EcoDiesel V6

VM Motori 3.0 L V6 Turbodiesel

Quote :

This 3.0-L V6, part of VM Motori’s A630 family, is a DOHC 60° V6 with a compacted-graphite iron cylinder block and aluminum heads. Bore and stroke dimensions are 83 x 92 mm (3.27 x 3.62 in). The bore centers are spaced 96 mm (3.78 in). Overall dimensions are 695 mm (27.3 in) length, 729 mm (28.7 in) width, and 697.5 mm (27.4 in) height. Approximate fully dressed weight is 230 kg (507 lb).

The lower end features a bedplate that provides rigid support for the forged-steel crankshaft, secured by four-bolt main bearing caps. A structural two-piece aluminum oil pan helps reduce NVH. Oil jets in the crankcase provide cooling for the low-friction pistons, which ride on cast-iron con rods.

Each bank of twin overhead camshafts is driven by roller chain and operate four valves per cylinder through finger-type followers. The compression ratio of the Euro5-compliant 3.0-L diesel used in European Jeep applications is 16.5:1. The European version uses Fiat’s MultiJet II direct fuel injection, which is capable of eight injections per combustion cycle, and a single Garrett VGT 2056 variable-geometry turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler. The integral exhaust gas recirculation loop is liquid-cooled.

Production of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel model, powered by a VM Motori 3.0-L V6 turbodiesel and Chrysler 8-speed 8R70 automatic transmission, begins 3rd quarter of 2013. Chrysler has not announced specific calibrations, hardware specifications, and SAE engine ratings for the 2014 Ram EcoDiesel application yet.

The 3.0-L V6 also will be used in the U.S. market 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, with the Jeep application rated at 240 hp and 420 lb/ft.

VM Motori is 50% owned by Chrysler's parent Fiat SpA and 50% owned by General Motors.

Source: Automotive Engineering Online

Wonder if GM is planning any use of the engine as they own half the company?

I would guess they would be more likely to take some of the tech and put it towards their small DMax's if anything, but you never know.

GM should use a 4 cylinder Isuzu and name plate it. You can't get more reliable then that.

That is rated 45HP more and only 10 lb/ft less than my 6.5 TD while weighting less

I think it will do just fine in a 1/2 ton truck.

Maybe the 3.0L VM Motori is a bit more modern but it edges out the Porsche's 3.0L V6 at 240hp, 406ftlbs which is really an Audi/VW engine. Maybe the VMM is a bit more modern and fuel efficient? The EPA gives the V6 Audi 19/29 mpg with an 8 speed auto. I'd guess the Cayenne's better aerodynamics would make ~30mpg an upper limit for an 8 speed 1500 Ram diesel.

GM has licensed other VMM designs so it's a possibility. I think GM also has a few some similar sized Asian designed diesels to choose from.

The VM Motori wiki says the 3.0L VMM is a brand new 2011 design. It's amazing what these little engines are capable of.

Fiat buys remainder of diesel maker VM Motori from GM

Quote :

Fiat Group, Chrysler Group's Italian parent company, has acquired the remaining half of VM Motori S.p.A. from General Motors for 34.1 million euros ($47.1 million).

The acquisition, which gives Fiat complete ownership of the European diesel engine manufacturer, was completed today, a Chrysler spokesman said.

Fiat purchased half of VM Motori in 2010. GM exercised a put option allowed under its agreement with Fiat to complete the sale.

VM Motori supplies diesel engines for various car models, including the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee in the United States. Established in 1947, VM Motori also supplies advanced diesel engines for marine, industrial and other uses.

The diesel Grand Cherokee went on sale in the United States this fall, while a diesel Ram 1500 is expected to hit showrooms after the first of the year. Chrysler executives have said that they plan to gauge consumer interest in these vehicles to decide whether to expand diesel engines to other vehicles in its lineup.

Source: Automotive News