Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.

Ram reveals 2014 truck lineup, EcoDiesel V6 option on 1500 models

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-28-13, 12:40 PM
  #1  
Hoovey689
Moderator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,300
Received 125 Likes on 83 Posts
Default Ram reveals 2014 truck lineup, EcoDiesel V6 option on 1500 models

Ram reveals 2014 truck lineup, EcoDiesel V6 a $2,850 option on 1500 models



Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-...photo-5996979/

2014 Ram 1500 Offers Best-in-class Fuel Efficiency with Industry's Only Light-duty Diesel Pickup

Ram to be the only brand to offer a small-displacement diesel for its half-ton
line of trucks
2014 Ram 1500 starts at $24,200, plus $1,095 destination; EcoDiesel option priced $2,850 greater than similarly equipped HEMI-powered Ram 1500
Ram first to market with game-changing technologies

Class leading powertrain:

Best-in-class fuel economy with new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine featuring
240 horsepower, 420 lb.-ft. of torque and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine (Ward's 10 Best Engines) features 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6 engine
5.7-liter HEMIŽ V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology and variable-valve timing (VVT) provides 395 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque
First-in-segment Fuel Saver Technology, TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension
New front park assist system available
Class-exclusive air suspension enhances fuel economy, improves ride control and off-road capability along with entry/exit and loading, and features automatic load leveling
Best-in-class aerodynamics, coefficient of drag (Cd) at 0.360
Award-winning Uconnect Access offers alternative ways to access new connected services and applications via the vehicle's 8.4-inch touchscreen display or the web
Unsurpassed powertrain warranty - five years/100,000 miles

The 2014 Ram 1500 will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque and impressive capability.

Pricing for the 2014 Ram 1500 starts at $24,200, plus $1,095 destination. The exclusive V-6 EcoDiesel with TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission is priced $2,850 greater than a similarly equipped Ram 1500 with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with Torqueflite 8 speed transmission.

Also new on the 2014 Ram 1500 is a front park assist system and host of efficiency, comfort and emissions-friendly refinements including a variable displacement compressor; pulse-width modulated blower; humidity sensor; and the latest technology in air conditioning refrigerant.

The 2014 Ram 1500 delivers best-in-class fuel economy with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension.

The 2013 Ram 1500 won Motor Trend's Truck of the Year, The North American Truck of the Year and Truck of Texas - a rare trifecta in the pickup segment. Building on the award-winning truck, the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will further stretch its best-in-class fuel economy title lead and continue to raise the innovation bar in one of the automotive industry's most customer-loyal segments.

POWERTRAIN

The 2014 Ram 1500 continues the brand's quest of re-defining the half-ton full-size pickup class with the introduction of an exclusive small displacement turbo diesel engine that delivers a best-in-class combination of torque and fuel efficiency.

Aptly branded EcoDiesel, the new 3.0-liter powerplant is a turbocharged 60-degree, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 that produces 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque is noticeably more efficient than all V-6 gasoline engines in the half-ton category.

Like the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and 5.7-liter HEMIŽ V-8 gasoline engines already offered on the Ram 1500, the new EcoDiesel V-6 will be mated to the TorqueFlite 8, the only eight-speed automatic transmission offered in the half-ton class.

The new EcoDiesel - developed and manufactured by VM Motor (a Chrysler supplier since 1992) - is one of the most advanced diesel engines in the marketplace. Equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction, it will be emissions-compliant in all 50 states.

The new Ram 1500 also is equipped with a capless fuel filler system for re-filling convenience.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine (Ward's 10 Best Engines Award three years in a row) with variable-valve timing (VVT) offers 305 horsepower, 269 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class fuel economy for V-6 engine trucks. The Pentastar V-6 features 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6 powertrain. The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with fuel-saving cylinder shut-off and VVT provides 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

The class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8), standard equipment with 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel and 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar, doubles the amount of gears compared to the previously available four-speed automatic transmission, which improves drivability and enhances fuel efficiency. The eight-speed also is available with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8.

When the 2014 Ram 1500 full-size pickup arrives in retail outlets the fourth quarter of calendar year 2013, it will establish what is unmistakably the most advanced and efficient powertrain portfolio in the light-duty category, as evidenced by:

Exclusive offering of a small-displacement turbo diesel engine (EcoDiesel V-6)

Exclusive offering of an eight-speed automatic transmission (8HP45 with Pentastar V-6,
8HP70 with HEMI V-8 and EcoDiesel V-6)

Unsurpassed torque

Best-in-Class V-6 gasoline engine fuel efficiency (Pentastar V-6)
Best-in-Class combination of power and fuel efficiency in a V-8 engine
(HEMI V-8 mated with eight-speed transmission)

Only manufacturer in light-duty class to offer diesel, gasoline, and flex-fuel
(E85 capable 3.6-liter V-6) engines.

ENGINEERING

Beginning in model year 2014, the Ram 1500 will offer a front park assist system, a first time offering on a full-size Ram pickup truck.

The system uses four sensors located on the front bumper. The bezel-less, integrated sensors sequentially send out ultrasonic waves when the vehicle is driven in forward at low speeds. The system can detect objects as far away as 47.2 inches.

The sending sensor and adjacent sensors pick up the echo of a signal when it bounces off an object. Triangulation is used to determine relative distance, based on elapsed time between the outgoing signal and its return.

Readouts located in the cluster display (and audible chimes) notify the driver of front/rear object proximity.

Parasitic Loss Reduction

Pulse-width modulation (PWM) is a fuel-saving technology for the Ram 1500, which reduces parasitic electrical load. The technology not only eliminates unnecessary load on the alternator but also improves the durability of benefitting systems. Fuel delivery and the forward cooling fan are two systems that take advantage of PWM, adding a 0.4 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

The 2014 Ram 1500 will carry additional uses of PWM technology and a host of new efficiency, comfort and emissions-friendly refinements. These include a variable displacement air-conditioning compressor pulse-width modulated vent blower and humidity sensor.

Variable displacement compressor (VDC)

As opposed to a "fixed" displacement compressor, the variable displacement compressor (VDC) automatically varies its pumping capacity to meet air conditioning demands rather than working in an on/off fashion. As a result, the variable displacement compressor (VDC) lessens loads on the engine, reducing parasitic losses for enhanced fuel efficiency and helping to maintain a consistent cockpit temperature. The technology also reduces related noise and vibration annoyances.

When the interior cabin temperature is higher than what's desired (outside the automatic temperature control setting), the VDC increases refrigeration capacity until the desired temperature is reached. Once the temperature is reached, the VDC automatically reduces its capacity to maintain the desired temperature rather than shutting off completely.

The overall result is smoother compressor transitions, less noise and greater fuel efficiency.

Pulse-width modulation blower

Like the VDC, the pulse-width modulation (PWM) blower continually controls fan speeds for optimal performance in all driving scenarios; quiet, efficient operation; and virtually unnoticeable performance. Not unlike other PWM applications that debuted on the 2013 Ram 1500, the pulse-width blower ensures an infinite amount of varying fan speeds to satisfy every customer-requested condition in relation to the air conditioning system.

Humidity sensor

The new humidity is package behind the rearview mirror, and works in tandem with the PWM blower and VDC to continually measure the potential for humidity being formed on the windshield interior. While the sensor enables noticeable de-fogging benefits, it also enables the VDC and PWM blower to run at the most optimal speeds to expedite humidity reduction.

New Air Conditioning Refrigerant

Beginning in 2014, the Ram 1500 will be the first in its competitive set to carry F1234yf refrigerant, an application developed to help reduce greenhouse emissions.

DESIGN

The 2014 Ram 1500 retains its ruggedly handsome appearance with an award winning interior (Ward's 10 Best Interiors), exterior design aesthetics and segment-leading technology. Every Ram 1500 truck benefits from content specifically designed to match each model's unique style.

For 2014, the Ram 1500 offers 12 different colors, including two new shades: Blue Streak and Granite Crystal; available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

Unsurpassed powertrain warranty - five years/100,000 miles

The 2014 Ram 1500 is backed with a, five-year /100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. The powertrain-limited warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component - engine, transmission and drive system. Coverage also includes free towing to the nearest Ram dealer, if necessary. The warranty also is transferable allowing customers who sell their truck during the warranty period, to pass the coverage onto the new owner.

The standard three-year / 36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for the Ram 1500, from the body to the electrical system.

QUALITY

The 2014 Ram 1500's quality is scrutinized at the company's Chrysler Technology Center's state-of-the-art scientific labs in Auburn Hills, Mich., including the Noise/Vibration/Harshness Lab, Electromagnetic Compatibility Facility, Wind Tunnel and the Road Test Simulator (RTS).

For example, the RTS recreates the abuse a truck endures at the hands of a 95th percentile driver - meaning someone who drives the vehicle in more severe conditions than 95 percent of all customers. The RTS can put a lifetime of wear and tear on a truck in about one month's time. The Ram development team is committed to finding and fixing any issues before the customer does.

MANUFACTURING

The 2014 Ram 1500 is built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Mich.), which has built more than 12.5 million trucks since it started operations in 1938. Regular Cab models of the 2014 Ram 1500 are built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/28/r...0-option-on-1/
Hoovey689 is offline  
Old 06-28-13, 12:41 PM
  #2  
Hoovey689
Moderator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,300
Received 125 Likes on 83 Posts
Default

Well I'm kinda peeved Ford wasn't the first to do a diesel in a 1/2 ton, but the good news with Ram offering the diesel option is that Ford and GM are bound to follow suit

Hoovey689 is offline  
Old 06-28-13, 12:55 PM
  #3  
pbm317
Lead Lap
 
pbm317's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Virginia
Posts: 4,890
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
Well I'm kinda peeved Ford wasn't the first to do a diesel in a 1/2 ton, but the good news with Ram offering the diesel option is that Ford and GM are bound to follow suit
I'm sure GM and Ford have no problem watching Ram try it. Especially with a $2,850 premium over the 5.7 Hemi.

