The Ram1500 EcoDiesel wins Esquire Truck of the Year.

Esquire magazine has named the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, America’s most fuel-efficient pickup, its Truck of the Year. The announcement is highlighted in Esquire’s December issue.

 

Esquire’s editors consider all potential truck models in the U.S. market, balancing attributes with conventional touchstones that outline what makes a great truck, such as efficiency, functionality, versatility, safety, value and style.

 

“Recognition from Esquire magazine is proof that pickups have found their way into a variety of lifestyles,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand. “In such a competitive market, we are thrilled to earn a ‘Truck of the Year’ title from Esquire. The Ram 1500 delivers with a winning combination of best-in-class fuel economy and capability and going forward, Ram will continue to set the pace with the best trucks in their segments.”

 

The EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 earned a 28 mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup. It also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup. The previous half-ton fuel efficiency record was set by the Ram 1500 with the available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine at 25 mpg highway.

 

“This is where the truck tide turns: a full-sized American pickup with a just-big-enough diesel V-6—the only one of its kind,” Esquire magazine noted. “You get the fuel economy of a small engine, the pulling power of a larger one and the grumble of a working-class diesel.”

Ram 1500—the most recognizable pickup on the road—delivers best-in-class fuel economy with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems and first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. The Ram 1500 delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque and a surplus of towing capability.

 

Ram truck offers models designed for a wide range of buyers, including outdoorsmen, tradesmen, first-time buyers and ranchers. Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited trims are designed to meet the high expectations of affluent pickup truck buyers looking to combine capability with sophistication. Featuring premium materials, such as full-leather seating, real wood interior components and modish design, Ram offers a refined luxury alternative uncommon in pickups.

The editors of Motor Trend today named the Ram 1500 the winner of their 2015 half-ton truck shootout

Three contenders were put through a broad array of testing designed to evaluate the core uses of a truck owner. In addition to the 2015 Ram 1500, the judges examined America’s other two top-selling full-size trucks: the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2015 Ford F150.

To determine a winner, the Motor Trend judges took the three competitors on a 260-mile drive through eastern California and western Arizona. Each truck’s performance was measured in a number of exercises, including:

1. Standard testing (without load): 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip.

2. Limit handling (without load): closed-course cornering, braking and acceleration.

3. Tow testing with 7,000 pound trailer

4. Payload testing with 1,000 pounds

5. Fuel economy testing

  

After the data was collected, judges convened to determine which truck would be the victor of Motor Trend’shalf-ton shootout. The winner is chosen by directly comparing empirical results and drive impressions of each truck.

With the votes cast, the Ram 1500 surfaced as the winner of Motor Trend’s 2015 half-ton pickup shootout. The judges were particularly impressed with the performance of the Ram 1500’s EcoDiesel V-6 engine as well as its eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a combination that boasts best-in-class 28 mpg fuel economy.

“This is a strong third-party testimonial of Ram’s place in the market and contributes to the justification of long hours and hard work to deliver the best trucks available,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand. “Just five years after becoming its own brand Ram Truck has nearly doubled its market share and earned best-in-class titles in fuel economy, torque, payload and towing.

"The half-ton segment is a severely competitive environment and winning Motor Trend’s half-ton shootout validates that we have the top truck in the segment," added Hegbloom.

Motor Trend’s Real MPG testing proved V-6 turbo nor V-8 gas-powered engines can match the EcoDiesel’s efficiency. Judges observed fuel economy of 22 mpg during 1,000-pound loaded testing over 260 miles.Motor Trend’s Real MPG testing last year returned frugal stats: 19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined for the Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 with a 3.92 rear axle and an even more notable 18/28/22 for the Lone Star Crew Cab 4x2 with a 3.55 rear axle.

"Our comparison of the latest half-ton pickup trucks was as exhaustive as it was comprehensive, because this segment is so important and so competitive. We evaluated every aspect of these trucks we could and debated long and hard over their merits,” said Scott Evans, Associate Editor — Motor Trend Magazine. “In the end, the Ram EcoDiesel's excellent ride quality both loaded and empty, torquey engine, smooth and intelligent transmission, ease in towing, comfortable and refined interior, and best-in-test fuel economy proved the winning combination."

The Ram’s optional air suspension system also contributed to the win, as it delivered a compliant ride and commendable handling no matter the terrain. In terms of design, the Ram 1500 impressed with its style, packaging, and interior ergonomics. The variety of the lineup was another compelling factor. Whether outfitted as a basic workhorse or optioned up to a near-luxury hauler, the Ram 1500 provides all of the capability needed in a truck.

About Ram Truck Brand

Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.

Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day in and day out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.

In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

Moving into the 2015 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the two most sought-after titles, fuel economy and towing capacity:

• Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel - 28 mpg with Ram 1500
• Best-in-class towing capability - 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500
• Best-in-class payload – 7,390 pounds with Ram 3500
• Best-in-class torque – 865 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 equipped with Cummins engine

Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel - The 2015 Green Truck of the Year™

Green Car Journal has named the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, America’s most fuel efficient pickup its 2015 Green Truck of the Year™. The announcement was made today at the 46th annual San Antonio Auto & Truck Show in San Antonio, Texas.

Green Car Journal editors consider all potential truck models in the U.S. market, weighing environmental attributes alongside traditional touchstones that define what makes a great pickup, such as functionality, versatility, safety, value and style. The winner was selected from five finalists by a Green Truck of the Year jury, comprised of automotive experts and Green Car Journal staff.

“The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is an incredible success for Ram Truck and part of the brand’s long term strategy to design and engineer the best trucks you can buy with fuel economy and capability top of mind,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand. “We are thrilled to receive The Green Truck of the Year award, affirming our efficiency leadership in the truck market.”

The EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 earned a 28-mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup. It also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup. The previous half-ton fuel efficiency record was set by the Ram 1500 with the available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine at 25 mpg highway. The Ram 1500 now owns the half-ton pickup segment’s top two spots in the EPA’s current highway fuel-economy rankings.

“The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel exemplifies what a ‘green’ truck should be,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “It’s a heavy-hitter that pulls off exceptional fuel economy with its impressive EcoDiesel engine and array of efficiency features like active grill shutters and aero suspension. Pickup buyers get the best of all worlds with the beefy torque and environmental performance offered by this full-size and stylish pickup.”

Ram 1500—the most recognizable pickup on the road—delivers best-in-class fuel economy with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems and first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. The Ram 1500 delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque and a surplus of towing capability.

USA - First Orders of 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Sell Out Within 3 Days.

Chrysler has sold out of its first batch of 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickups, currently the only half-ton trucks available on the market with a diesel engine. Production of these vehicles had only just started this month, and within three days, Chrysler received 8,000 orders.

This was enough to fill up the first round of orders, which accounts for more than 50 percent of its total order mix. The flood of orders for the 2014 Ram EcoDiesel suggests a heavy interest in fuel economy among pickup buyers. Currently, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel achieves 20/28 mpg city/highway, with the best highway rating ever for a full-size half-ton pickup.

Its highway fuel economy also exceeds even the top-rated small pickup. The EcoDiesel model manages to achieve this position through a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 engine good for 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission.

We have to assume that fuel economy is the primary reason for the 1500 EcoDiesel's success, considering buyers haven't had the chance to actually test-drive the vehicle yet. But we have, and we loved it.The first EcoDiesel models will be shipped in March. Also next month, customers will have another chance to get their hands on the new Ram EcoDiesel in a second round of orders.

REPORT HERE

2014 Ram 1500 to offer new class leading Eco Diesel engine

• Ram to be the only brand to offer a small-displacement diesel for its half-ton line of trucks
• 2014 Ram 1500 starts at $24,200, plus $1,095 destination; EcoDiesel option priced $2,850 greater than similarly equipped HEMI-powered Ram 1500
• Ram first to market with game-changing technologies
• Class leading powertrain:
• Best-in-class fuel economy with new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine featuring
• 240 horsepower, 420 lb.-ft. of torque and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
• 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine (Ward’s 10 Best Engines) features 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque (305 horsepower 269 lb.-ft. torque) and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6 engine
• 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology and variable-valve timing (VVT) provides 395 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque
• First-in-segment Fuel Saver Technology, TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension
• New front park assist system available
• Class-exclusive air suspension enhances fuel economy, improves ride control and off-road capability along with entry/exit and loading, and features automatic load leveling
• Best-in-class aerodynamics, coefficient of drag (Cd) at 0.360
• Award-winning Uconnect Access offers alternative ways to access new connected services and applications via the vehicle’s 8.4-inch touchscreen display or the web
• Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles

The 2014 Ram 1500 will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque and impressive capability.

