Ram brings back the HEMI V8 in the 1500 pickup after customer backlash.
U.S. automaker Ram has officially reinstated the legendary HEMI engine in its 1500 pickup lineup. Production of the 5.7-liter V8 eTorque has resumed at the Michigan plant, with the first units already shipped to dealers.
A year ago, Ram decided to drop the HEMI, limiting the range to six-cylinder engines. The move backfired, as pickup enthusiasts launched a wave of criticism. Ultimately, the company reversed course and brought back the V8.
The new HEMI produces 395 hp and 556 Nm of torque. It features cylinder deactivation, variable valve timing, and a 48-volt eTorque mild-hybrid system that adds extra torque at launch while improving fuel efficiency. The pickup can tow up to 5.1 tons and haul a payload of up to 748 kg.
Interest in the revived model is immense: within the first 24 hours after the announcement, Ram received 10,000 orders. To highlight the symbolic nature of its return, all HEMI-equipped versions feature a special “Symbol of Protest” badge.
Ram is offering the HEMI across most 1500 trims, including Rebel, Limited, and Longhorn. U.S. pricing starts at $40,275. The return of the V8 underscores that American buyers still have a strong appetite for classic engines, even as the market shifts toward more efficient powertrains.