Chrysler and Cummins to continue development of an light-duty diesel engine
By Andrew C., 30 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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Before bankruptcy, Chrysler had a target to introduce a Ram 1500 diesel in 2011. However, the bankruptcy proceedings voided the contract between old Chrysler and Cummins. There are rumors that the light-duty Cummins, which could be a 5.0-liter turbo-diesel, will be offered as well in the Ram 2500. Veltri added that offering the engine in two different models would help improve fuel economy while providing considerable power.
Aside from the CAFE benefits, a light-duty Ram diesel would be unique in its class as Ford, General Motors, and Toyota have all postponed similar programs. However, cost is one issue that needs to be addressed.
Diesel engines and their subsystems (particularly the exhaust treatments) cost more when compared to gasoline engines. Veltri said that the company faces a challenge to sell the customers without losing, especially since the cost to design and produce such an engine is very expensive.
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