Pricing for the 2014 Ram 1500 starts at $24,200, plus $1,095 destination. The exclusive V-6 EcoDiesel with TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission is priced $2,850 greater than a similarly equipped Ram 1500 with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with Torqueflite 8 speed transmission.

Also new on the 2014 Ram 1500 is a front park assist system and host of efficiency, comfort and emissions-friendly refinements including a variable displacement compressor; pulse-width modulated blower; humidity sensor; and the latest technology in air conditioning refrigerant.

The 2014 Ram 1500 delivers best-in-class fuel economy with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension.

The 2013 Ram 1500 won Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, The North American Truck of the Year and Truck of Texas – a rare trifecta in the pickup segment. Building on the award-winning truck, the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will further stretch its best-in-class fuel economy title lead and continue to raise the innovation bar in one of the automotive industry’s most customer-loyal segments.

POWERTRAIN
The 2014 Ram 1500 continues the brand’s quest of re-defining the half-ton full-size pickup class with the introduction of an exclusive small displacement turbo diesel engine that delivers a best-in-class combination of torque and fuel efficiency.

Aptly branded EcoDiesel, the new 3.0-liter powerplant is a turbocharged 60-degree, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 that produces 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque ¬is noticeably more efficient than all V-6 gasoline engines in the half-ton category.

Like the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 gasoline engines already offered on the Ram 1500, the new EcoDiesel V-6 will be mated to the TorqueFlite 8, the only eight-speed automatic transmission offered in the half-ton class.

The new EcoDiesel – developed and manufactured by VM Motor (a Chrysler supplier since 1992) – is one of the most advanced diesel engines in the marketplace. Equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction, it will be emissions-compliant in all 50 states.

The new Ram 1500 also is equipped with a capless fuel filler system for re-filling convenience.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine (Ward’s 10 Best Engines Award three years in a row) with variable-valve timing (VVT) offers 305 horsepower, 269 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class fuel economy for V-6 engine trucks. The Pentastar V-6 features 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6 powertrain. The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with fuel-saving cylinder shut-off and VVT provides 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

The class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8), standard equipment with 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel and 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar, doubles the amount of gears compared to the previously available four-speed automatic transmission, which improves drivability and enhances fuel efficiency. The eight-speed also is available with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8.

When the 2014 Ram 1500 full-size pickup arrives in retail outlets the fourth quarter of calendar year 2013, it will establish what is unmistakably the most advanced and efficient powertrain portfolio in the light-duty category, as evidenced by:

• Exclusive offering of a small-displacement turbo diesel engine (EcoDiesel V-6)
• Exclusive offering of an eight-speed automatic transmission (8HP45 with Pentastar V-6,
• 8HP70 with HEMI V-8 and EcoDiesel V-6)
• Unsurpassed torque
• Best-in-Class V-6 gasoline engine fuel efficiency (Pentastar V-6)
• Best-in-Class combination of power and fuel efficiency in a V-8 engine
• (HEMI V-8 mated with eight-speed transmission)
• Only manufacturer in light-duty class to offer diesel, gasoline, and flex-fuel
• (E85 capable 3.6-liter V-6) engines

ENGINEERING
Beginning in model year 2014, the Ram 1500 will offer a front park assist system, a first time offering on a full-size Ram pickup truck.

The system uses four sensors located on the front bumper. The bezel-less, integrated sensors sequentially send out ultrasonic waves when the vehicle is driven in forward at low speeds. The system can detect objects as far away as 47.2 inches.

