Ram Reveals Details on First Diesel Engine in the Half-Ton Segment

Hot Springs, 08/12/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

While diesel engines have long been commonplace in heavy-duty pickup trucks because of their impressive torque, they have been absent from the light-duty segment due to the extra costs associated with their development and regulation. That will finally change later this year with the launch of the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which was recently rated to offer a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,200 pounds.

Even with its class-leading 420 pound-feet of torque, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine slated for the Ram 1500 will be paired with an efficient TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission to achieve what the automaker predicts to be best-in-class fuel economy. The diesel pickup truck is expected to surpass the 25-mpg highway rating of the current efficiency leader in the segment: the Ram 1500 equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gas engine.

"The Ram 1500's new EcoDiesel powerplant will be a game-changer in the light-duty segment because it will provide V8-like towing capacity while still besting all of its fellow V6s in fuel efficiency," said Tim Parker, dealer principal of Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, a Ram 1500 dealer in Arkansas. "As the only brand to offer a diesel option on a half-ton pickup truck, Ram will be giving buyers an even greater edge in both capability and cost of ownership."

Existing customers appear pleased with the advances that Ram has made in performance and efficiency thus far, according to new findings from J.D. Power and Associates. The auto-research firm's recently released Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study identified Ram as the highest-ranking non-luxury auto brand in a survey of more than 83,000 vehicle owners and lessees. After being with their new 2013-model-year vehicles for 90 days, participants evaluated 77 different attributes of performance and design to help determine the models that are the most gratifying to drive and own.

The increased appeal of Ram models is also translating to more traffic at dealerships. Sales of Ram pickup trucks rose considerably last month, totaling 31,314 units for a 31 percent increase over July 2012. The pioneering addition of a diesel light-duty truck to the brand lineup could very likely boost figures further when the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel becomes available in late 2013.

"The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will not only perform better than its gas-powered competitors but it will also improve each owner's day-to-day driving experience with its generous helping of features," added Parker. "With an advanced air suspension and plenty of available technology features inside the cabin, like Bluetooth connectivity and the Uconnect Access touch-screen infotainment system, drivers won't be lacking in comfort or convenience."

About Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram:
A winner of Chrysler’s Five-Star Dealer and Environmental Leadership awards, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has been serving Arkansas drivers for years with new and pre-owned car sales, service and parts at their Hot Springs auto dealership. Whether you’re looking for a Ram 1500, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger or Jeep Wrangler, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will find your ideal model with their unmatched customer-first approach. You can visit their showroom located at 4722 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, call them at 888-227-1487 or find them online at www.timparkerchrysler.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TimParkerAuto.