Cummins Wins Diesel Engine Award
The passenger car market in the US has long been without all that many choices when it comes to diesel engines, although that is now changing. Volkswagen and Mercedes are introducing new diesel powered cars and the Honda Accord for 2009 will have a diesel option available.
As far as light duty pickup trucks go, diesel powerplants have been available for many years. Fuel efficiency and torque are the big reasons why people choose a diesel and Columbus, Indiana-based Cummins is one of the most prominent builders, most notably for the Dodge Ram pickup trucks.
Automotive critics have lauded the 6.7L diesel that Dodge uses as it meets 2010 50-state emissions requirements and is known for being both strong and quiet. According to the company’s most recent press release, “Cummins achieves this by using a NOx Adsorber Catalyst – a breakthrough technology designed and integrated by Cummins.” Automotive News, for one, recently recognized Cummins with its 2008 PACE Award for this very engine.
According to Dodge, “…the 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins turbodiesel is the newest offering in the heavy-duty segment with 650 lb.-ft. of low-end torque (881 N•m) at 1,500 rpm and 350 horsepower (261 kW) at 3,013 rpm generated from an all-new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine.”
Parent Chrysler LLC mentioned in January that Cummins is developing another new diesel engine which will power the Ram 1500 after the 2009 model year. Along with meeting stringent state emissions standards, the new engine will provide a 30% edge in fuel economy compared to gasoline models.
(Sources: Cummins Inc. and Chrysler LLC news releases; Ram photo copyright Chrysler LLC and Cummins diesel photo courtesy Cummins Inc.)
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6 Responses to “Cummins Wins Diesel Engine Award”
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April 16th, 2008 at 10:25 am
For God’s sake, you Americans still don’t get it? 6.7 liter 350hp engine is NOT economical, stop lying to yourselves!
You burn ONE QUARTER of the world oil production and talk about fuel efficiency and stringent standards… Sheesh…
April 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Messenger, you have a point about our fuel consumption but you miss the reason why the Cummins diesel is needed — it is a workhorse engine that contractors, electricians, plumbers, and even recreationists need.
Compared to gasoline powered models, the diesel provides considerable savings and the power to carry equipment, climb hills, and get the work done. This engine should last much longer than a gasoline engine, meaning people can keep their trucks longer. When fewer trucks are purchased over time, then our resources aren’t consumed as much, another way that people can conserve. Think about it!
April 17th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Tough market for Diesel Vehicles right now in the US. In my area diesel is as much as 50 cents higher a gallon than Premium gas, well over $4.00 per gallon ($4.35 +)
In the used car market local cars sales have been shifting to the smaller vehicles. Although as you stated there is always going to be a need for the larger trucks for people with specific needs.
April 17th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Nor Cal, yes California is particularly expensive no matter what fuel you get. It is unfortunate that diesel is now sold at a higher rate whereas in times past you could save fifty cents per gallon and get better fuel mileage. A lot of consumers want to switch, but only if the overall savings is there.