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Ram has released the preliminary specifications of its new EcoDiesel V6, with the third generation of its torque-rich diesel possibly in Australia as early as next year.
Ram is describing its new EcoDiesel 1500 as “America’s most capable light-duty diesel”, and on paper, the numbers appear to back that claim.
This turbocharged 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine is more powerful than its predecessor, the second-generation version, producing some 194kW and 650Nm that's fed through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That’s enough, Ram says, to produce a braked towing capacity of around 5.7 tonnes.
“The new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is America’s most powerful half-ton diesel pick-up, following up on Ram’s Heavy Duty torque leadership and achieving what no other manufacturer has, with up to (650Nm) of torque in a 3.0-litre engine,” says Ram chief, Reid Bigland.
The Italian-sourced V6 will go on sale in the USA towards the end of 2019, with an Australian launch expected when the all-new 1500 (the DT) goes on sale here next year.
Ram says it has increased both power (eight per cent) and torque (14 per cent) on the second-generation engine, and is promising “superb” fuel economy and NVH levels - though the brand is yet to release details.
A new turbocharger, redesigned cylinder heads and an updated exhaust gas recirculation system are credited for both increasing power and improving fuel efficiency.
The 1500 family is set to grow bigger next year, with the all-new 1500 DT to be sold alongside the existing DS range.
In the USA, the Ram brand has introduced an all-new 1500 (DT), which it sells alongside the existing vehicle, now branded a 1500 Classic (DS), which will continue to be updated annually, and that will be sold alongside the new DT as a seperate model line.
And Ram in Australia will employ a similar strategy when the all-new vehicle arrives here next year, allowing the Ateco-imported, Walkinshaw-converted Ram 1500 family to broaden its range into new pricing territory.
The all-new Ram 1500 will also be powered by a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine in Australia, generating 291kW and 556Nm. But in the States, that same engine is equipped with a mild-hybrid system, with a belt generator adding 12kW of power and up to 176Nm. It is understood that the mild-hybrid system could be offered in Australia, but is yet to be officially confirmed for our market.
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