Hemi V8 Power Returns To The Ram 1500, With A Twist

Hemi V8 Power Returns To The Ram 1500, With A Twist​

Story by Steven Symes



Hemi V8 Power Returns To The Ram 1500, With A Twist
The rumors are starting to bear fruit as the Hemi V8 triumphantly returns to the 2026 Ram 1500. After angering a lot of its customer base, the truck brand under the direction of Amsterdam-based Stellantis has brought back the burly engine.

However, the Hemi doesn’t return in its purest form. The only way truck shoppers will be able to get it is with the eTorque hybrid system. Not everyone is going to be loving that fact, but for now that’s what we get.

Keep in mind, some great news could be coming on June 8, including more Hemi V8s added to the Ram lineup.

The 48-volt hybrid powertrain promises fuel savings, something V8s aren’t generally known to provide. It also comes with 395-horsepower on tap along with a stout 410 lb.-ft. of torque. That does mean for those who worship stats sheets the twin-turbo Hurricane high-output will be more desirable since it has 550-hp. Even the non-high-output pumps out 420-hp.

But many love V8 engines for their balanced, smooth power delivery, a broad power band, as well as overall durability. After all, peak output figures are interesting, but they don’t tell the whole picture when it comes to performance or real world practicality.


Image via Stellantis

We’re guessing as a form of peace offering with the fans, Ram is putting a “Symbol of Protest Badge” on every Hemi-powered 1500’s front fenders. We expect it to be a real crowd pleaser since it features a stylized ram head mounted up to a V8 engine bristling with wide open headers.

Pickup trucks are no longer just utilitarian workhorses, they've evolved.
What The 2026 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Price Says About The Future Of New Pickup Trucks

Getting rid of the Hemi V8 was obviously a dumb and unnecessary move. GM and Ford kept their V8s in the Silverado/Sierra and F-Series, even with some alternative powertrain offerings available.

"Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO, Ram brand. “We’re not just bringing back a legendary V-8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”

We’re hoping the Hemi-powered 2026 Ram 1500 models don’t cost too much, but these days everything does and that’s a real problem.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/aut...&cvid=90b28f2e4ad74922b485b27faf96782d&ei=116

 

[BenWade]

Here is someone's take on the return of the Hemi. I am sure some on here would agree with all he says, just like I'm sure many would not.

Everyone’s Hyping the 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 — But Here’s The Truth

The HEMI is back—and it’s raising more than just RPMs.In this video, we break down everything you need to know about the 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8, from real-wor...

www.youtube.com

I completely disagree with all of it LoL!

 

[Yardbird]

The video was a hit piece for clicks, but, I would say V-8 and Hemi engines are not long here.

When I was young, most teenagers had hot cars while families had sedans, later on more people started getting pickups as the trucks got more refined.

Then, the hot car crowd had kids and bought a mini-van, and maybe a pickup.

Next, SUVs was the rage. They have now all but disappeared, except for mostly small wagon looking things that in no way resemble SUVs of yesterday.

Today's children are being raised from kindergarten on climate change, save the planet, mass transit, planned living communities, the earth is going to become a giant inferno of fire if we keep driving gasoline vehicles.

We will most likely be the last generation to enjoy our vehicles for the looks and sound, as it's ecology all the way, all for our own good. (Like EVs are actually cleaner. The truth is the nasty parts of EVs are way off somewhere else where we can't see that part of it)

 

[kt4hx]

Without a doubt the mindset in general has changed quite a bit. That said, I know and know of, a great number of younger folks who like powerful vehicles and are not ready to right off that aspect. But I do agree that at some point down the road a lot of that stuff will likely be pushed into a hole and buried, in the name of "for the greater good." Frankly the planet could care less if we wipe ourselves out anyway. It would keep on keeping on until the sun exhausts its hydrogen fuel goes into a red giant phase, expanding until it engulfs Mercury and Venus and perhaps even Earth.

 

[Dusty]

Tariffs may determine where it is built.

I think it's already been announced that all Hemi motor production will be transferred to Michigan.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 132248 miles.

