Adirondack Auto Service

Ram will announce that it's upping power ratings of its Heavy Duty 6.7-liter Cummins I-6 diesel to 800 pounds-feet of torque, up from 650 pounds-feet, this afternoon at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.

The power increase is an effort to keep up in the ratings wars with General Motors and Ford, which introduced more powerful diesel trucks for 2011.

Horsepower is expected to remain at 350 hp, and gross combined weight ratings for the 3500 dual-rear-wheel model are expected to rise to 30,000 pounds. The Ram 3500HD will also see an increase in max fifth-wheel towing ratings to 22,700 pounds ? best in class among one-ton HD pickups.