Photo: Ram
It’s been a long time since the federal government accused Fiat Chrysler of not disclosing emissions-related engine software, but better late than never, the automaker received clearance to sell the EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the 1500 EcoDiesel is featured once again in the configurator, the diesel-fueled Grand Cherokee hasn’t been added to the range.
According to Automotive News, “some dealers began receiving their first EcoDiesel Ram 1500s of the year in late September, according to dealer websites.” Production of the most fuel-efficient Ram 1500 restarted in July as FCA anticipated the EPA’s clearance to sell the engine in question. In regard to the Grand Cherokee, not even the configurator for the 2018 model year features the 3.0-liter plant with 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet.
“The EPA has yet to certify sales for the coming 2018 model year,” highlights the publication, which brings into question the future availability of the VM Motori-developed V6. Offered in the U.S. since 2014, the engine is capable of 738 highway miles on a tank of fuel in the case of the Grand Cherokee and up to 7,900 pounds of towing when it comes down to the half-ton Ram.
In all likelihood, Fiat Chrysler cannot afford to lose the EcoDiesel in the near future, not when Ford is eyeing the same segment with the 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 Diesel in the 2018 F-150. Fingers crossed FCA will continue to cooperate with CARB and the EPA, and that the 2018 Grand Cherokee will get the go-ahead to install the software that’s been approved by the feds.
As a brief refresher, the federal government opened an investigation into Fiat Chrysler, seeking to clarify if 104,000 vehicles sold between 2014 and 2016 produce higher than allowable levels of NOx (nitrogen oxide emissions). Even GM seeks to strengthen its diesel footprint, with prototypes of the 2019 Silverado 1500 spied refueling at a diesel pump on a handful of occasions.
“The EPA has yet to certify sales for the coming 2018 model year,” highlights the publication, which brings into question the future availability of the VM Motori-developed V6. Offered in the U.S. since 2014, the engine is capable of 738 highway miles on a tank of fuel in the case of the Grand Cherokee and up to 7,900 pounds of towing when it comes down to the half-ton Ram.
In all likelihood, Fiat Chrysler cannot afford to lose the EcoDiesel in the near future, not when Ford is eyeing the same segment with the 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 Diesel in the 2018 F-150. Fingers crossed FCA will continue to cooperate with CARB and the EPA, and that the 2018 Grand Cherokee will get the go-ahead to install the software that’s been approved by the feds.
As a brief refresher, the federal government opened an investigation into Fiat Chrysler, seeking to clarify if 104,000 vehicles sold between 2014 and 2016 produce higher than allowable levels of NOx (nitrogen oxide emissions). Even GM seeks to strengthen its diesel footprint, with prototypes of the 2019 Silverado 1500 spied refueling at a diesel pump on a handful of occasions.
Google News