Chrysler Group’s Ram Truck brand is introducing a new 6.4-liter gasoline V-8 for most 2014-model Heavy Duty pickups and cab-chassis trucks, with the engine taking gasoline power to Ram’s 4500 and 5500 vehicles for the first time.

Like the existing 5.7-liter V-8, the larger engine is a Hemi, the company said in an announcement. The 6.4-liter (391-cubic-inch) V-8 is rated 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 429 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Torque is the same in over-10,000-pound-rated trucks, but horsepower is limited to 367 at 4,600 rpm.

The bigger Hemi V-8 has 16 valves and features variable valve timing and Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation. It will be the standard engine in the cab-chassis models, the Ram announcement said. Current 4500s and 5500s are standard with the 6.7-liter, inline-6-cylinder Cummins Turbo Diesel, which will become an option for 2014.

Other engine options include the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, standard equipment for the Ram 2500 and 3500 with single rear wheels. The engine produces 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and generates peak torque of 400 pounds-feet at 4,000 rpm. Both Hemi engines come with a 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission.

Some Cummins-powered HD models will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission with a wear-compensating clutch and a dual-trunion shift tower to accommodate a compact shift pattern. The Cummins in this combination delivers 350 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and 660 pounds-feet at 1,400 rpm.

A second option matches the Cummins to the 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel makes up to 370 horsepower at 2,800 rpm with 800 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. Finally, a Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel for Ram 3500s is paired with an Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic transmission. This version is rated at 385 horsepower at 2,800 rpm with torque of 850 pounds-feet at 1,700 rpm.

HD pickups will also have rear air suspension options and be standard with link-coil suspensions. Supplemental air-bags, paired with steel leaf springs, will be optional on the heavier pickups. Several best-in-class capabilities include up to 30,000 pounds towing capacity for Ram 3500 and up to 17,940 pounds with Ram 2500; the Ram 3500’s payload is set at 7,320 pounds.

Powertrains in 2014 Ram Heavy Duty models are backed with a five-year/100,000-mile limited warranty. The warranty will cover the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered engine, transmission and drive system. Coverage also includes free towing to the nearest Ram Truck dealer, if necessary.
 
The warranty also is transferable, allowing customers who sell their truck during the warranty period to pass the coverage to the new owner. The standard three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for the Ram Heavy Duty, from the body to the electrical system.
 
Dual alternator setups with outputs of up to 440 amperes will be newly available in certain Ram HD models, the company said.

The new 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models uphold their traditional “big rig” presence while retaining comfort and styling. Ram HDs claim segment-leading features like stylish 18- and 20-inch wheels.
 
A cargo-view camera, mounted in the center high-mounted stop light provides a view of the bed for easier coupling to fifth wheel or gooseneck trailers, as well as monitoring bed loads. Crew Cab models will have a flat-load floor option with fold-out panels that create a flat surface across the floor of the rear seating area.

For 2014, Ram HD offers 12 different colors, including two new shades: blue streak and granite cChrurystal; available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

Pricing for the 2014 Ram 2500 HD starts at $29,600, plus a $1,095 destination charge. Production of the 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 HDs is scheduled to begin in this year’s third quarter at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.