RAM 1500 EcoDiesel sets new record for MPG

itguy08 wrote:

I still love the idea in a small-misdsize car where you can get 50 MPG (TDI) or the bigger trucks.

What's the difference between them and the half ton trucks? There is little payback for the modern TDI in VWs if you compare in a similar manor to the base gas engine, yet the take rate is about 25%. The take rate on the HD is higher, 60-75%, but those offer far more torque than the base engine vs. the Ram 1500 with closer torque to the Hemi. And the payback on fuel "savings" vs. upfront cost is also rarely realized.

I really don't know if Rams diesel will be a boom or bust, but I can reason points for both sides to dismiss anyone that declares so adamantly for either side. And I am really interested in finding out how well it does and if anyone follows.

Ford tested the market with the 2011+ Ecoboost F-150, offering a little better fuel efficiency vs. the similarly capable 5.0L V8 for about $1500 upcharge. It has done well for Ford with about 40% take rate. Ram is taking that a bit farther with the Ecodiesel at $3k over Hemi, but a little higher fuel efficiency improvement. Maybe the engien will have problems like Ford's 6.0L. Maybe people will get 35mpg on the highway and 28mpg mixed. We don't know yet.