2021 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab 5''7" Box on 2040-cars

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Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE ekes out another mpg, creeps toward 30

The idea of a fullsize pickup knocking on 30-miles-per-gallon highway was impressive last year when Ram announced its 28-mpg figure for the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. For 2015, the company has figured out how to nudge that number up slightly higher for a new HFE version of the diesel model. The mileage tops the segment and beats the nearest competitor by 12 percent, according to the truckmaker. The 1500 EcoDiesel HFE bumps up the standard version's economy numbers by one mpg across the board for an impressive EPA rating of 29 mpg highway, 21 mpg city and 24 mpg combined. The special model is based around the Quad Cab body with rear-wheel drive and a six-foot, four-inch bed and mixes features from the Trademan and Express trims, including optional body-color bumpers. The right combination of 20-inch wheels, side steps and a tri-fold tonneau cover provides the formula to improve the aerodynamics and increase mileage. Mechanically, the truck has been left alone with the 3.0-liter diesel V6 still making 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque and routing through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Like gasoline, diesel fuel prices have been on the decline in recent weeks, though the fuel still runs significantly more per gallon than gas. It's intriguing to see Ram going after buyers who hope to eke the best economy from their trucks. The EcoDiesel HFE will go on sale late in the first quarter of 2015, and brand spokesperson Nick Cappa tells Autoblog pricing will be announced soon. Check out a video of Ram CEO Robert Hegbloom unveiling the this fuel-sipping pickup at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show and read the official announcement below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Ram Has "Turned Up the Eco" on Fullsize Truck MPGs ... to 29 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE increases highway MPG rating to 29 EcoDiesel tops next nearest competitor by 12 percent 21 MPG City and 24 MPG Combined are highest EPA ratings for any pickup EcoDiesel HFE will be first diesel powertrain offered in Ram 1500 Express model January 13, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Ram Truck brand today announced that it will add a new, more fuel-efficient model to its half-ton truck lineup and further extend its claim on the industry's highest fuel efficiency rating. The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE will deliver the highest fuel economy among all fullsize truck competitors -- 12 percent higher than the next-closest competitor.

Ram issues recall on heavy-duty pickup transfer cases

UPDATE: A previous version of this story said the issue only occurred in four-wheel drive. This is incorrect – issues are only exhibited in two-wheel drive. The Basics: Ram is recalling 930 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy-duty pickups from model year 2016. The affected 3500s were built between July 24, 2015 and January 7, 2016, while the larger 4500/5500 trucks were screwed together between July 24, 2015 and October 8, 2015. The Problem: According to the official NHTSA bulletin, the "transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture." If this happens, the vehicle could lose power. The driver might not be able to select park, either. Injuries/Deaths: FCA isn't aware of any injuries or deaths related to the issue. The Fix: Dealerships will replace the transfer case on affected trucks. If you own one: You probably don't. According to FCA spokesman Eric Mayne, dealers haven't delivered the majority of the affected trucks to customers. But if you really do own one, Mayne added that the issue only occurs in two-wheel drive. We'd advise keeping it in four-wheel drive until you can report to your local dealer. FCA kicked the recall off on August 10, so expect a mailed notification soon. Related Video:

If you can't Ram it, you can plow it

While the auto industry is mostly focused on the would-be Geneva Show reveals, there's another show going on in Indianapolis about commercial work trucks. At the show, Ram revealed it would offer a Snow Plow Prep package for the 2021 Ram 1500. Ram already offered a similar (but better named) package for the 2500 called the Snow Chief Group, so this represents an expansion of availability. The package adds exactly what it says: the basics needed to hook up a snow plow. Under the hood, there's an upgraded 220-amp alternator to handle the load of the extra lights and motors from a plow, plus a wiring harness to plug in said plow. It also removes the active air dam to make room for plow mounts and adds a sliding rear window with defroster. All this adds $195 to the price of your four-wheel-drive Ram, which can be equipped as a Tradesman, Big Horn or Laramie with either the eTorque 5.7-liter V8 or 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6. It's a little less comprehensive than the 2500's Snow Chief Group, which adds the alternator, plus a limited-slip differential, auxiliary dash switches, clearance lamps, off-road tires and a transfer case skid plate, but that package also costs more at $845. One important note for any wannabe Mr. (or Ms.) Plows out there: neither the 1500 or 2500 packages include a plow. For that you'll have to go to an aftermarket plow manufacturer. For example, the Ram 1500 shown above has a Meyer Drive Pro plow, which costs over $5,000. So keep that in mind, or you may find yourself using your family to record a homemade commercial for your plow business just to pay for the huge truck you bought. Related Video: