DaimlerChrysler Introduces 50-State-Compliant Heavy-Duty Ram BLUETEC Pickup; New, More Efficient Light-Duty Engines After 2009

23 January 2007

The Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler has introduced its first BLUETEC 50-state compliant diesel: the new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty BLUETEC with an all-new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine. The new Ram models can run with B5 and B20 biodiesel. The vehicle meets the US EPA Tier 2 and CA LEV II emissions requirements for medium-duty vehicles.

In addition to the new Ram pickup, Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom La Sorda announced an all-new diesel engine for its light duty Dodge pickup trucks that will be available after 2009. The concept for this product is the result of a nine-year partnership between Cummins and the US Department of Energy that has been developing an engine family with a 4.2-liter V6 and a 5.6-liter diesel V8 that will meet EPA Tier 2 and CARB LEV II emissions standards. (Earlier post.)

The new Cummins clean-diesel engine will provide a significant increase in low-end torque, up to a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide (C0₂) emissions when compared to an equivalent gasoline engine. The new light-duty turbodiesel engine with aftertreatment system will meet 50-state emissions standards for 2010.

The new 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty engine uses a close-coupled diesel oxidation catalyst, a combined diesel oxidation/particulate filter, and an adsorber catalyst to reduce NO_x by as much as 90% to meet its emissions requirements.

Because the Rams are classified as medium-duty vehicles (their GVWR ranges from 9,000 to 11,000 lbs, depending upon the model, the 50-state EPA Tier 2 and CA LEV II NO_x requirements are less stringent than those for the passenger-vehicle-targeted Tier 2 Bin 5.

EPA Tier 2 requirements for the Ram Heavy-Duty are 0.2 g/mi NO_x. For light-duty vehicles (EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and CA LEV II—the 50-state bar), the requirements are 0.07 g/mi NO_x.

In addition to the NO_x adsorber and the self-cleaning DPF, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine includes other in-cylinder technologies to improve fuel efficiency.

A cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system combines with a uniquely designed piston combustion bowl and a high-flow, electronically-controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), matching boost pressure with the engine’s performance needs to reduce emissions and improve drivability. The engine uses a Bosch 1,800 bar high pressure common rail injection system.

A new closed crankcase ventilation system eliminates crankcase fumes and oil carry-over, a common problem with past diesels.

Nearly 40% of the new engine’s parts are carryover, with modifications geared to surpass emissions standards and increase horsepower and torque, while maintaining the durability associated with Dodge and Cummins.