The best ever highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size half-ton pickup has been recorded, and the vehicle to do this is the 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Precisely, the car was rated at 28-mpg by the EPA, and this rating also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup.
Next to its superior fuel economy this Dodge model also offers torque of 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm). This rating is possible due to the engine’s block and bedplate which are made from lightweight Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI). Adding to this is the innovative MultiJet 2 common-rail fuel-injection system, which reduces noise and enhances low-speed throttle response.
The EcoDiesel Ram is fitted with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 unit which includes Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), high-pressure cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), variable swirl intake ports and a variable-geometry turbocharger. The efficient powetrain is coupled with a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, which also improves the fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, the gearbox also has thermal-management system. The latter warms transmission oil to reduce pumping losses associated with cold, low-viscosity fluid. What is more, the scored efficiency results were made reality due to the active grille shutters that maximize air flow in order to improve aerodynamics; the Electric Power Steering (EPS) that relieves the engine from constantly turning a hydraulic pump; and the lightweight aluminum components.
2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a starting price of $24,200 USD and will go on sale on 7th of February.
Source: Dodge
2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will offer for the first time a small diesel displacement for the trucks vehicles range. The new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine will be mated with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver an excellent combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class torque and impressive capability.