2007 Dodge Ram 3500

Dodge Introduces Cleaner, Quieter and More Powerful 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel Engine at State Fair of Texas

Engine Available in January on New 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 Models
- Increased output with 350 horsepower and 650 lb.ft. of torque
- New, fuel-savings six-speed automatic transmission features best-in-class gear-ratio spread; standard Electronic Range Select (ERS)
- First-ever integrated exhaust brake available direct from factory
- 50-percent quieter engine; 3Dba reduction in cabin sound levels
- Life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000-mile advantage over the competition

The war among America's diesel-powered pickup trucks rumbles into a new round with Dodge announcing more horsepower, torque, refinement and a host of advanced towing features.




The engine will be available in 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.

'The 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's new 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine sets the performance standard with an outstanding combination of horsepower, torque, refinement and emissions-reducing technology,' said Scott Kunselman, Chief Engineer – Dodge Ram. 'Providing superior trailer towing, acceleration, throttle response and drivability, the new 6.7-liter engine is not only more powerful, it's also cleaner with B5 biodiesel compatibility and a reduction in particulates and nitrogen oxide (NOx) that comply with the 50-state 2007 heavy-duty emission standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)'



The high-performance 408-cubic-inch inline-six intercooled turbo-diesel is clean and quiet, and meets all 2007 Ú.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 including 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.

Improved Performance, Durability and Emissions
- Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's new 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine features improved performance, durability and significantly reduced emissions.

Enhancing diesel-powered 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.

Decreasing NOx emissions is a next-generation cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) 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 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.

As durable as it is powerful, the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000-mile advantage over the competition.

Quiet and Refined Driving Experience
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-percent 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.

First-ever Optional Exhaust Brake
For the first time in a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty truck, an integrated exhaust brake is available direct from the factory. Útilizing 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.

'Towing and hauling capability is critical for our customers, as more than 90 percent of Dodge Ram Heavy Duty customers tow with their truck,' said Kunselman.

Benefits of the exhaust brake include:

- Increased vehicle control to provide the owner additional peace of mind when towing
- Enhanced safety by reducing overheating and fading of brakes on downhill grades
- Lower cost of ownership, extending brake life by as much as three times
- Capability for faster cold-weather cab warming
- The 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine's VGT is capable of creating the maximum exhaust restriction through a wide range of operating speeds, improving braking performance at low and high engine speeds. Testing has shown more than a 30 percent improvement in retarding torque at 2000 rpm compared with traditional brake exhaust methods.

Six-speed Automatic Transmission with Electronic Range Select (ERS)
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 (ERS) system is integrated with the transmission, enabling customers to select desired gears that match driving conditions.

The new six-speed automatic transmission features a best-in-class gear ratio spread of 5.16:1, allowing for superior launch capability. The sixth gear, also known as the second overdrive gear, provides an extremely low rpm at highway speeds, improving Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's fuel economy and passenger comfort. In addition, an added compounder and two clutches provide optimal shift quality, improved quietness and durability.

The transmission's new ERS system complements the 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's tow/haul mode, allowing for driver-actuated gear selection with a shifter-mounted switch. ERS provides greater control in unique driving conditions, such as towing heavy loads on severe inclines. The system includes electronic safeguards to prevent shifting that could cause engine damage.

Towing/Hauling
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.

The 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty provides a combination of standard and optional features that make towing easier, such as a Class IV hitch receiver with a seven-circuit wiring harness, 750-amp battery, heavy-duty engine cooling and an auxiliary transmission oil cooler.

Distinctive trailer-tow mirrors featured on Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks offer a large rear-viewing area that may be customized to drivers' needs and preferences. Mirrors provide two views on both sides: close-up and wide-out. In addition, mirrors flip up 90 degrees for viewing beyond wide trailers.

Chrysler Group Diesel-powered Models
In the Únited States, current diesel-powered models include the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, Dodge Sprinter and the new 3.0-liter V6 diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee, which hits the market in early 2007. In 1988, the Chrysler Group made a significant impact with the introduction of the Cummins 5.9-liter I-6 in heavy duty applications. Customer recognition is still exceptional and will continue with the new Cummins 6.7-liter turbo diesel.

In Europe, diesel-powered models account for more than half of Chrysler Group sales. The Chrysler 300C, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Caravan models continue to be popular.

Advanced diesel technology is part of the Chrysler Group's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles and biodiesel capability.

Dodge Brand
With a Ú.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the Ú.S. automotive market. In 2005, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 19 percent market share in the Ú.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 16 percent market share. This year, Dodge enters key European volume segments.

Cummins
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins produces the diesel for the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 series.

Source - Dodge

2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty: All-new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel Cranks Out 650 lb.-ft of Prodigious Torque

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty carries forward its reputation for strength and durability into 2007 with an all-new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine (available January 2007), producing 650 lb.-ft. (881 N•m) of best-in-class low-end torque, mated to an optional six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

'Dodge Ram Heavy Duty owners routinely push their trucks to the limit,' said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. 'That is why about 80 percent of our Dodge Ram 2500/3500 sales are diesels and 70 percent are four-wheel-drive models. Dodge's reputation as the most durable pickup, delivering class-leading torque with the all-new 6.7-liter diesel engine, continues to resonate with our customers, placing Dodge trucks in the top spot for customer loyalty.'

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks will continue to feature the 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine (through December 2006), featuring 610 lb.-ft. of torque (830 N•m) at 1,600 rpm and 325 horsepower (242 kW) at 2,900 rpm. The new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine will replace the 5.9-liter engine in January 2007.

Available as standard equipment on Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks is the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, delivering best-in-class 345 horsepower (257 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (510 N•m) at 4,400 rpm. Versus competitive vehicles with similar size gasoline engines, it provides best-in-class acceleration and towing capability.

Premium amenities - including a full-screen navigation radio, rear-seat DVD (Quad Cab® only), Infinity® sound system and ÚConnect® Hands-free Communication System, power-sliding rear window and bucket seats - are available on the 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty.

'WHAT'S NEW FOR 2007'
2500/3500 Powertrain & Chassis





- Optional Remote Start
- Power Wagon

No changes for 2007
DESIGN


'Dodge Ram Heavy Duty struts the most visually recognizable design signature of any pickup truck on the market with its massive crosshair grille, large headlamps and robust fender flares,' said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. 'While retaining Ram's ‘in your face' attitude, we have refined the Ram styling to add a more sophisticated, bold appearance, creating a Dodge Ram that is both impressive on the job or on the road.'

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty features a fully chrome, ingot-like grille over a massive front bumper that creates a bold and protective statement. The substantial grille is a mainstay of the Dodge Ram design signature, with the large crosshair, including the signature Ram's head, as the focal point.

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature the durability and functionality required for everyday use, yet are designed with comfort and richness. Bench or bucket seats provide substantial bolstering and generous support. An available center console offers an array of entertainment features, including a full-screen GPS Navigation radio, Infinity® sound system and ÚConnect™ hands-free communication system. Fresh materials, including leather and wood accents, create a rich and inviting environment.

ENGINEERING

The 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins Turbo Diesel commands the heavy-duty segment with class-dominating 650 lb.-ft. of low-end torque (881 N•m) at 1,500 rpm and 350 horsepower (261 kW) at 3,013 rpm generated from an all-new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine.

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks boast 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.

Featuring one of the stiffest hydroformed frames on a pickup truck, combined with Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's rack-and-pinion steering system, Ram delivers precise feel and response tuned to give the driver control and positive feedback under any conditions.

The 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Quad Cab features an optional 60/40 split to accommodate passengers and cargo together. Seat cushions fold up to create a tall storage area from floor to ceiling. And an optional floor section under the back seats folds open to form a flat-load floor, with ample additional storage in the footwells. To enhance comfort and convenience, Dodge Ram Quad Cab's rear doors open 85 degrees and the rear windows move all the way down.

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty regular cab offers just as much flexibility. The unique cab size not only provides more storage behind the rear seats, but also allows for improved seat travel and ease in reclining for driver and passengers.

Source - Dodge