Dodge's new diesel debuts at Texas State Fair

AUTOBLOG.COM | TEXAS By John Neff

The Texas State Fair was the location of another big truck announcement last week when Dodge announced its new Cummins turbo-diesel engine for the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500. Enlarged to 6.7 liters from 5.9 through increases in both bore and stroke, the new inline-six turbodiesel now boasts 350 horsepower and 650 ft-lbs. of torque, all while meeting stricter diesel emissions standards for 2007. The engine also features an optional exhaust brake function that improves braking under heavy towing situations, a common feature of big rigs and large motor coaches.

The new power ratings makes the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel competitive with new powerplants from both Ford and General Motors, each of which has also announced new or substantially upgraded diesel motors for 2007 and beyond.

Follow the jump to see how each automaker's new diesel compares with the others.

[Source: Dodge]

2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500
6.7-liter inline-six turbo diesel
350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm
650 ft-lbs. of torque at 1,500 rpm
Six-speed automatic

2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450)
6.4-liter V8 twin-turbo diesel
350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm
650 ft-lbs. of torque at 2,000 rpm
Five-speed automatic or six-speed manual

2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD
6.6-liter V8 turbo diesel
365 horsepower
660 ft-lbs. of torque
Six-speed automatic