The sending sensor and adjacent sensors pick up the echo of a signal when it bounces off an object. Triangulation is used to determine relative distance, based on elapsed time between the outgoing signal and its return.

Readouts located in the cluster display (and audible chimes) notify the driver of front/rear object proximity.

Parasitic Loss Reduction
Pulse-width modulation (PWM) is a fuel-saving technology for the Ram 1500, which reduces parasitic electrical load. The technology not only eliminates unnecessary load on the alternator but also improves the durability of benefitting systems. Fuel delivery and the forward cooling fan are two systems that take advantage of PWM, adding a 0.4 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

The 2014 Ram 1500 will carry additional uses of PWM technology and a host of new efficiency, comfort and emissions-friendly refinements. These include a variable displacement air-conditioning compressor pulse-width modulated vent blower and humidity sensor.

Variable displacement compressor (VDC)
As opposed to a “fixed” displacement compressor, the variable displacement compressor (VDC) automatically varies its pumping capacity to meet air conditioning demands rather than working in an on/off fashion. As a result, the variable displacement compressor (VDC) lessens loads on the engine, reducing parasitic losses for enhanced fuel efficiency and helping to maintain a consistent cockpit temperature. The technology also reduces related noise and vibration annoyances.

When the interior cabin temperature is higher than what’s desired (outside the automatic temperature control setting), the VDC increases refrigeration capacity until the desired temperature is reached. Once the temperature is reached, the VDC automatically reduces its capacity to maintain the desired temperature rather than shutting off completely.

The overall result is smoother compressor transitions, less noise and greater fuel efficiency.

Pulse-width modulation blower
Like the VDC, the pulse-width modulation (PWM) blower continually controls fan speeds for optimal performance in all driving scenarios; quiet, efficient operation; and virtually unnoticeable performance. Not unlike other PWM applications that debuted on the 2013 Ram 1500, the pulse-width blower ensures an infinite amount of varying fan speeds to satisfy every customer-requested condition in relation to the air conditioning system.

Humidity sensor
The new humidity sensor is packaged behind the rearview mirror, and works in tandem with the PWM blower and VDC to continually measure the potential for humidity being formed on the windshield interior. While the sensor enables noticeable de-fogging benefits, it also enables the VDC and PWM blower to run at the most optimal speeds to expedite humidity reduction.

New Air Conditioning Refrigerant
Beginning in 2014, the Ram 1500 will be the first in its competitive set to carry F1234yf refrigerant, an application developed to help reduce greenhouse emissions.

DESIGN
The 2014 Ram 1500 retains its ruggedly handsome appearance with an award winning interior (Ward’s 10 Best Interiors), exterior design aesthetics and segment-leading technology. Every Ram 1500 truck benefits from content specifically designed to match each model’s unique style.

For 2014, the Ram 1500 offers 12 different colors, including two new shades: Blue Streak and Granite Crystal; available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles
The 2014 Ram 1500 is backed with a, five-year /100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. The powertrain-limited warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component – engine, transmission and drive system. Coverage also includes free towing to the nearest Ram dealer, if necessary. The warranty also is transferable allowing customers who sell their truck during the warranty period, to pass the coverage onto the new owner.

The standard three-year / 36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for the Ram 1500, from the body to the electrical system.

QUALITY
The 2014 Ram 1500’s quality is scrutinized at the company’s Chrysler Technology Center’s state-of-the-art scientific labs in Auburn Hills, Mich., including the Noise/Vibration/Harshness Lab, Electromagnetic Compatibility Facility, Wind Tunnel and the Road Test Simulator (RTS).

For example, the RTS recreates the abuse a truck endures at the hands of a 95th percentile driver – meaning someone who drives the vehicle in more severe conditions than 95 percent of all customers. The RTS can put a lifetime of wear and tear on a truck in about one month’s time. The Ram development team is committed to finding and fixing any issues before the customer does.

MANUFACTURING
The 2014 Ram 1500 is built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Mich.), which has built more than 12.5 million trucks since it started operations in 1938. Regular Cab models of the 2014 Ram 1500 are built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.