Ram Hemi Returns: ‘Symbol of Protest’ Trucks
- Detroit — Stellantis announced Thursday the return of its popular V-8 Hemi engine to the Ram 1500 pickup line this summer.
- Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, who rejoined Stellantis late last year, acknowledged that dropping the Hemi engine from the ram 1500 was a mistake."Everyone makes mistakes, but how you...
- The Hemi's return is part of a broader trend of automakers adjusting their strategies as EV adoption slows.
stellantis is bringing back the Hemi V-8 engine to the Ram 1500 pickup line this summer, reversing a previous move to focus on electric vehicles. The automaker’s decision, spearheaded by Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, signals a shift in strategy as EV adoption slows and responds to customer demand for the primary_keyword Hemi engine. For many, the Hemi’s return is a secondary_keyword symbol of protest against the EV push. The 5.7-liter engine offers 395 horsepower, and the team completed the reinstatement in six months through a special team. This news, covered by News Directory 3, includes a ”Symbol of Protest” badge.the Hemi will be a $1,200 option, and the Hurricane engine remains available. Discover what’s next as Stellantis balances customer choice with emissions standards.
Ram Trucks Revive Hemi Engine for 1500 Pickup
Updated June 7, 2025
Detroit — Stellantis announced Thursday the return of its popular V-8 Hemi engine to the Ram 1500 pickup line this summer. The automaker had discontinued the 5.7-liter engine last year amid stricter fuel economy standards and a company-wide shift toward electric vehicles.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, who rejoined Stellantis late last year, acknowledged that dropping the Hemi engine from the ram 1500 was a mistake.”Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you,” Kuniskis said. “Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it.”
The Hemi’s return is part of a broader trend of automakers adjusting their strategies as EV adoption slows. The Trump administration has also sought to roll back some of former President Joe Biden’s policies aimed at accelerating the transition away from internal combustion engines.
The Hemi announcement coincides with Stellantis delaying its electric truck plans. Kuniskis’ turnaround plan includes 25 product announcements over 18 months.
Ram sales have faced challenges due to price increases, production issues, and the discontinuation of the Hemi engine, a staple since the 1950s. kuniskis anticipates the Hemi will account for 25% to 40% of Ram 1500 sales. The Hemi engine will be offered as a $1,200 option on most models, while the Hurricane twin-turbo six-cylinder engine will remain available. A 3.6-liter V-6 is standard on entry-level models.
Kuniskis said his priority upon returning in December was to reinstate the Hemi in Ram trucks. The project, initially estimated to take 18 months, was completed in six months through a special team, codenamed F15.
The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 delivers 395 horsepower and 410 foot-pounds of torque. The Hurricane engine offers 420 horsepower and 469 foot-pounds of torque, with a high-output version rated at 540 horsepower and 521 foot-pounds of torque.
The new Ram 1500 will feature a “Symbol of Protest” badge, depicting a ram’s head emerging from a Hemi engine, instead of the “HEMI” label. This aims to win back customers who felt limited by the push toward more efficient engines and EVs.
“They hate the fact that we took away the freedom of choice,” Kuniskis said at a press briefing.
Stellantis still plans to offer electric or hybrid pickup trucks to meet emissions and fuel economy standards, but Kuniskis did not provide an updated timeline after previous delays.
What’s next
Stellantis will continue to evaluate the market and adjust its product offerings to meet customer demand while navigating evolving emissions regulations.