Chrysler planning Ram 1500 diesel and hybrid models?

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Chrysler planning Ram 1500 diesel and hybrid models?

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) on Dec 7th 2010 at 10:30AM

Pickup truck fans have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of light-duty diesel engines in half-ton trucks for the past several years, and it now appears that at least one automaker is about to deliver. According to a report from the all-Mopar-knowing minds at Allpar.com, Chrysler's dealer computer system is showing new entries for a diesel-powered Ram 1500 in regular and Quad Cab configurations.

In addition, the list of transmission options for the diesel reportedly includes what appears to be the long-awaited hybrid unit that was last seen in the short-lived Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen models. Is it possible that Chrysler plans to mate its hybridized automatic with the fuel-sipping and torque-laden diesel?

We have no way of verifying whether or not these high-efficiency trucks are scheduled for impending shipment to dealers, but we're pretty stoked by the idea of a 5.0-liter V8 from the diesel experts at Cummins – assuming the automaker can manage to keep the price reasonable. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[source: Allpar.com]

link:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/07/chrysler-planning-ram-1500-diesel-and-hybrid-models/

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

RAM READYING DIESEL, HYBRID HALF-TON PICKUPS?

By Andrew Ganz

A few years ago, rumors of diesel-powered half-ton trucks were all-but-confirmed by nearly every automaker, but a tough industry and a declining truck market killed the notion. Until, perhaps, now.

Chrysler dealers use an online database called Star to order new vehicles and access parts catalogs. The latest update includes a new model for the Ram 1500 range: A 5.0-liter diesel V8. Also showing up in the system is the return of a hybrid-electric powertrain – listed as a transmission, indicating a possible return of Chrysler’s short-lived hybrid system.

The diesel, according to Allpar, could be a lighter duty Cummins-sourced powertrain smaller than the 6.7-liter unit used on 2500 and 3500 Rams.

What Allpar isn’t so sure about is the hybrid powertrain. For a brief period, Chrysler offered a hybrid powertrain in its Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs, but the automaker pulled the plug just a few months into production. Since then, we’ve seen Ram hybrids on the road, but no official word has ever emerged from Auburn Hills.

The Star ordering system suggests that the hybrid-electric powertrain would be the two-mode transmission drive unit developed primarily by General Motors with input from Chrysler and BMW.

Details are sketchy at best, but they do offer a hint and some details about a mid-cycle upgrade that is said to be just around the corner for the Ram. Stay tuned.

link:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/ram-readying-diesel-hybrid-half-ton-pickups.html