Will the 5.7L HEMI Engine Come Back?
2025 Ram 1500 in Slidell, LA
MSRP
$41,060
MPG
20 City
26 Highway
96 Vehicles Available
Will the 5.7L HEMI Engine Come Back?
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 has long been an icon in the automobile world, let alone in the Ram line of trucks. Introduced in the early 2000s, it found its way into the hearts of many enthusiasts for its brute performance and rumbling sound. In recent times, however, the shift toward more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly technologies has caused the HEMI V8 to disappear in some models, and its future is highly questioned.
A Short History of the 5.7L HEMI Engine
Heritage goes back to the 1950s, but in 2003, it unleashed the third generation of the HEMI, the modern 5.7-liter version. Designated as an all-new third-generation HEMI, with its cast-iron cylinder block with a deep-skirt design, the cylinder banks are aligned in a 90-degree arrangement. The new HEMI engine applications included several Stellantis model lines, mostly utilized by the Ram pickup trucks, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Over time, various performance- and issue-influencing modifications had been carried out on the 5.7L HEMI engine to upgrade its standard features. Among the upgrades added starting from 2009 are narrow piston rings, thus assuring higher efficiency and good durability.(motorviewer.com)
Ditching the HEMI
There has been tremendous pressure to create environmentally friendly, low-emission vehicles that would enhance fuel efficiency over the recent years. For that reason, most manufacturers-including Stellantis-parent company of Ram-have moved on to smaller turbocharged engines, and electrification. Thus gave birth to a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six Hurricane engine debuted in the 2025 Ram 1500, replacing a 5.7 and 6.2-liter HEMI. Power is rated as high as 420 horsepower, 469 pound-feet of torque for the perfect blend of performance and economy. (hemmings.com)
Ram CEO on the Return of the HEMI
Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, has surely listened to the love for a HEMI V8. As quoted in an interview recently, "I'm not ruling it out," (allpar.com) he said of the idea of HEMI's return. He acknowledged that although the company had moved to newer technologies, they are fully aware of the demand for a HEMI and are considering options to satisfy customer wish lists.
Kuniskis also said that this would not be an easy way to bring the HEMI nameplate back due to some technical and logistical obstacles. However, he didn't shut the door completely: "We'll see." (thedrive.com)
The Case for the HEMI's Return
The 5.7L HEMI V8 has been a lot more than just an engine option; it's part of the identity of the Ram brand. Many owners of Ram love the power, sound, and performance characteristics that come with the HEMI. The introduction of the Hurricane engine, while impressive in its own right, has left some enthusiasts longing for the traditional V8 experience.
Its absence has also apparently had possible repercussions in terms of sales. It was reported that light-duty truck sales for Ram in the U.S. significantly plummeted, which was during the period when the HEMI V8 line was discontinued. The absence of the V8 variant perhaps made a dent in purchasing decisions for some.(ca.finance.yahoo.com)
What's Next: The Return of HEMI?
With such high demand from customers and the realization by the brand of how important the HEMI is, it is quite possible that in the future, Ram might bring back the 5.7L HEMI V8. The company could look into incorporating new technologies to make the engine more fuel-efficient and less polluting, hence more in line with today's environmental requirements.
Also, making the HEMI an option, with more new engine technologies available, would offer a choice many seem to wish for. The traditionalists desiring the experience of a V8 would then be happy but also please the ones focused on efficiency and innovation.
Conclusion
The 5.7L HEMI V8 indeed holds a soft spot in many Ram owners' hearts.
While the automotive world is no doubt trending toward more sustainable technologies, there is still a very strong demand for the power and performance of the HEMI. Ram leadership recognizes this passion and has not yet completely eliminated the possibility of the HEMI's return. With the brand committed to the wishes of its customers and the status of the engine as an icon, there is every reason to believe that the 5.7L HEMI may return in the not-so-distant future, presenting Ram owners with the choices they want.
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