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Ram is making a bold move by reviving its celebrated, powerful V-8 engine. After initially phasing out the iconic HEMI V-8 from the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, the automaker has announced that the robust motor will make a comeback in 2026. This decision marks a significant shift, acknowledging the engine’s enduring popularity and impact on the brand’s identity. The return of the Ram V-8 engine is expected to excite truck enthusiasts and potentially boost sales for the brand.
Ram CEO Apologizes for Initial Decision
The top executive at Ram publicly apologized for discontinuing the rumbling 5.7-liter powerhouse.
‘We own it. We got it wrong. And we’re fixing it,’ stated Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand, in an advertisement featuring him driving the truck around a racetrack.
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Kuniskis’s statement was delivered over the distinct roar of the truck’s V-8 engine.
‘You hear that? That’s our HEMI. And it’s saying, “We’re back.”‘
The Popularity and Profitability of the HEMI Engine
For years, Ram has enjoyed substantial revenue with its HEMI-powered full-size pickup trucks.
The brand, which separated from Dodge in 2009, has been praised by loyal customers for its signature motors and premium interiors.
Regulatory Pressures and Initial Shift Away From HEMI
Truck sales are a significant source of profit and a crucial segment for US-based automakers.
However, increasingly strict regulations threatened the future of the beloved HEMI. Initially, Ram discontinued the HEMI in favor of smaller, more efficient engines from Stellantis to comply with evolving federal emissions standards and governmental incentives for electric vehicles.
Last year, the company announced plans to replace the V-8 with a more fuel-efficient V-6, a move that was intended to enhance performance while meeting environmental requirements. However, this transition also diminished some of the brand’s characteristic bravado.
Fan Reactions to the Change
The decision to retire the HEMI was met with considerable disapproval from fans.
‘Ram will lose me as a customer,’ one truck enthusiast commented on a Reddit post following the announcement. ‘What a sad day.’
Financial Impact of Discontinuing the HEMI
Ram experienced significant financial setbacks after moving away from the powerful engine. Sales for the brand declined by over 18 percent in 2024.
These struggles contributed to a substantial drop in profits for Stellantis, Ram’s parent brand, which reported a 70 percent decrease last year.
Hope for a Comeback with the Engine’s Revival
The return of the HEMI has sparked optimism for a resurgence. Kuniskis projects that the HEMI will account for 25 to 40 percent of Ram 1500 sales in 2026.
Details of the Revived V-8 Engine
The resurrected V-8, enhanced with Ram’s eTorque mild-hybrid technology, will be available across the 1500 lineup globally, including trims such as Laramie, Limited, and Sport.
‘Symbol of Protest’ Badge
Each truck will feature a ‘Symbol of Protest’ badge, a fender-mounted emblem depicting the Ram logo breaking through an engine block, symbolizing the engine’s triumphant return.
Continued Availability of V-6 Engine
Ram will continue to offer the newer V-6 engine, which provides enhanced power and improved fuel efficiency compared to the returning V-8.
‘Data be damned — we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again!’ Kuniskis declared.
Stellantis’s Broader Challenges
Ram’s HEMI decision occurs amidst significant changes for its parent company, Stellantis.
Stellantis, which owns brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Opel, and Peugeot, saw its CEO, Carlos Tavares, unexpectedly step down in December.
The company faced a series of negative headlines, including mass layoffs at US plants and difficulties managing tariffs.
New Leadership at Stellantis
In May, Antonio Filosa, formerly the COO for North and South America, assumed the role of top executive.
‘We believe the appointment is positive,’ Rella Suskin, an automotive analyst with MorningStar, commented. ‘Antonio has a strong background in on-the-ground execution and understanding of the market’s regional needs. These traits will be key in attempting to regain some of the significant market share losses in Europe and the US over the last few years.’