New Cummins turbo diesel for Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500
Feb 7, 2002 12:00 PM
Dodge unveiled the new high-output Cummins turbo diesel engine for the all new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500/3500 series pickup trucks February 6 at the Chicago Auto Show. The new 2003 Cummins Turbo Diesel engine produces 555 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 rpm and 305 horsepower at 2,900 rpm, while dramatically reducing engine noise.Since 1989 the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine option has been sold with nearly 75% of Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, selling over 860,000 to date. The new version incorporates a new high-pressure, common-rail fuel system. This system injects a small amount of fuel that starts combustion, before main power-producing fuel charge is injected. By smoothing out the combustion pressure in the cylinder, noise is substantially reduced. Cummins’ use of pilot injection also provides starting capability similar to gasoline engines.
The engine makes it possible for Dodge to offer its trucks with trailer towing ratings of 23,000 lbs. It will be available in the all-new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty which will begin production in the summer of 2002 at the Saltillo, Mexico and St Louis North Assembly plants.
The 5.9-liter engine has an average major overhaul interval of 350,000 miles. An inline six, the new Cummins turbo diesel has 30 to 40 percent fewer parts than most V-8 diesels.
