Ram Resurrects Hemi Engine With ‘Symbol of Protest’ Badge

Introduction to the Resurrection of the Hemi Engine

DETROIT — Stellantis said Thursday it is resurrecting its popular V-8 Hemi engine for its Ram 1500 full-size pickup trucks beginning this summer. The company discontinued the 5.7-liter engine amid tightening fuel economy regulations and a companywide push toward electric vehicles and more efficient engines last year under ex-Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.

The Decision to Cancel the Hemi Engine

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, who unretired from the automaker late last year, admitted the decision to cancel the Hemi engine for its popular consumer-focused Ram 1500 was a mistake. "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," Kuniskis said in a press release.

Bringing Back the Hemi Engine

The announcement marked the latest reversal in automakers’ plans this year, as EV adoption has been slower than expected and as the Trump administration has sought to unwind many of former President Joe Biden’s initiatives to push the auto industry away from gas-guzzling internal combustion engines. The Hemi announcement, which comes as the automaker delays plans for its electric trucks, is part of Kuniskis’ new product turnaround plan, which includes 25 product announcements over an 18-month period, the company said.

Impact on Sales and Production

Ram’s sales have struggled for years amid price increases and production mishaps, as well as the automaker killing off the Hemi engine — a staple of the automaker and its predecessors since the 1950s. Kuniskis said he expects Hemi to represent 25% to 40% of the Ram 1500 pickup trucks’ sales. Ram has continued to offer Hemi engines in larger pickup trucks.

Engine Specifications and Options

Ram discontinued the Hemi in exchange for a more efficient twin-turbocharged, inline-six-cylinder engine called the Hurricane. That engine will continue to be offered, with the Hemi as a $1,200 option on most models. A 3.6-liter V-6 engine is standard on entry-level models. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 delivers 395 horsepower and 410 foot-pounds of torque. The Hurricane that replaced it has 420 horsepower and 469 foot-pounds of torque, while a high-output version of the Hurricane engine is rated at 540 horsepower and 521 foot-pounds of torque.

New Logo and Symbolism

Unlike previous generations of the truck, the new vehicle will not feature "HEMI" on the side. Instead, the company has created a new badge that features a ram’s head coming out of a Hemi engine that it’s calling its "Symbol of Protest." The new logo and name are an effort to regain customers who may have decided not to buy a Ram truck because the company attempted to push more efficient engines and EVs on them.

Conclusion

The resurrection of the Hemi engine is a significant move by Stellantis to regain its customer base and improve sales. By bringing back the popular engine and offering it as an option, the company is giving customers the freedom of choice they desire. The new logo and symbolism are also an effort to reconnect with customers and regain their trust.

FAQs

Q: Why did Stellantis discontinue the Hemi engine in the first place?
A: The company discontinued the 5.7-liter engine amid tightening fuel economy regulations and a companywide push toward electric vehicles and more efficient engines.
Q: How long did it take for Stellantis to bring back the Hemi engine?
A: The company was able to bring back the Hemi engine in six months, down from an initial estimate of 18 months.
Q: What is the new logo and symbolism for the Hemi engine?
A: The company has created a new badge that features a ram’s head coming out of a Hemi engine, which it’s calling its "Symbol of Protest."
Q: Will Stellantis still offer electric or hybrid pickup trucks?
A: Yes, the company is still expected to eventually offer electric or hybrid pickup trucks to assist in meeting emissions and fuel economy requirements for Ram.
Q: What is the expected sales percentage of the Hemi engine for the Ram 1500 pickup trucks?
A: Kuniskis said he expects Hemi to represent 25% to 40% of the Ram 1500 pickup trucks’ sales.