Ram Adds New 6.4L Engine to Heavy-Duty Line

CHELSEA, MI – Ram adds an all-new 6.4L Hemi V-8 to its heavy-duty lineup alongside its 5.7L Hemi V-8 and 6.7L Cummins diesel.

The auto maker says the new gasoline-powered engine, available in both 2500 and 3500 pickups and chassis cabs, is the largest in its segment. The standard-model 5.7L Hemi in the 2500 prices at $29,600. Upgrading to the 6.4L Hemi V-8 adds $1,495 to the sticker.

The 6.4L mates with a variable-valve transmission with cylinder deactivation and delivers 410 hp at 5,600 rpm and 429 lb.-ft. (582 Nm) of torque, compared with the 5.7L Hemi with 383 hp and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. The 6.7L diesel delivers 385 hp and 850 lb.-ft. (1,151 Nm) of torque.

The new engine mates with a 66RFE 6-speed automatic transmission.

For the first time, Ram’s 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs will have a gasoline-engine option when the 6.4L debuts on those models for ’14. Previously, only the 6.7L diesel was available.

Also new, the ’14 2500 pickup receives the air-suspension technology that first debuted on the light-duty 1500 and an all-new 5-link coil rear suspension system.

The 5-link coil suspension replaces the outgoing leaf-suspension system, which Ram says will improve ride and handling. The air suspension, which is optional, includes load-leveling capability that automatically detects load on the rear suspension. The system increases air pressure until the truck reaches normal ride height.

The 3500 pickup retains its leaf suspension but also will offer a supplemental air-suspension system.

Towing rates for the 2500 and 3500 run up to 17,940 lbs. (8,137 kg) and 30,000 lbs. (13,608 kg), respectively. Manufacturing on all heavy-duty models begins in third-quarter.

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