mpg.
Ram will also be offering a different diesel engine option for its new ProMaster full-size van, which debuted at the Chicago Auto Show last week.
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Although all three Detroit automakers offer diesel engines in their heavy duty pickups, neither Ford nor General Motors has indicated plans to introduce them into their half-ton lineups in the near future. Ford has relied on turbocharged gasoline engines to provide a combination fuel efficiency and power in recent years, while GM’s all-new 2014 trucks feature V8’s with cylinder deactivation technology.
Pricing for the diesel-powered Ram 1500 has not been revealed.