We shared a rumor in March that the 2025 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty trucks would change their diesel powertrain strategy. For years, Ram has offered both a standard-output (S/O) Cummins Turbo Diesel on the Ram 2500 and 3500 and a high-output (H/O) variant in the Ram 3500 model.
In the past week, several sources within the company have confirmed with us that those rumors are, in fact, true. Ram plans to simplify its Heavy Duty truck offerings with a single Cummins diesel option, which will be made possible by the upcoming ZF Powerline 8-speed automatic transmission. Expectations are high that this engine will surpass the performance metrics of the current H/O variant, promising more power and torque. This also means you won’t have to step up to a 3500 to get the most potent version of the Cummins.
Chassis Cab models are expected to continue with different power ratings to help ensure longevity for demanding tasks.
ZF Powerline 8-Speed Automatic –
As previously referenced, the ZF Powerline 8-speed automatic will replace the current 68RFE and AS69RC Aisin 6-speed automatics in the Ram Heavy Duty lineups. The Powerline 8AT has been designed specifically for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This transmission is tailor-made for diverse applications such as distribution trucks, beverage trucks, rental and leasing fleets, refuse vehicles, construction machinery, utility trucks, school buses, and heavy-duty pickup trucks.
The Powerline’s fully-integrated transmission control unit is a testament to advanced engineering. It features a single central electrical connector with programmed adaptive shifting, comfort strategies, and automatic skip shifting for a 30% boost in acceleration. The dual damper lock-up converter, transmission-mounted oil cooler, and a substantial reduction in weight compared to traditional 6-speed transmissions contribute to a 10% increase in fuel efficiency while elevating the driveline capacity.
Other Changes Expect For 2025 –
As with the updated 2025 Ram 1500 (DT), the Ram Heavy Duty will be refreshed for the 2025 model year. Judging by our latest spy photos, the new trucks will get new headlamps, tail lights, a new front bumper design, and possibly new wheels on select models to round out the exterior changes.
Inside, we expect the addition of the 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 system on higher trims and minor tweaks here and there. We do not yet know if the Heavy Duty will adopt all of the Ram 1500’s technology, such as the heads-up display (HUD), passenger display, driving assist features, massaging seats, etc. That will likely depend on whether the trucks’ electrical systems are updated to the new Stellantis’ Atlantis architecture.
The standard powerplant for the Ram 2500 / 3500 will remain the 6.4-liter HEMI® (BGE) V8, backed by the ZF 8HP75LCV 8-speed automatic transmission. We are told that the 6.4-liter HEMI will receive emissions updates for the 2025 model year. However, our sources have told us not to expect any changes in horsepower or torque.
While speculation about the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE I-6 is making its way into the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty, we don’t expect to see that anytime soon. Instead, Stellantis will continue to rely on the old saying that there is “no replacement for displacement.”
The truck wars are all about one-upping each other, so we expect higher payloads, towing numbers, and power figures from Cummins. As we are halfway through the year and these trucks are scheduled for a 2025 release, we expect to see them very soon.
No replies yet
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →