Dodge is claiming the introduction of its 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 will allow 60 million gallons of fuel to be saved annually by 2007 thanks to the availability of Hemi V8 engine’s multiple displacement system (MDS) technology – to be offered on seven large-volume model lines by year’s end.


The latest Ram has a new frame and suspension, new interior, and ‘bolder’ exterior and is claimed to be the first pickup truck and latest Chrysler Group vehicle to feature standard MDS with the 5.7-litre V8. The engine seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V8 mode when more power is in demand.


“Chrysler Group was the first to offer a modern cylinder-deactivation system, the first to offer MDS in an SUV and now the first to offer MDS in a pickup truck,” said a spokesman. “By offering MDS as a standard feature, customers will experience the most powerful and capable V8 engine in the pickup truck market, with an improvement in fuel economy of up to 20%.”


By 2007, Chrysler Group will have nearly 1 million vehicles on the road with MDS – hence the ‘60 million gallons saved’ claim.

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