FCA announces 2020 Ram 1500 with Gen 3 V-6 EcoDiesel

11 June 2019

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will re-introduce the diesel option in the 2020 Ram 1500 pickup to be available this fall. The 2020 Ram 1500 with the all-new third-generation 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel will become America’s most powerful half-ton diesel pickup, with 480 lb-ft of torque and a towing capability up to 12,560 lbs, according to FCA. The previous version of the EcoDiesel V-6 was dropped from the Ram 1500 in mid-2017, following the diesel emissions scandal.

The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is available in all models and configurations, including a first-time offering in the off-road tuned Ram Rebel. The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2019. The previous generation truck that is still available as the Ram 1500 Classic will continue to be offered with the older second-generation diesel engine.

In the 2020 Ram 1500, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 is rated at 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) of torque at 1,600 rpm, a 14% increase from the previous-generation EcoDiesel V-6 that peaks 400 rpm earlier. Horsepower increases 8% to 260 hp at 3,600 rpm.

Several significant changes have been introduced in the new EcoDiesel V-6 engine:

• A new-generation water-cooled turbocharger with variable geometry turbine (VGT) increases efficiency and responsiveness during transient conditions
• Redesigned cylinder head intake ports improve swirl and flow, increasing performance and fuel economy
• The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system design has been updated to a dual loop (low and high pressure) system. The added low-pressure circulation system draws gases after the diesel particulate filter, thus minimizing turbocharger energy losses, which increases fuel economy
• The compression ratio has been lowered to 16.0:1 from 16.5:1
• High-pressure (29,000 psi/2,000 bar) direct-injection fuel injector nozzles were redesigned to match the newly designed combustion chamber
• Lightweight aluminum alloy pistons were completely redesigned to include thinner rings and low-friction coating on the pin and side skirts to reduce losses
• NVH has been reduced by offsetting piston pin by 0.3 mm from the centerline; thus, minimizing mechanical noises
• The lower portion of the two-piece oil sump uses a lightweight sandwiched polymer/metal material that further reduces NVH
• The dual vacuum pump system uses electric and a new mechanical low-friction pump with new blades that improve overall system efficiency

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 uses dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder and a 60° angle between the cylinder banks. The block is cast with compacted graphite iron, which provides strength to dampen vibrations, but weighs less than grey cast iron. A compacted graphite iron bedplate adds rigidity to the block.

The EcoDiesel V-6 uses a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods. The aluminum alloy pistons are cooled on the underside via oil jets. Heat-treated aluminum cylinder heads use individual bearing caps to reduce friction and minimize NVH. The chain-driven overhead camshafts employ roller-finger followers.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 is produced at the FCA’s VM Motori Cento facility in Ferrara, Italy.

Source: FCA