 

[Bramic71]

Should have never made the choice to push out the Hemi. Should have made a re-design. A Hemi with better oiling to get rid of wiped out camshaft and lifters and a re-design on the exhaust manifolds to stop the problem with the broken studs. As customers we do not ask for much. They have had years to fix these issues, but instead they chose to ignore them. For once, do your customers right.

 

[Forsakentalon]

LOL @ Ram V8 "durability".

And Chevy has a 4 banger with more torque than the hemi.

 

[KC5TGQ]

Now, if they'd only ditch the E-torque BS

Maybe I'm weird but I really like my eTorque. I have a 2019, their first year offered and it has been flawless. It does eek out a couple MPG. 70k miles on it, only problem was the push button start/kill button failed & replaced under warranty. Other than that, it is as solid and quite as the day I bought it. I bought my wife a 2024 Toyota Grand Hybrid AWD, it is much less comfortable. It's nosier and the ride is not close to the RAM.

 

[KC5TGQ]

Should have never made the choice to push out the Hemi. Should have made a re-design. A Hemi with better oiling to get rid of wiped out camshaft and lifters and a re-design on the exhaust manifolds to stop the problem with the broken studs. As customers we do not ask for much. They have had years to fix these issues, but instead they chose to ignore them. For once, do your customers right.

THIS!

 

[RedDevil00]

Hemi V8 Power Returns To The Ram 1500, With A Twist​

Story by Steven Symes

View attachment 567639

Hemi V8 Power Returns To The Ram 1500, With A Twist
The rumors are starting to bear fruit as the Hemi V8 triumphantly returns to the 2026 Ram 1500. After angering a lot of its customer base, the truck brand under the direction of Amsterdam-based Stellantis has brought back the burly engine.

However, the Hemi doesn’t return in its purest form. The only way truck shoppers will be able to get it is with the eTorque hybrid system. Not everyone is going to be loving that fact, but for now that’s what we get.

Keep in mind, some great news could be coming on June 8, including more Hemi V8s added to the Ram lineup.

The 48-volt hybrid powertrain promises fuel savings, something V8s aren’t generally known to provide. It also comes with 395-horsepower on tap along with a stout 410 lb.-ft. of torque. That does mean for those who worship stats sheets the twin-turbo Hurricane high-output will be more desirable since it has 550-hp. Even the non-high-output pumps out 420-hp.

But many love V8 engines for their balanced, smooth power delivery, a broad power band, as well as overall durability. After all, peak output figures are interesting, but they don’t tell the whole picture when it comes to performance or real world practicality.

View attachment 567640
Image via Stellantis

We’re guessing as a form of peace offering with the fans, Ram is putting a “Symbol of Protest Badge” on every Hemi-powered 1500’s front fenders. We expect it to be a real crowd pleaser since it features a stylized ram head mounted up to a V8 engine bristling with wide open headers.

Pickup trucks are no longer just utilitarian workhorses, they've evolved.
What The 2026 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Price Says About The Future Of New Pickup Trucks

Getting rid of the Hemi V8 was obviously a dumb and unnecessary move. GM and Ford kept their V8s in the Silverado/Sierra and F-Series, even with some alternative powertrain offerings available.

"Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO, Ram brand. “We’re not just bringing back a legendary V-8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”

We’re hoping the Hemi-powered 2026 Ram 1500 models don’t cost too much, but these days everything does and that’s a real problem.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/aut...&cvid=90b28f2e4ad74922b485b27faf96782d&ei=116

 

[RedDevil00]

Yeah, I get it. I researched and shopped for a new V-8 fired pickup. My 2020 F150 had the dreaded cam phaser issue at 30K. It was repaired under warranty and the "clunk" at startup was gone -- for 10K miles. The research on the Chevy/GMC 5.3 wasn't any better with cylinder deactivation on all the V8 engines. Both GM & Ford 10spd transmissions remind me of my old Powerglide, slipping and sliding!!! So, what's left - Ram!!! Didn't want the 6cylinder engines -- it's a damn truck not a race car. The straight 6 & V6's in a truck...I've heard all the horror stories about the Ford V6 engines. Tried to get a deal for a Ram 2500 with the diesel - the prices are outrageous. Settled on the 5.7 hemi with the e-Torque. Not exactly what I was looking for and I don't care if the turboed 6's outrun it. I can tell you that the hemi packs enough punch, is smooth (I never run the stop-start) that 8spd trans is smooth on shifts, unlike that Ford 10spd & the GM isn't any better. I'll run that hemi for the duration of the warranty period...if it's problematic I'll just buy a bicycle!!!

