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Chrysler introduced the new Dodge Ram 1500 in 2006, featuring the first implementation of a cylinder deactivation system in a pickup truck. The company estimates that the Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with a HEMI engine and Chryslers Multi Displacement System will provide up to a 20% improvement in fuel economy over a non-MDS system.

The Ram 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers 345 hp. The MDS transitions the engine from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds (0.040 seconds) under certain driving conditions

The RAM 1500 also offers a 4.7-liter V-8 and 3.7-liter V-6 engine. Because of MDS, the 5.7-liter HEMI delivers 46.8% more power than the 18% smaller 4.7-liter V8, it does so with only a 2% penalty in fuel economy.

That said, similar to the Chrysler 300 with MDS, the Ram is still a big, heavy vehicle that consumes a lot of fuel. Fuel economy (combined) for the HEMI version is 15.6 miles per gallon US. Fuel economy for the 4.7-liter V-8 is 15.9 miles per gallon.

Chrysler Groups MDS-equipped lineup also includes the HEMI-powered Chrysler 300C, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Durango, with the all-new 2007 Jeep Commander arriving in showrooms this fall. By 2007, Chrysler Group will have nearly 1 million vehicles on the road with MDS.

The companys approach with MDS is comparable to the approach GM has said it will take with hybrid powertrain implement them on the high-power, high-volume vehicles first.

But with MDS, as with hybrid powertrains, both companies need to apply their technologies to enable engine downsizing, and significant increases in fuel economy, instead of applying the technology to increase power, while maintaining fuel consumption.

It seems most auto manufactures have finally figured this out, and are working hard to produce their own versions of MDS to improve power and emissions. One thing to caution you on is to have your VIN ready when you call the pros at GotEngines.com with this number in hand you are assured of getting the exact product you need at an affordable price. You can count on them to provide the finest in replacement engines available today, trust me.