Rumor has it that the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup is set to undergo a significant change in its diesel engine options. Mopar Insiders reported in March that Ram plans to streamline its offerings, reducing the current two 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine options to just one. However, this single engine is expected to be even more powerful than the most potent engine available today. While the details remain scarce, insider sources suggest that Ram aims to surpass the performance metrics of its current High-Output (HO) variant, which generates 420 horsepower and 1,075 pound-feet of torque.
To put this into perspective, the Ford F-250 Super Duty’s 6.7-liter Godzilla V8 diesel churns out 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque in its base form, and 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque in its HO form. It seems likely that Ram is trying to stay ahead of competitors like Ford by offering a more powerful engine option. Notably, Ram has continuously invested in its Cummins branding and offerings, with the 2021 model year seeing an increase in torque rating to 1,075 pound-feet, surpassing Ford’s 1,050 pound-feet.
Chevrolet’s 6.6-liter Duramax diesel currently offers one option, producing 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. With Ram’s potential engine revision, it aims to ensure that buyers of its Ram 2500 won’t be left out of the High-Output turbodiesel potency, a common gripe among customers since Ford offers its HO Godzilla on any Super Duty model.
The key enabler of this rumored strategy is expected to be a new ZF Powerline eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission will likely replace the current six-speed options: the base 68RFE and the Aisin-sourced AS69RC transmissions. Designed for Class 5-8 trucks with engines capable of producing up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque and Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) up to 57,000 pounds, the use of this transmission in a heavy-duty pickup like the Ram HD lineup is expected to enhance its torque capabilities. The new transmission is equipped with features like “intelligent powershifts,” which are said to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%. Additionally, the skip-shifting through gears is reported to improve acceleration by up to 30%. Moreover, this transmission is believed to be lighter than the six-speed transmissions it replaces.
The engine change for the Ram 2500 is expected to coincide with a refresh for the 2025 Ram HD lineup, which may include exterior tweaks and potentially the installation of the 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 system in the cabin. The current base engine, the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, will continue to be offered as an option.
In conclusion, Ram is reportedly planning to consolidate its diesel engine options for the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup and introduce a more powerful engine than its current offerings. Alongside this change, a new ZF Powerline eight-speed automatic transmission is expected to enhance performance and fuel efficiency. With these updates, Ram aims to address customer demands and stay competitive in the heavy-duty truck market.