At a time when fuel economy and efficiency-directed technology seem to be taking center stage, the 2014 Ram 1500 will be the first half-ton pickup to offer a small turbo-diesel. The rated horsepower and torque numbers are impressive as well, reaching 240 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 420 pounds-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm.
The high-tech VM Motori-sourced (from Italy) 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 is the same engine recently offered in the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee; it is likely to offer the best city and highway fuel economy of any engine in the segment. Final numbers are not out, but they are likely to be under 30 mpg on the highway and around 23 in the city.
The new diesel engine will offer either 3.23:1 or 3.55:1 ring-and-pinion gears along with the light-duty eight-speed transmission (8HP45) with the rotary dial on the center stack. The 2014 Ram 1500 will continue to offer three engine choices — the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel, the 3.6-liter V-6 and the 5.7-liter V-8 — but the oldest of the engines, the 4.7-liter V-8, will no longer be available.
Among some other interesting changes to the 2014 models, Ram 1500 will offer both front and rear park assist as well as a new type of compressor technology (along with interior humidity sensors) that will make air conditioning a more efficient event (meaning less strain on the engine).
Pricing for the 2014 Ram 1500 starts at $25,295 (including destination); more pricing information will be available later this summer.
For a more detailed look at the new turbo-diesel, to see the Ram press release.
For a more detailed look at the changes to the 2014 Ram 1500s, .
For a look at an abbreviated specification sheet for the various powertrains, .
