🔹 Quick Summary:
- Ram reintroduces 5.7L Hemi V8 for the 2026 1500 pickup
- Over 10,000 orders placed within the first 24 hours of the announcement
- V8 option costs $1,200 extra and delivers 395 hp and 410 lb-ft
- Comes after backlash from fans over Hemi being dropped
- Ram admits it “screwed up” and wants to retain loyal V8 buyers
Ram Brings Back the Hemi — And Truck Buyers Go Wild
Ram’s decision to drop the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 from its 1500 lineup didn’t sit well with fans. After just one model year of absence, the company has reversed course — and the results speak volumes. Within 24 hours of the June announcement confirming the engine’s return for the 2026 Ram 1500, customers placed more than 10,000 orders, a staggering number that shocked even Stellantis executives.
To put it in perspective, Ram sold just over 51,800 light-duty pickups in the entire second quarter. The early order frenzy for the Hemi-equipped trucks suggests a strong demand for V8 power is still alive and well in America.
“We Screwed Up”: Ram’s CEO Owns the Decision
In a refreshingly honest admission, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis acknowledged the brand had misjudged its audience:
“We screwed up when we dropped the Hemi.”
While the newer twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six delivers more power (420 hp and 460 lb-ft), many loyal buyers are still emotionally attached to the sound and feel of a V8. According to Kuniskis, these are “cylinder counters” — customers who equate power and identity with displacement.
And for Ram, losing them wasn’t an option:
“Once they’re gone, good luck getting them back.”
Read Also : Ioniq 6 N: Hyundai’s Electric Super Sedan Set for July 10 Debut
Performance Specs: V8 vs Alternatives
The returning 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is priced at $1,200 as an option on most trims and delivers solid numbers:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi V8 | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft | Returning for 2026, $1,200 option |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | ~305 hp | ~269 lb-ft | Base engine |
| 3.0L Hurricane I6 TT | 420 hp | 460 lb-ft | More powerful, but less emotional |
While the Hurricane is technically superior, the V8 remains a symbol of American muscle and identity, especially for truck buyers in competitive markets.
A Roaring Success — With a Rough Start
According to Stellantis North America’s head of U.S. sales, Jeff Kommor, the first-day order volume was among the strongest in recent memory for a Ram product. Internally, the program to bring the Hemi back was known as F15, and it appears to have achieved its goal: regaining customer trust and excitement.
However, Kuniskis warned that initial supply chain strain could result in a bumpy launch. Meeting demand quickly will be a challenge as Ram ramps up production of Hemi-equipped 1500s.
Conclusion: The Hemi Is More Than Just an Engine
The rapid rebound in orders proves that the Hemi V8 isn’t just about performance — it’s about emotion, loyalty, and identity. Ram’s willingness to admit its mistake and correct course may have saved it from losing a core part of its customer base to Ford or GM.
With 10,000+ orders in just 24 hours, one thing is clear: the Hemi is back, and fans couldn’t be happier.
Discover more from ActuCars
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
