CHELSEA, MI – Ram will price its upcoming diesel-powered 1500 pickup at $27,050, a $2,850 jump from a gas-powered base model.
The 3.0L turbocharged EcoDiesel, designed by longtime Chrysler supplier VM Motori, debuts in the fourth-quarter and will make the Ram the only light-duty pickup to offer a diesel in the American market.
For emissions compliance nationwide, the EcoDiesel comes equipped with an oxidation catalyst, a particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction system.
Chrysler has not announced fuel-economy figures, but the V-6 mill produces 240 hp and 420 lb.-ft. (569.4 Nm) of torque and the auto maker says it is “noticeably more efficient” than other V-6 engines in the segment.
The 1500 retains its 3.6L Pentastar V-6 – a Ward’s 10 Best Engines winner – and 5.7L Hemi V-8 options. Those two engines and the EcoDiesel all mate with an 8-speed transmission.
For ’14, Ram also announces all 1500 pickups add a front-parking-assist option. The technology uses four sensors on the front bumper and alerts drivers to obstacles.
Other modifications or additions include pulse-width modulation, a fuel-saving technique that reduces parasitic load in the electrical system; a variable-displacement compressor that cuts energy demands from the air-conditioning system and subsequent engine loads; and a pulse-width modulation blower that controls fan speeds in all driving situations.
There’s also a new humidity sensor on the rearview mirror that works in tandem with the climate-control system, and the air-conditioning unit is compatible with more environmentally friendly F1234yf refrigerant.
Styling for the ’14 model 1500 carries over from the ’13 refresh, but adds two new exterior colors.
For ’14, Ram also introduces the ProMaster commercial van, the marque’s only new model. The C/V small van, which will be phased out once a Fiat Doblo-based replacement arrives, carries over to ’14, as well as the 2500, 3500 and 5500 heavy-duty pickups and chassis cabs.