 

[RedDevil00]

Hemi V8 Power Returns To The Ram 1500, With A Twist​

Story by Steven Symes

View attachment 567639

Hemi V8 Power Returns To The Ram 1500, With A Twist
The rumors are starting to bear fruit as the Hemi V8 triumphantly returns to the 2026 Ram 1500. After angering a lot of its customer base, the truck brand under the direction of Amsterdam-based Stellantis has brought back the burly engine.

However, the Hemi doesn’t return in its purest form. The only way truck shoppers will be able to get it is with the eTorque hybrid system. Not everyone is going to be loving that fact, but for now that’s what we get.

Keep in mind, some great news could be coming on June 8, including more Hemi V8s added to the Ram lineup.

The 48-volt hybrid powertrain promises fuel savings, something V8s aren’t generally known to provide. It also comes with 395-horsepower on tap along with a stout 410 lb.-ft. of torque. That does mean for those who worship stats sheets the twin-turbo Hurricane high-output will be more desirable since it has 550-hp. Even the non-high-output pumps out 420-hp.

But many love V8 engines for their balanced, smooth power delivery, a broad power band, as well as overall durability. After all, peak output figures are interesting, but they don’t tell the whole picture when it comes to performance or real world practicality.

View attachment 567640
Image via Stellantis

We’re guessing as a form of peace offering with the fans, Ram is putting a “Symbol of Protest Badge” on every Hemi-powered 1500’s front fenders. We expect it to be a real crowd pleaser since it features a stylized ram head mounted up to a V8 engine bristling with wide open headers.

Pickup trucks are no longer just utilitarian workhorses, they've evolved.
What The 2026 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Price Says About The Future Of New Pickup Trucks

Getting rid of the Hemi V8 was obviously a dumb and unnecessary move. GM and Ford kept their V8s in the Silverado/Sierra and F-Series, even with some alternative powertrain offerings available.

"Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO, Ram brand. “We’re not just bringing back a legendary V-8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”

We’re hoping the Hemi-powered 2026 Ram 1500 models don’t cost too much, but these days everything does and that’s a real problem.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/aut...&cvid=90b28f2e4ad74922b485b27faf96782d&ei=116

 

[RedDevil00]

Well that business about the e-Torque increasing mileage is "bunk". It's pretty much a stop/start function which is easily disabled with a switch. The e-Torque just runs juice to a 48 volt battery to run the accessories in the vehicle. It will be interesting to see how that holds up. As far as the new Hemi engine, I just purchased a 2026 Ram Big Horn and drove it home from Az where it was bought. I got 16+mpg, which I thought was pretty good for a new engine. This past weekend I took another trip of 350miles and between 70-75mph on the highway it was just over 19mpg - keeping your foot out of it of course. True it's only 395HP, it's not a Hurricane, but then again it is a pickup truck not a Vette. The truck ran great, the shifts were smoother than any Chev or Ford 10spd and the engine is tight. Now, we'll see if it stands up to the test of time.

 

[Dan Topp]

It is fine without more fire hazards. Now let’s talk about the rumors of stellantis sneaking in kill switches and software that takes more control away from the owner in the name of safety. The hemi needs other upgrades not etorque.And the hurricane four is junk.

 

[ramffml]

LOL @ Ram V8 "durability".

And Chevy has a 4 banger with more torque than the hemi.

It's the combination of HP/TQ which makes the 5.7 much stronger than the 4 banger. Try towing with both and then say that the chevy is stronger, it isn't. The v8 gets up and goes and the 4 banger ends up sitting at 4000+ rpms when the v8's are at 2200 on the freeway.