The HEMI® Is Back: First 2026 Ram 1500 V8 Trucks Roll Out

The wait is finally over—Ram’s legendary 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 with eTorque mild-hybrid system is officially back in the 1500 lineup. Yesterday, the first batch of 2026 Ram 1500 pickups equipped with the HEMI left the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and are now headed to dealers across the country.

A Customer-Driven Decision – 

Back in June, Ram shook the truck world when it announced the HEMI was returning to the half-ton lineup. The reaction was immediate and overwhelming.

“When we announced the return of the legendary HEMI for the Ram 1500 in June, we received 10,000 orders in the first 24 hours, proving that we made the right decision to bring back this iconic engine for this truck,” said Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis. “The return of the HEMI was managed in record time by the Ram team and the employees at SHAP.”

In an industry that typically takes years to adjust product cycles, the Ram team brought the HEMI back to market in just a few months, showing both customer demand and the company’s flexibility in delivering what buyers want.

Excitement Inside SHAP – 

The mood on the plant floor at Sterling Heights reflected the enthusiasm outside. Employees were just as eager as customers to see the return of the HEMI.

“The SHAP team is as excited as our customers about the return of the HEMI,” said Chuck Padden, Vice President and Plant Manager at SHAP. “There is a buzz around the building. They were eager to get back to work on it and to get it to our customers as quickly as possible.”

That energy underscores just how important the HEMI has been to Ram’s identity over the years.

Symbol of Protest Badge – 

Each HEMI-powered 2026 Ram 1500 leaves SHAP with a brand-new fender-mounted “Symbol of Protest” badge, created by Ram’s design team to celebrate the engine’s return. The emblem shows a Ram’s head charging forward over the shape of a V8 block, a nod to the powerplant that has long defined Ram’s most popular trucks.

For many, it’s more than just a badge—it’s a symbol of Ram’s willingness to stand apart in an era where many automakers are phasing out V8s in favor of smaller turbocharged engines or EV-only lineups.

Broad Trim Coverage – 

The 5.7-liter HEMI with eTorque is available in nearly every trim of the 2026 Ram 1500, including Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Limited, and Longhorn. The off-road-focused Rebel will also offer the V8, though Ram notes it will arrive later in the production schedule.

This wide availability means everyone—from fleet buyers to luxury truck owners—can still opt for the tried-and-true HEMI under the hood.

SHAP: A Plant With Milestones – 

The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant has been the home of the Ram 1500 since early 2018. Just this past April, SHAP celebrated building its two-millionth truck. Adding the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 back into the lineup only adds to that legacy.

With workers energized and trucks already leaving the plant, SHAP continues to be the heart of Ram’s half-ton success story.

Why It Matters – 

The return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is more than a product update—it’s reassurance for Ram’s most loyal customers. While the brand continues to expand its offerings with the efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque and the twin-turbo HURRICANE I6, the HEMI still represents raw power, sound, and heritage that simply can’t be replicated.

For thousands of truck buyers, nothing replaces the rumble of a HEMI, and Ram’s decision to bring it back proves the brand is still listening.