A recent interview with the Head of Ram Trucks, Jim Morrison, by Autoblog shed some more light on the future of the new 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 and a possible midsize truck from Ram.
First, Jim Morrison, confirmed that the light-duty EcoDiesel engine is still in development and on track to go on sale by the end of 2019. Considering this timing, we assume it be part of the 2020 Ram 1500 model year. It’s a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel, which is the next iteration of the design that was there before. The power output has not been released, but this V6 diesel will also see duty in the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles in 2020. Jeep already listed the engine at 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Ram 1500 version of the should see a similar rating, but it will have to contend against GM’s 3.0L straight-six Duramax diesel that is rated at 277 hp and 460 lb-ft.
The other part of the report says that Ram currently has “no plan” for a midsize truck – the presumed successor to the Dodge Ram Dakota. The current solution is to offer the Ram 1500 Classic to customers who are looking for a more affordable truck.
There is no new information about the new Ram 1500 with the regular two-door cab. Ram is currently selling the Ram 1500 Classic (previous generation) two-door truck, and they will continue with this for the foreseeable future.
There is no information on whether Ram will consider a “compact truck”. Something smaller than a midsize truck.