It'll be interesting to see the take rate of this option, especially for a non-US branded diesel, i.e. Cummins, etc.

Also waiting to see what trim levels they offer it on. With the Grand Cherokee I believe it's only on the high trim lines Overland and Summit. No Laredo, Limited, etc. But I could be wrong.
pbm317 is offline  
Old 06-28-13, 01:10 PM
  #4  
FrankReynoldsCPA
Lexus Test Driver
 
FrankReynoldsCPA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 6,863
Received 95 Likes on 67 Posts
Default

There were always rumors of Ford bringing a 4.4 V8 diesel to the F-150, but it never materialized. They even had to pay out money to International for cancelling a contract to build a small diesel engine. I guess they decided the Ecoboost would be an easier sell.
FrankReynoldsCPA is offline  
Old 07-26-13, 05:06 PM
  #5  
Hoovey689
Moderator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,300
Received 125 Likes on 83 Posts
Default 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel gets 9,200-pound tow rating

2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel gets 9,200-pound tow rating


The current-generation Ram 1500 is entering its fifth year on the market, but Ram's half-ton truck is not showing its age whatsoever. While we continue to wait for the fuel economy figures for the all-new EcoDiesel V6, Ram has released towing figures for trucks equipped with this new engine, as well as models fitted with the upgraded gasoline-powered V6.

The EcoDiesel – a $2,850 option – will help the Ram compete with V8-powered trucks with its max towing capacity of 9,200 pounds, which is just 50 pounds shy of the 2013 Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter V8. The true benefit here is that the diesel should return impressive fuel economy in the process, and even though official estimates have yet to be released, Chrysler has promised that it will achieve more than 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

But even with the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, upgrades to the eight-speed automatic transmission have resulted in an increase in towing capacity, now up to 7,450 pounds. This number is expected to be best in class for base-engine trucks.

Ram Announces New EcoDiesel Max Towing Number

2014 Ram 1500 Achieves New Best-in-class Tow Rating for V-6 Gasoline Pickups

- 2014 Ram 1500 with 305 horsepower Pentastar V-6 tows 7,450 lbs., topping all base V-6 engines in the segment

- More robust parking system components inside the exclusive 8-speed transmission allow for greater tow rating

- 3.0-liter EcoDiesel towing capacity rated at 9,200 lbs. - approaching large V-8 capability

- No direct competitor for new Ram 1500 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel with best-in-class fuel economy that will exceed the current title holder, Ram's 3.6-liter V-6 gas engine at 25 MPG

The capability race is far from over. The 2014 Ram 1500 takes top spot in V-6 towing capacity at 7,450 lbs. To reach the best-in-class number, Ram powertrain engineers added a more robust parking gear to the exclusive 8-speed TorqueFlite 8 for a higher capacity rating.

"There was more towing capacity in the V-6 Ram 1500 but we needed to upgrade the transmission to hold the truck and trailer when parked on steep grades," said Mike Cairns - Chief Engineer, Ram Truck. "Now that we're building the transmissions ourselves, the improvements are included in the new assembly. "

Ram also finalized the maximum towing number for the exclusive Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. In a 2WD, two-door, long bed configuration, the new EcoDiesel will tow up to 9,200 lbs. The new diesel engine approaches much larger displacement V-8 towing capability with a small but powerful 3.0-liter V-6 and best-in-class fuel efficiency of better than 25 MPG on the highway.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/07/26/2...nd-tow-rating/
Hoovey689 is offline  
Old 07-26-13, 05:32 PM
  #6  
SteVTEC
Lexus Test Driver
 
SteVTEC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

25 mpg is insanely good for a truck like that. For people that are putting a lot of miles on their trucks especially if towing, the price premium will easily pay for itself. Glad to see this engine being spread more throughout the Dodge lineup.
SteVTEC is offline  
Old 07-26-13, 06:01 PM
  #7  
ArmyofOne
Dysfunctional Veteran
 
ArmyofOne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Van Alstyne, TX
Posts: 7,828
Received 160 Likes on 112 Posts
Default

It better get 25+mpg hwy, I can touch 23-24 avg with my 11 Ram 4x4, and its only equipped with a 6 speed. with a diesel and 8 gears, the thing will not only fly, but will likely be touching 30 mpgs while doing it.
ArmyofOne is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hoovey689
Car Chat
4
09-16-13 04:51 PM
Hoovey689
Car Chat
11
05-07-13 01:05 PM
Hoovey689
Car Chat
7
08-29-12 05:13 AM
Hoovey689
Car Chat
5
03-09-11 07:50 AM



Quick Reply: Ram reveals 2014 truck lineup, EcoDiesel V6 option on 1500 models



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:50 PM.