More Torque for H.O. Cummins

FCA revealed via press release on August 25th, 2014 that the company's golden goose, the 6.7L Cummins Turbodiesel, would receive a bump in torque, peaking at 865 lb-ft and surpassing their nearest competitor, Ford's own 6.7L diesel mill by 5 lb-ft. To recap, the Ram 2500/3500 pickup line is offered in three diesel variations:

1) With the segment exclusive G56 six speed manual transmission (Ram remains the only manufacturer to offer a manual transmission behind their diesel), the 6.7L Cummins delivers 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. While this powertrain combination is significantly detuned, we applaud Ram for continuing to give owners a manual transmission option, which carries some obvious benefits.

2) For Ram 2500 models, the standard Cummins Turbodiesel backed by Chrysler’s 68RFE six speed automatic transmission is rated at a peak 370 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. This package trumps GM’s 6.6L Duramax (peak 765 lb-ft rating for 2015), while falling short of Ford’s current Power Stroke (peak 860 lb-ft for 2015).

3) Finally, the High Output 6.7L Cummins for the Ram 3500 is mated to an Aisin AS69RC six speed automatic transmission and produces 385 horsepower and newly named “Best-in-Class” torque at 865 lb-ft.

While the latest Cummins calibration reportedly tinkers with fuel delivery and turbocharger boost for an extra 15 lb-ft, the 2015 Ram HD specs remain relatively untouched. The Ram 3500 retains a maximum 5th wheel tow rating of 30,000 lbs, but payload has been increased to 6,717 lbs for properly equipped diesel models. Ram’s press release claims the “Best-in-Class” title for power, towing capacity, and payload. Wait a minute – did they forget a competitor?

According to the press release, the 2015 Ram 3500 is “edging out even Class 4 pickup competitors…” (see original press release here). Does Ford’s F-450 not count in the battle for King-of-the-Hill? With a 14,000 lbs GVWR, both the Ram 3500 and Ford F-450 models are actually class III vehicles (see truck classifications here). And if you allow the F-450 into the game, it brings with it a max 5th wheel tow rating of 31,200 lbs, wedging out the Ram 3500 by 1,200 lbs. When it comes to conventional tow figures, both GM and Ford steal the show, with maximum 19,600 lbs and 19,000 lbs respectively to Ram’s 17,000 lb capacity.

In Ram’s defense, their website does state that their “Best-in-Class” claims refer to 3500 and 350 models from their competitors only, forcing the F-450 to sit on the sideline for their comparison purposes. All interpretation aside, isn't it fair to assume that “Best-in-Class” should represent the entire field, not a few select players?

Then again, what automaker doesn't represent their products in a manner that gives them the greatest benefit. No matter the circumstances, we're happy to see the 6.7L Cummins continue to progress and look forward to what the future holds in store for both Cummins and Ram.

2015 Ram 2500/3500 Quick Specs

* With automatic transmission.

2015 Best in Class DIESEL Title Holders

To remain fair, our rendition of "class" includes all diesel Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford pickups in the class III category (GVWR between 10,001 - 14,000 lbs). All gasoline engine variations have been omitted from these results.

• Best in Class Horsepower: Ford’s 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel, 440 horsepower

• Best in Class Torque: Ram’s 6.7L Cummins, 865 lb-ft

• Best in Class Payload: GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, 6,952 lbs

• Best in Class Conventional Tow: GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, 19,600 lbs

• Best in Class 5th Wheel Tow: Ford F-450, 31,200 lbs

Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles