Chrysler Group says its EcoDiesel-powered 2014 Ram 1500 has earned a 28-mile-per-gallon rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup, according to the company. Its combined city-highway rating is 23 mpg.

Last year Ram set a half-ton gasoline fuel-economy record with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which EPA rated at 25 mpg highway, a rating that stands for model-year 2014. Both the Chrysler Pentastar and the VM Motori-built EcoDiesel use a ZF-made TorqFlite8 eight-speed automatic transmission.
 
The EcoDiesel is the first and only advanced-technology turbo-diesel available in the half-ton pickup segment, he noted. In addition to superior fuel economy, it delivers peak torque of 420 pound-feet, the highest among full-size trucks with V-6 engines.
 
The diesel’s block and bedplate are made from lightweight compacted graphite iron. Its MultiJet 2 common-rail fuel-injection system uses up to eight injection events per cylinder cycle, reducing noise and improving low-speed throttle response, while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Other features of the Ram 1500 diesel include: 

• Selective catalytic reduction with urea injection to remove NOx from exhaust gases

• Active grille shutters that optimize air flow for improved aerodynamics

• Electric power steering, which relieves the engine from constantly turning a hydraulic pump

• Use of lightweight aluminum for components like hoods that do not compromise capability

Ordering for EcoDiesel models begins Feb. 7. The 2014 Ram 1500 is backed with a five-year /100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, which covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component – engine, transmission and drive system. It is transferrable to a second owner.