2014 Ram 3L Turbo Diesel
Chrysler Group
The expanding product lineup demands new engines. So powertrain engineers delivered new ones
6.4-liter HEMI® V-8
The all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 is actually two engines. Chrysler Group is producing one version for Ram HD pickups and another for Ram Chassis Cab models.
Each is optimized for its respective duty cycle. Both are expected to provide Ram with best-in-class bragging rights among gasoline-powered competitors.
The new 16-valve engine will make 410 horsepower (306kW) at 5,600 rpm while generating peak torque of 429 lb.-ft. (582 Nm) at 4,000 rpm.
The legendary HEMI architecture provides the foundation of the 90-degree V-8. But its advanced technology is decidedly forward-looking.
Cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) delivers greater efficiency and elevated refinement. These attributes are manifested in reduced pumping losses and lower emissions. Pumping losses are further reduced by variable-valve timing (VVT).
Efficiency is a hallmark of the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, starting with Chrysler Group’s celebrated Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology. When conditions allow, as in highway cruising, the system seamlessly shuts down four cylinders to conserve fuel.
Upgraded valve-seat material, aluminum cylinder heads, a forged-steel crankshaft and a cast-iron block contribute to durability.
Computational fluid dynamic simulations were employed to optimize the cooling circuit in the block, heads and water pump. Other features that mitigate heat include a robust/high-volume oil cooler, oil jets for piston cooling and – in the HD pickup application – a stainless-steel exhaust manifold and sodium-filled exhaust valves.
3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6
The new 3.0-liter 24-valve, dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) EcoDiesel debuts in the 2014 Jeep® Grand Cherokee and 2014 Ram 1500. It is a turbocharged 60-degree V-6 that generates 240 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and makes torque like a V-8 – 420 lb.-ft. at 2,000 rpm – without V-8 fuel consumption.
The new turbo diesel is designed and produced by VM Motori, a Chrysler Group diesel engine supplier since 1992.
The engine is shouldered by a bedplate and cylinder block of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), which is engineered to deliver higher strength. This enhances durability and reduces noise, vibration and harshness – a focus of many EcoDiesel design features, such as its structural aluminum oil pan.
The EcoDiesel’s 60-degree cylinder-bank angle and 1-2-3-4-5-6 firing order are optimized to manage inertia and firing loads, eliminating the need for a balance shaft.
Durability is further ensured by the EcoDiesel’s forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods – which provide additional NVH benefits – and its aluminum alloy pistons. These pistons, which benefit from cooling oil jets, reduce reciprocating mass inside the engine for enhanced efficiency and performance feel.
The EcoDiesel V-6 features Fiat’s innovative MultiJet II common-rail fuel-injection system. High-dispersion nozzles enable fuel-injection events that occur with greater precision up to eight times per cylinder cycle.
The interval between two consecutive injections also is better modulated to mitigate noise and benefit fuel consumption and emissions reduction. This is known as Injection Rate Shaping.
The new EcoDiesel V-6 achieves 50-state emissions compliance. A key enabler is the engine’s cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, which is controlled by an electric valve instead of the conventional pneumatic variety.
A state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system also reduces emissions. It incorporates a unique Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system that, unlike competitive systems, alerts the driver to low DEF levels while also allowing the engine to maintain full power.
Other features include an insulated DEF tank with heated lines mitigates the effects of cold-weather operation and an exhaust-system strategy that reduces soot output while also improving fuel economy and meeting emissions standards
The DEF tank holds eight gallons of fluid. Duty cycle determines refills, but the average interval is about 10,000 miles. DEF is commonly available fuel stations and is also offered by Mopar, Chrysler Group’s dealer network and Cummins dealers and distributors.
The standard engine oil cooler, when the EcoDiesel is used with 5W30 synthetic oil, contributes to a 10,000-mile oil-change interval. The use of B-20 biodiesel is validated and approved for the new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel.
3.2-liter Pentastar V-6
The new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 bows in the all-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee. It carries over all the design features that make smooth power delivery one of the most captivating traits of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines three years running.
A 60-degree, deep-skirt, die-cast-aluminum cylinder block with six-bolt main caps afford optimal stiffness for mitigation of NVH. Also contributing to NVH reduction are:
A structural windage tray to complement block stiffness
A structural aluminum oil pan
Direct-mounted alternator and A/C compressor that increases stiffness
Select-fit pistons with polymer-graphite-coated piston skirts
“Silent chain” timing drive with inverted teeth for minimal sprocket NVH
Contoured composite cylinder-head covers
Glass-reinforced nylon composite intake manifold
Further enhancing the driving experience is the specially designed intake manifold, which also featuers low-rumble tuning.
The Jeep Cherokee’s V-6 engine boasts forged-steel connecting rods and piston-squirter jets, and its cam drive and valve-train components require no scheduled maintenance.
The new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine was subjected to 3.3 million customer-equivalent miles prior to production.