07 Dec 07 Light-duty diesel pickups coming from Chrysler after ‘09

Chrysler will apparently launch diesel-engined versions of its light-duty pickups at some point after the 2009 model year. Currently, the only Chrysler trucks to offer diesels are Dodge Ram 2500-series trucks. Chrysler’s Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development, announced the automaker’s intention today.

It’s not known just what engine Dodge will stick in its lighter- duty Ram 2500 trucks. The 2500-series features a 6.7-liter Cummins that puts out 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It would be surprising to see Dodge stick that motor in a 1500-series truck.

Klegon estimates that diesel trucks will make up 15 percent of the marketplace next year, according to Reuters.