dodge putting a cummins in their 1500's soon?

[Richard Cheese]

http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/news/chry...5-0-liters.html

Of all the sources we've had provide information about future products, this one ranks among the most unique, because a vehicle, not a person, is the source. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup has apparently revealed the oft-speculated displacement for Chrysler's upcoming 2010 light-duty diesel engine.

Under the Ram's hood is a sticker (pictured above) summarizing the proper amount of R-134a air conditioning refrigerant that should be maintained in the truck, by engine type.

The first line lists gasoline engine displacements for the light and heavy-duty models: 3.7-liter V-6 (1500 only), 4.7-liter V-8 (1500 only) and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 (1500, 2500 and 3500 models).

But it's the second line that caught our attention. Line two lists the current 6.7-liter six-cylinder Cummins diesel (2500 and 3500 models) and an unknown 5.0-liter diesel engine. Is this the expected Cummins-built light-duty diesel? Chrysler's PR team and engineers aren't saying officially but some are flashing grins/grimaces of surprise when asked.

We expect Chrysler's new light-duty diesel will be a V-8, similar to the previously announced General Motors 4.5-liter diesel, for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, and spied 4.4-liter Ford diesel, for the F-Series trucks. Toyota is also expected to offer an eight-cylinder diesel in the half-ton Tundra.

Earlier this year, Chrysler announced its diesel-powered Ram half-ton pickup will be launched by the 2010 model year. It's expected to deliver up to 25 percent better fuel economy than a similar gas engine.