Sprache wechseln: 
By popular demand—and a fair bit of protest—the 5.7-litre HEMI® V8 is back. Ram has announced that the legendary eight-cylinder engine will return to the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup, complete with eTorque mild hybrid tech and a badge of honour to match.
If you’ve missed the unmistakable growl of the HEMI and the low-end torque that makes towing feel like child’s play, your wait is nearly over. Orders open this July, with first deliveries to European dealers expected next winter.
And it’s no half-measure. This is the full-fat 5.7-litre HEMI V8, now packing 395 hp and 556 Nm of torque, supported by a 48-volt eTorque hybrid system that smooths out throttle input, adds torque when needed, and helps shave off fuel use—without numbing the drive.
“Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it,” said Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis. “We’re not just bringing back a legendary V-8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”
Not Dead Yet
For 2025, Ram shifted the 1500 lineup exclusively to six-cylinder engines. The move might have looked good on paper—especially in boardrooms and emissions reports—but it didn’t land well with long-time owners. Dealers heard the feedback. So did forums. And it turns out Ram did, too.
“At the end of each month, we count sales to customers, not statisticians or ideologues,” Kuniskis added. “Data be damned — we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again!”
In plain terms: if you want Hurricane performance, it’s still there. But if you want something that shakes the ground and stirs the soul, the HEMI is back on the table.
eTorque: V8 Power with a Brain
The returning HEMI V8 isn’t stuck in the past. It now includes eTorque, Ram’s belt-driven hybrid system that replaces the alternator with a motor-generator and adds a compact 48V battery under the rear seat.
What does that mean in practice?
- Seamless start/stop: smoother than the typical clunk-and-shudder
- Electric torque boost: up to 176 Nm of extra push off the line
- Brake energy recovery: every slow-down feeds the battery
- Cylinder deactivation: half the engine when you don’t need it
- Cooling on demand: an 850-watt electric fan fine-tunes airflow to suit conditions
It’s clever, but not overbearing. And crucially, it doesn’t mess with the visceral appeal of a big, naturally aspirated V8.
The engine also retains a conventional starter motor for cold climates—something anyone wintering above the Alps will appreciate.
Symbol of Protest
To mark the return, every V8-equipped 2026 Ram 1500 gets a new fender badge. More than just a shallow marketing gimmick: it’s a deliberate symbol of defiance. A Ram’s head, pushing forward, framed by a HEMI block. A nod to those who pushed back.
Model availability will include Laramie, Limited, and Sport (the latter arriving later), each configured with European spec in mind.
Towing capacity hits up to 5,200 kg (depending on market homologation, capped at 3,500 kg in Europe) with a payload rating of 793 kg—enough to make short work of a trailer, rooftop tent rig, or whatever beast of a camper you’ve hitched behind you.
Still Hurricane in the Forecast
Make no mistake—the Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six isn’t going anywhere. With up to 540 hp and 706 Nm, it’s the more powerful and fuel-efficient of the two. For many, it’s the future: quieter, more refined, and surprisingly punchy. It represents Ram’s path forward.
But forward doesn’t always mean letting go of what works. And for a large contingent of Ram 1500 owners, what works is the HEMI.
There’s room for both.
V8s and Overlanding?
Let’s be honest: in Europe, big petrol engines aren’t always welcome—at least not on paper. But for those who value durability, low-rev torque, simplicity, and the ability to haul serious kit into the backwoods without fuss, a naturally aspirated V8 still makes a lot of sense. Especially when paired with the kind of hybrid assist that improves range and drivability without adding unnecessary layers of complexity.
And then there’s the sound.
Because sometimes, that growl under the bonnet is more than a soundtrack—it’s a statement.
Specs Snapshot – 5.7L HEMI® V8 with eTorque
- Power: 395 hp
- Torque: 556 Nm + 176 Nm (eTorque assist)
- Max towing: 5200 kg (market-dependent)
- Payload: 793 kg
- Fuel-saving tech: Cylinder deactivation, start/stop, brake energy regen
- Cooling: 850W electric fan, dual battery fans
- Hybrid system: 48V / 430 Wh battery, 3kW DC converter
- Start assist: Traditional starter retained for cold climates
If you’re the kind of overlander who wants power without excuses—and the gear to match—keep an eye out. Ram’s giving the V8 a second wind. Orders open this July. Delivery begins winter 2025.
