A lot of big news coming from the DaimlerChrysler camp in the last couple days. One of the biggest is the news of the 6.7L diesel Ram already meeting 2010 emissions requirements. Of course usually when an engine is bogged down by emissions equipment it kills performance. Not this time. The new 6.7L will have 350hp and 650ft-lbs. of torque while the outgoing 5.9L had 325hp and 610ft-lbs. Of course the larger displacement probably accounts for the power bump, it’s still great news the power didn’t go down.

The new Ram has also been announced that it will be going under the Bluetec family name. Further evidence of DaimlerChrysler’s commitment to diesel. By putting such an effort towards branding and with VW/Audi joining their diesels under the Bluetec name everyone will win as the name becomes synonymous with clean diesel.

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 — Today at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and the Head of Mercedes Car Group, called the nation’s attention to the new generation of clean diesels - branded BLUETEC - while encouraging U.S. lawmakers to set regulations that support a diversity of approaches to reducing the country’s dependence on foreign oil.

To emphasize the point, he introduced the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 with 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine offered with B5 and B20 biodiesel, available to consumers in March. The first to do so and three years before the deadline, the heavy duty truck will meet stringent 2010 truck emissions standards in all 50 states. He also announced the Dodge Ram clean, light-duty turbodiesel engine that will provide up to 30-percent improved fuel economy, meet 50-state, 2010 emissions standards, available after 2009.

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