A New Lease of Life for the Iconic V-8 Hemi Engine
Resuscitating the Hemi engine for preferred pickup trucks in a 'Symbol of Defiance'
Detroit, here's some exciting news! Stellantis has announced its intention to resuscitate the beloved V-8 Hemi engine for its acclaimed Ram 1500 full-size pickup trucks, starting this summer.
This comeback comes months after Stellantis discontinued the powertrain, bowing to stricter emissions regulations and the company's ambitious shift towards electric vehicles and more efficient engines, under the watch of former CEO Carlos Tavares. But, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis acknowledged that this decision to axe the Hemi engine for the Ram 1500 was a colossal blunder.
"Everyone makes mistakes, but it's our handling of them that sets us apart. We whiffed when we dropped the Hemi - we took responsibility and have remedied it. We're not merely reviving a legendary V-8 engine; we're launching an audacious product strategy and expanding powertrain options for our customers," Kuniskis said.
This move is a bold reversal in the auto industry, as electric vehicle adoption has been slower than predicted. Furthermore, the Trump administration's efforts to rollback many of Joe Biden's initiatives to phase out gas-guzzling internal combustion engines have influenced these decisions.
Ram's sales have been decline for years due to price increases, production glitches, and the automaker ditching the Hemi engine - a mainstay of the manufacturer since the '50s. Kuniskis envisions the Hemi engine accounting for 25% to 40% of the Ram 1500's pickup trucks' sales. Previously, Ram has retained to offer Hemi engines in larger pickup trucks.
The decision to reinstate the Hemi engine comes at a time when Ram is delaying its plans for electric trucks. This comeback kicks off a new product renaissance by Kuniskis, promising 25 product announcements within an 18-month period.
Kuniskis had set an initial timeline of 18 months for reinstating the Hemi engine, which was slashed to a mere six months through a special project team, codenamed F15. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 churns out 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, which outperforms the Hurricane engine it replaces, in terms of horsepower, while lagging slightly in torque.
In contrast to previous iterations, the vehicle won't feature "HEMI" emblazoned on its side. Instead, Ram has devised a novel badge flaunting a Ram's head bursting out of a Hemi engine, christened as its "Symbol of Protest." This logo and moniker are designed to win back wary customers looking for more choices in engines.
"Customers were infuriated when we shoved more efficient engines and EVs down their throats. As Americans, and more so truck buyers, we detest imposed decisions. That's why we're restoring the freedom of powertrain choice," Kuniskis explained.
Stellantis is expected to introduce electric or hybrid pickup trucks eventually, to abide by emissions and fuel economy standards. However, Kuniskis has been tight-lipped about the updated timeframe after several delays.
Further Reading:
- 3 friends launched chicken finger stand with $900-it just sold in deal worth 'close' to $1 billion
- Musk whips opposition to Trump tax plan: "KILL the BILL"!
- 53-year-old's career survived the Dotcom tech crash-her advice for people working in AI now
- The resurgence of the V-8 Hemi engine in the Ram 1500 trucks by Stellantis signals a shift in the automotive industry, as the company expands its product offerings to cater to customers' diverse powertrain preferences amidst slower electric vehicle adoption.
- The move towards reintroducing the iconic Hemi engine is part of Ram's ambitious business strategy, aiming to revitalize sales in the face of declining market share due to factors such as price increases, production glitches, and the discontinuation of the Hemi engine.
- The return of the Hemi engine in the Ram 1500 trucks comes against the backdrop of recent developments in the technology sector, as well as political decisions on emissions and fuel economy regulations, underscoring the complex interplay between the finance, economy, and transportation industries in shaping business decisions.
