Dodge Is Building Thousands Of New Hemi V8 Engines
Stellantis has confirmed it plans to build more than 100,000 Hemi V8 engines in 2026, a huge increase that indicates the automaker understands there is still very real demand for traditional V8 power, even as turbocharged six-cylinders take up more space in modern lineups.
According to an interview with Mopar Insiders, production is already humming at Stellantis’ Saltillo Engine Plant in Mexico, where the 5.7-liter, 6.4-liter, and supercharged 6.2-liter Hemis are assembled alongside the newer 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six.
“This year, we’re going to [build] over 100,000 [engines]," Kuniskis told the outlet. "So now we’re going to start getting closer to what the actual consumer demand is for this engine.”
Much like Ford's twin-turbo EcoBoost play, the Hurricane was originally positioned as the engine that would replace the Hemi outright, but Ram’s product strategy has shifted under CEO Tim Kuniskis, who is an advocate of keeping multiple powertrain options on the table.
Kuniskis doesn't just think, he believes the Hemi will account for roughly 35 percent of Ram’s 2026 sales mix. Stellantis built around 30,000 Hemis last year, though Kuniskis said the engines only ended up in about 10,000 trucks. Ramping production up to six figures is about catching up to what buyers are actually asking for.
“So 2026 is going to be really telling of what the real mix between T6s and HEMIs. Because I’m adamant that T6 is a great engine,“ Kuniskis explained. “When you drive them back to back, the take rate of the HEMI is going to be maybe 35-ish percent.”
“We are working on expanding HEMIs, regardless of the location, right now in excess of 100,000 more,“ he concluded. “And that’s going to be everything. It’s going to be 5.7s, 6.4s — everything.”
Our Take: Kuniskis has been pretty clear that the 5.7L and 6.4 are unlikely candidates for the Charger, and it's equally unlikely we see the 6.4 added to the Ram 1500 lineup. The Hellcat engine is back online and will likely show up in the Charger at some point. What else is Stellantis planning with the Hemi—a Hellcat Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, an optional V8 for the Dakota, a new product for Chrysler?
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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They need to put a 5.7 in the new charger for those that love the V8 but don't need the massive power. The 5.7 in my 300C is great as far as power. I'm 69 years old.
Why aren't they building regular much more affordable simple 318 type v8s for the common driver? Back in the day hardly anyone bought hemis or even 440s. Another problem now is that few like the styling of the new Charger - they should have built a smaller Duster type car. & Chevy needs a Nova & Ford a Falcon type.