The 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is expected to come with a class-leading fuel economy rating

STETTLER, Alberta--Oct. 22, 2013: One of the most anticipated trucks of the 2014 model year is arguably the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, because it will be the first light-duty truck to be powered by a diesel engine. Interest in the truck is so high that the manufacturer is already concerned that supply won't meet the growing demand. Consumers are anticipating the release date as the new engine option is expected to provide a 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency.

The addition of a diesel engine is undoubtedly the most substantial difference in the 2014 Ram 1500 over previous versions of the light-duty pickup. Not only will the engine run on a different fuel source, it will also be one of the few Ram trucks not powered by a Cummins engine. Prior to the announcement of the 2015 Nissan Titan, Cummins engines were found solely under the hood of Ram trucks. However, for the EcoDiesel Ram, the manufacturer decided to pass on the Cummins V-8 diesel engine--which was specifically designed for the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel--and instead opted for an engine with greater fuel efficiency.

Simulations were showing that the Cummins diesel engine was capable of 24 mpg, but Ram parent company, Chrysler, said they would settle for nothing less than 26 mpg. The manufacturer found their answer in a turbocharged 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine from VM Motori--an Italian engine manufacturer which deals exclusively with diesel-fueled powertrains. Exact fuel economy ratings have not been released yet, but Chrysler announced that they expect the numbers to be in the high 20s. It's likely that the EcoDiesel will provide class-leading towing power as it has been confirmed that the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will offer a best-in-class 420 pound-foot of torque.