Dodge Debuts Beefy 6.7-Liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel Engine
Dodge unveiled its 2007 Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck in a pair of press events in late September, opening a new round in the war among America's diesel-powered Class 3 trucks.
Media events revealed more details about 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 pounds-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm, the 6.7-liter engine features an all-new six-speed automatic transmission that Dodge says delivers improved fuel economy and performance.
The engine will be available in 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models beginning in January. 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.
"Providing superior trailer towing, acceleration, throttle response and drivability, the new 6.7-liter engine is not only more powerful, it's also cleaner," said Scott Kunselman, chief engineer for Dodge Ram.
The new engine keeps more than 40 percent of its components from the 5.9- liter engine and shares more than 80 percent of its components with the engine for the new Dodge Ram chassis cab.
The high-performance 408-cubic-inch inline-six intercooled turbo-diesel is clean and quiet, and meets all 2007 U.S. federal and state emission requirements, which require a 90 percent reduction in particulate matter and 50 percent reduction in NOx.
Offered for the first time in Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are features such as an integrated exhaust brake, standard Electronic Range Select and "Smart" tow/haul controls that give customers flexibility and increased safety when towing heavy loads.
Enhancing the performance of the new trucks is an electronically controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger, which matches boost pressure with the engine's needs. The 6.7-liter engine's VGT uses 16 fixed vanes and a sliding yoke, providing variable geometry, as well as an electric valve. The VGT produces optimum combustion control, reduced emissions, a 50 percent quieter engine and lag-free throttle response.
Decreasing NOx emissions is a next-generation cooled exhaust gas recirculation system. The Cummins 6.7-liter engine's EGR system is water-cooled, with the air reintroduced into the intake system, keeping turbo and intercooler components clean, which increases the engine's durability.
Within the exhaust system, reducing particulate matter is achieved through a self-cleaning diesel particulate filter. The muffler is isolated from the emissions control system, so customers may remove the muffler without violating emissions compliance.
The Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine has life-to-major-overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles.
For the first time in a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty truck, an integrated exhaust brake is available direct from the factory. Using the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine's new turbocharger, the exhaust brake significantly improves control when towing heavy applications, providing added control and brake savings by transforming horsepower into braking power.
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.
The transmission's new ERS system complements the truck's tow/haul mode, allowing for driver-actuated gear selection with a shifter-mounted switch. ERS provides greater control in unusual driving conditions, such as towing heavy loads on severe inclines. The system includes electronic safeguards to prevent shifting that could cause engine damage.
In addition to more horsepower and torque, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty boasts a towing capability of 16,400 pounds, a payload of 5,020 pounds and Gross Combined Weight Rating and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 23,000 pounds and 12,200 pounds, respectively.
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