Ram CEO Leaves Door Open for HEMI® V8 Comeback in Ram 1500

In a move that could excite longtime fans, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis has hinted at the possibility of the HEMI® V8 engine making a comeback in the Ram 1500 lineup. While speaking to Motor1, Kuniskis clarified that bringing back the HEMI wouldn’t be immediate due to technical and logistical challenges.

The 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI V8, beloved for its performance and rugged reliability, was officially discontinued in the Ram 1500 with the 2025 model year, replaced by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE I6. This decision hasn’t been without controversy, as Ram’s year-to-date sales dropped 16% compared to 2023, reflecting discontent among buyers and enthusiasts.

According to Kuniskis, the biggest obstacle lies in the Ram 1500’s updated Atlantis electrical architecture, which isn’t currently compatible with the 5.7-liter HEMI. Additionally, suppliers have ceased production of the eTorque version of the engine, a mild-hybrid system that paired the V8 with a 48-volt battery for improved efficiency. Restarting production would require reactivating supplier lines and reengineering components to match the truck’s new electrical platform.

“Even if you said let’s do it, we can’t do it right away,” Kuniskis explained. However, he stopped short of completely ruling it out, saying, “I didn’t say you can’t do it… you can’t do it right away.”

For now, Ram enthusiasts looking for HEMI power will have to turn to the Heavy Duty lineup, where the 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI ‘BGE’ or Big Gas Engine continues to be available. Despite the shift in the Ram 1500’s engine lineup, Kuniskis’s comments leave the door open for a potential return of the V8 that helped define Ram’s identity.

Whether this move materializes or not, it’s clear that Ram is listening to its customers. The possible reintroduction of the HEMI could mark a significant moment for the brand as it balances tradition with innovation in the face of changing market demands.