2026 Ram 1500 Returns with 5.7L HEMI V-8 eTorque Engine

July 7, 2025

The Legend Returns: 2026 Ram 1500 Brings Back the 5.7-Liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque Engine

The Ram 1500 is making a powerful comeback with the return of the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque engine for the 2026 model year. After briefly shifting focus to six-cylinder engines in 2025, Ram has boldly responded to its loyal fanbase, reigniting the passion for V-8 power and capability.

Listening to the People: The HEMI Is Back

Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram brand, openly acknowledged the company’s misstep:
"Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it."

Ram is not just bringing back the engine; it’s bringing back freedom of choice. Starting July, orders for HEMI-equipped Ram 1500s will be open in Europe, with deliveries expected to begin in winter 2025.

Consumers made it clear: the HEMI V-8 is irreplaceable. While Ram’s efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo remains in the lineup, the sound, feel, and legacy of the HEMI V-8 simply cannot be matched.

A Symbol of Protest and Power

Every 2026 HEMI-powered Ram 1500 will wear a new fender-mounted "Symbol of Protest Badge", featuring a Ram’s head powered by a V-8 block, a proud statement of the brand's bold move.

The HEMI option will be available across multiple trims, including Laramie, Sport (late availability), and Limited, forming part of Ram’s aggressive product rollout over the next 18 months.

The Power of the 5.7-Liter HEMI® V-8 with eTorque

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers an impressive 395 horsepower and 555 Nm of torque, featuring fuel-saving technologies like variable camshaft timing and cylinder deactivation.

The eTorque mild hybrid system brings additional efficiency and performance by replacing the conventional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator. This system supports quick start/stop, torque assistance, and regenerative braking, providing up to 176 Nm of torque on throttle tip-in.

Key Features:

  • Smooth, broad power band
  • Variable valve timing for optimized performance
  • Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation
  • 850-watt electric cooling fan for precise temperature control
  • Maximum towing capacity: 5,200 kg (European homologation up to 3,500 kg)
  • Maximum payload: 793 kg

Intelligent eTorque Hybrid Integration

The eTorque system uses a compact 430 watt-hour lithium-ion battery, intelligently cooled and virtually silent inside the cabin. A 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter supports the 12-volt system, while the traditional starter remains for cold starts.

Beyond stop/start efficiency, eTorque improves shifts, reduces noise, and enhances driving smoothness, creating a refined yet powerful driving experience.

Ram’s Full Powertrain Choices

Ram isn’t just celebrating the return of the HEMI. The Hurricane 3.0L twin-turbo I-6 engine continues to represent Ram’s cutting-edge future:

  • Hurricane SO: 420 hp, 636 Nm torque
  • Hurricane HO: 540 hp, 706 Nm torque

These engines offer quicker acceleration, reduced emissions, and improved fuel economy compared to the HEMI, but Ram is clear: the heart wants what it wants — and many still want the HEMI.

Performance Comparison: HEMI vs. Hurricane Engines

Engine

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

0-100 km/h (sec)

CO? Emissions (g/km)

Fuel Consumption (l/100 km)

HEMI V8 eTorque

395

556

7.8

362

16

Hurricane SO 3.0L

420 (+6%)

636 (+14%)

5.3 (-32%)

311 (-14%)

13.1 (-18%)

Hurricane HO 3.0L

540 (+27%)

706 (+27%)

4.6 (-41%)

338 (-7%)

14.2 (-11%)

 

Ram’s Ongoing Leadership in the Pickup Truck Market

Ram continues to set benchmarks in technology, luxury, and off-road performance:

  • Most Technological Pickup Ever: Over 50 inches of combined digital displays, including a class-exclusive 10.25-inch passenger screen.
  • Exclusive Features: RamBox® Cargo System, Multifunction Tailgate, and Active-Level™ Four Corner Air Suspension.
  • Unmatched Luxury: The Ram 1500 Tungsten trim offers 24-way massage seats, a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system, and luxurious cabin materials.
  • Off-Road Dominance: The Ram 1500 RHO offers best-in-class off-road capabilities, with launch control and a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 4.6 seconds.

The 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V-8 eTorque is more than a return to form — it’s a celebration of power, choice, and customer loyalty. Whether you’re a purist drawn to the raw sound of the V-8 or a performance enthusiast looking to push boundaries, the Ram 1500 now offers something for everyone.

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