Legendary Hemi V-8 Makes a Comeback in Ram Lineup
The iconic 5.7L Hemi V-8 engine is making a triumphant return to the Ram pickup lineup this summer, much to the delight of many loyal customers. In an accelerated six-month program, Stellantis has readied the Hemi for its Ram comeback, a significant reduction from the initially planned 18 months.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis anticipates a surge in retail deliveries, with sales exceeding 230,000 units globally in 2026. The Hemi V-8 will be available as a $1,200 option on most 2026 Ram 1500 models, excluding the TRX.
The Hemi V-8 is currently produced in Saltillo, Mexico, but its production site may change due to uncertain tariff situations. Despite this, Kuniskis remains optimistic about the reintroduction of the Hemi, citing it as a key factor in maintaining sales momentum.
The Hemi V-8 will feature a sport exhaust on every single model, catering to customers' preference for the instant torque, V-8 sound, and V-8 DNA. The returning V-8 will be the eTorque 48V hybrid version of the 5.7L, delivering 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.
In contrast, the base powerplant for 2026 Ram 1500 will continue to be the 3.6L Pentastar eTorque V-6. The 3.0L Hurricane inline-6 engine remains in the Ram 1500 lineup, including a high-output version delivering 540 hp and 521 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ram is currently production-constrained and has prioritised building vehicles for the retail market over daily-rental fleets. Kuniskis expects total U.S. Ram volume to remain flat with 2024 at the half-year mark, despite a decrease in the first quarter.
The return of the Hemi V-8 has been eagerly awaited by many Ram truck owners. Some had threatened never to return to the brand if there were no Hemi in the lineup, making the investment to resurrect the V-8 a no-brainer.
Interestingly, while the Hurricane inline-6 is more powerful and efficient, the Hemi V8 remains preferred by some Ram buyers for its traditional V8 sound, feel, and status as a classic American truck engine. The Hurricane's raw power often takes a backseat to the cultural and emotional factors tied to the V8 engine in American pickup trucks.
Kuniskis refuses to discuss how Trump Admin. on-again-off-again tariffs could impact the brand's sales, its market strategies, or its sourcing. He plans to announce more than 25 Ram product announcements and new-model unveils between now and the end of 2026, including an extended-range electric vehicle due later this year and a midsize pickup expected to be built at Stellantis' Belvidere, IL, plant beginning in 2027.
Despite the high-performance 6.2L Hemi V-8 that powered the TRX model not planned to return at this time, the return of the 5.7L Hemi V-8 is a significant step forward for Ram, solidifying its commitment to its loyal customer base.
- Ram is set to explore new markets with the introduction of an extended-range electric vehicle this year, a part of their planned 25 product announcements and new-model unveils by the end of 2026.
- In the realm of technology, Ram plans to announce a midsize pickup that will be built at Stellantis' Belvidere, IL, plant, starting in 2027.
- The finance sector may see a boost with Ram's anticipation of surpassing 230,000 retail deliveries globally in 2026, as outlined by Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis. This figure includes sales of models equipped with the Hemi V-8, which will be available as an option on most 2026 Ram 1500 models, with the exception of the TRX. The automotive industry, too, can look forward to the production of gadgets like the sport exhaust system, a feature that will be standard across all Hemi V-8 models, catering to customers' preferences.
