2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Breaks Cover With 260 HP, 480 Lb-Ft

A week after GM released the specs of its 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine, Ram Trucks has dropped more details on its new 1500 EcoDiesel.

Ram says the new 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine makes its 1500 truck the torquiest half-ton diesel pickup. The all-new, third-generation EcoDiesel V6 engine delivers increased horsepower and torque compared to the second-generation unit.

In the 2020 Ram 1500, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 is rated at 260 hp (264 PS) at 3,600 rpm and 480 lb-ft (650 Nm) at 1,600. The peak torque represents a 14 percent increase over the previous-generation EcoDiesel V6 while the output is up 8 percent.

Also read: Ram Working Hard On Midsize Pickup Truck, FCA CEO Reveals

Besides these gains, Ram also says the new turbodiesel engine delivers “superb fuel economy,” although no figures have been released yet. Still, the company expects it to be the most efficient in the segment. The truck specialist also promises “minimal levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) to meet the needs of Ram 1500 owners.”

Additionally, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will deliver a towing capability of up to 12,560 lbs (5,697 kg), making it the most capable light-duty diesel on the market.

“The new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is America’s most powerful half-ton diesel pickup, following up on Ram’s Heavy Duty torque leadership and achieving what no other manufacturer has, with up to 480 lb-ft of torque in a 3.0-liter engine,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. When he says “most powerful,” the executive refers to the peak torque and not the maximum output which is 17 hp lower in the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel than in the Silverado 1500 Diesel.

The new diesel engine is available as an option in all models and configurations, including in the Ram Rebel for the first time. Sales begin in the fourth quarter of 2019, with pricing and fuel economy ratings to be announced closer to the on-sale date. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine is produced at the FCA Cento facility in Ferrara, Italy.