2011 Chicago Auto Show: Ram Increasing Heavy Duty Diesel Power Ratings

Subject: 2011 Chicago Auto Show: Ram Increasing Heavy Duty Diesel Power Ratings

Above are the new dyno charts for the High Output Cummins 6.7 vs. the current Cummins 6.7.

***Update 5***

It's officially official that the new torque figure for the Cummins 6.7-liter will be 800 pounds-feet.

"Get a load of this new bad boy. Guaranteed to defend the title as the most capable truck on the planet," Diaz said.

The High Output 6.7-L Cummins I-6 engine has increased torque 23%, from 650 pounds-feet. It will be standard on all 2500 and 3500 models equipped with six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission also gets a new torque converter with updated shift calibrations.

Diaz promised the most towing capability of any one-ton HD pickup: 22,700 pounds.

The rear axle has been beefed up with a new rear differential that sheds heat through a massive set of aluminum cooling fins. There's also a new water-to-oil transmission cooler and new power steering cooler to help manage the higher trailer towing ratings.

The Ram will continue to not require the use of diesel exhaust fluid to meet emissions. It will be urea-free, using Cummins technology to reduce NOx without DEF refills.

The truck goes on sale in the second quarter of this year. Can you say HD Shootout?

The Ram 1500 Tradesman is being introduced by Ram CEO, Fred Diaz.

"It's specifically designed to target the needs of small businesses and contractors. It's a hard working truck for hard working people."

Ram Tradesman will come with standard 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Rated at 20 mph highway. It will also come standard with a Class IV trailer hitch and heavy-duty oil cooler. Can tow up to 10,400 pounds -- best in class entry level work truck.

Will be available in 2Q of 2011. Starting at $22780, including destination.

"Why settle for a V-6 when you can get all of this value," Diaz said.

***Update 3: Developing***

Ram is upping the power ratings of its Heavy Duty 6.7-liter Cummins I-6 diesel to 800 pounds-feet of torque, up from 650 pounds-feet.

The power increase is an effort to keep up in the ratings wars with General Motors and Ford, which introduced more powerful diesel trucks for 2011.

Horsepower is expected to remain at 350 hp, and gross combined weight ratings for the 3500 dual-rear-wheel model are expected to rise to 30,000 pounds. The Ram 3500HD will also see an increase in max fifth-wheel towing ratings to 22,700 pounds — best in class among one-ton HD pickups. The Ford F-450 Super Duty is rated to tow up to 24,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch.

More news on this page during the press conference at 2 p.m. CST. Check back often.

***Developing***