SEMA eNews, Vol. 9, No. 41 – October 11, 2006 DETAILS ON NEW ACCESSORY-FRIENDLY DODGE DIESEL PICKUP Web source: http://www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=56127 Dodge recently revealed details about the 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's new 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine, which replaces the current 5.9-liter engine. Producing 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb ft of torque at 1,500 rpm, the 6.7-liter engine features an all-new six-speed automatic transmission that delivers improved fuel economy and performance. The engine will be available in the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models beginning January 2007. A commercial-use 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine was introduced in early 2006 with the all-new Dodge Ram Chassis Cab, which is available now. Based on the 5.9-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine, the new 6.7-liter engine is 50% quieter, while featuring a 107mm bore by 124mm stroke (versus 102mm bore by 120mm stroke for the 5.9-liter engine). The new engine retains more than 40% of its components from the 5.9- liter engine and shares more than 80% of its components with the new Dodge Ram chassis cab. Enhancing the performance of 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks is an electronically-controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), which precisely matches boost pressure with the engine's needs. The 6.7-liter engine's VGT utilizes 16 fixed vanes and a sliding yoke, providing variable geometry, as well as an electric valve. The VGT produces optimum combustion control, reduced emissions and a quiet and lag-free throttle response. The high-performance 408-cubic-inch inline-six intercooled turbo-diesel is clean and quiet, and meets all 2007 U.S. federal and state emissions requirements, which require a 90% reduction in particulate matter and 50% reduction in nitrous oxides (NOx). Within the 6.7-liter Dodge Ram Heavy Duty exhaust system, reducing particulate matter is achieved through a self-cleaning Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The muffler is isolated from the emissions control system, therefore customers may remove the muffler without violating emissions compliance. The emissions system is designed for a government-certified 120,000 miles. Features offered for the first time in Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks include an integrated exhaust brake, standard Electronic Range Select (ERS) and "Smart" tow/haul controls that provide customers flexibility and increased safety when towing heavy loads. For the first time in a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty truck, an integrated exhaust brake is available direct from the factory. Utilizing the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine's new turbocharger, the exhaust brake significantly improves control when towing heavy applications, such as pulling RV fifth wheels and horse trailers, providing added control and brake savings by transforming horsepower into braking power. In addition to more horsepower and torque, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty boasts towing capability of 16,400 lbs., a payload of 5,020 lbs. and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 23,000 lbs. and 12,200 lbs., respectively. In addition to improving emissions and durability, occupant comfort is central to the 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty. The new 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine incorporates several new features that contribute to a 50% quieter engine and a 3 dBa reduction in cabin sound levels, increasing the vehicle's overall refinement. New engine mounts, a constrained-layered oil pan, intake silencer and engine-block shield create a quiet cabin environment inside the 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty. In addition, an over-running alternator pulley eliminates sounds generated from the diesel engine shut down process, and machined crankshaft counter weights significantly contribute to quiet acceleration. Mated to the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine is a new six-speed 68RFE automatic transmission, which delivers optimum fuel economy and performance. A new Electronic Range Select system is integrated with the transmission, enabling customers to select desired gears that match driving conditions. Both GM and Ford have announced that they have updated their heavy-duty diesel pickups by adding more power while complying with the upcoming emissions requirement change. GM’s cleaner and more powerful Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel will be available on its new heavy-duty pickups, and they are said to pump out 365 hp and 660 lb-ft (895 Nm) of torque. The Duramax is mated to an Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission. With the new diesel engine, maximum payload comes to 4,644 lbs. (2,106 kg), with top towing of 13,000 lbs. (5,896 kg) and 16,700 lbs. (7,575 kg) with a fifth wheel. The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models arrive in first-quarter 2007. Ford recently unveiled its 2008 Super Duty lineup, with the F-250, F-350 and the massive F-450. The F-450 provides a towing capacity of 24,000 lbs. (10,000 kg). The new 2008 pickup will offer a 6.4-liter Power Stroke Diesel engine producing 350 hp and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque, Ford notes. Sources: “Dodge Introduces Cleaner, Quieter and More Powerful 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel Engine at State Fair of Texas,” Chrysler Group / PR Newswire and Scott Anderson, “GM, Ford Battle for Truck Dominance,” Wards Auto, www.wardsauto.com Relevance: Dodge’s new diesel is more powerful, quieter and has better towing capabilities than its previous model—all of these characteristics are important to diesel truck buyers. These qualities could entice more traditional pickup truck buyers to switch to diesel, which could translate into potentially more diesel performance parts sales. The emissions control system is isolated from the exhaust, making custom exhaust modifications possible without the worry of violating emissions laws. The "Relevance" section in the article above contains insight written by SEMA Market Research staff. E-mail feedback to tym@sema.org.
