2014 Ram 2500/3500 HD pickups get new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 option

Like the Ram 1500 side of the family, the 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models also benefit from a number of functional enhancements to keep them at the head of the class in the critical areas of towing, payload and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) as well as overall capability.

Here, too, the highlight comes in the form of a new optional engine, in this case, a gasoline-burning Hemi. Based on the existing 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with its Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation technology, this new 6.4-liter variant makes a segment-best 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque — tops among gasoline engines — compared to the 5.7L’s 383/400 stats.

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No changes on the diesel side of the Ram 2500/3500 HD equation, where the 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel inline-6 returns to crank out from 350 to 383 ponies and 660 to a class-best 850 lb-ft of twist. All three engines are backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the Cummins also available with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

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This 2014 Ram Heavy Duty duo also features significant chassis revamps aimed at improving ride and handling. On the 3/4-ton Ram 2500, it’s based around a new segment-exclusive 5-link coil rear suspension. Culled from the 1500, it will provide better compliance and control than the current leaf setup and accommodate tow loads of up to 17,940 pounds. The 2500 HD also will offer an optional segment-exclusive rear air suspension with auto leveling and can be had with a traditional "gooseneck" ball-in-bed hitch or a fifth-wheel. While the one-ton Ram 3500 retains its existing Hotchkiss rear leaf suspension, it also will offer its own new supplemental air suspension package for both single and dual rear-tire configurations, the latter allowing the Ram 3500 HD to tow up to a class-best 30,000 pounds.

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