Maybe we WON'T be seeing those Benz diesels...

[Archive]

This past Sunday (11/26/2000), the New York Times business section ran a long analysis artcile about DC, just one day before the Kerkorian lawsuit. It was titled "This 1998 Model Is Looking More Like a Lemon", and while I will give the link to the full article, this paragraph stood out for us Cummins Rammers:

"Chrysler executives also proposed installing Mercedes diesel engines in some Chrysler pickups and Jeep Cherokees. But that has yet to happen, in part because Mercedes would sell Chrysler the engines only at prices that were higher than could be found on the open market. "

This was in the context of how Stuttgart had an edict about Mercedes never being compromiswed or reduced by Chrysler.

If this is indeed accurate, then there would be no reason to expect Benz diesels in new Rams - it would come down to Detroit Diesel or Cummins, and considering the relationship, I'd see no reason for Cummins not to reduce their supplier price by a few bucks to keep the Cummins Ram alive into the next generation.

The full article is at http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/26/business/26DAIM.html (it requires free registration to access it)

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1996 3500 Club 4x4 Laramie SLT, unmodified 180/420 12-valve, 47RE automatic, 3. 54 limited slip

 

[Archive]

They're problably gonna move this one to General Diesel, but since I'm here I might as well comment. Remember, the media prints things even if they are only . 01% true. They are the biggest rumor mill around. How do you think the diesel got such a bad rap in this country. Either way, I'd like to see an American Diesel stay in these trucks, but I'd also like to see an expansion of the Benz engines into the smaller vehicles Chrysler produces.

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Chris Timochko
1997 5sp 4X4, HX40, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, Custom Tuned Injection Pump, 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, Water Injection, NOS Diesel Kit, 6" Chrome Exhaust System, No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc, Goodyear Wrangler AT/S 305/70/16s. Test mule for Auto Wurks Diesel race program

 

[Archive]

As much as I agree with your reluctance to trust the press, I think we can blame GM for the bad rap that diesels received. The press did not need to embellish those problems! However, when the press slams REAL diesels just for the heck of it, then I'm with you.

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'95 2500 SLT ClubCab, automatic, 3. 54 LSD

 

[Archive]

I suspect that the Detroit Diesels are what will be used in the smaller vehicles. Although it would be fantastic to find that new ISB 4-cyl Cummins in a Durango or Grand Cherokee or Dakota. I have a feeling that the cost of the Cummins would be quite a bit higher than a Detroit, since the durability of a Cummins just isn't required (in DC's eyes) in those vehicles.

Plus I remember reading a while back in a magazine that Detroit was working on a new V-6 diesel that was as quiet as a gasser and had good throttle response, specifically for use in SUVs.

Rob


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2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate