Ram Can't Keep Up With All The Hemi 1500 Orders
Ram’s decision to offer the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the 1500 pickup again was a strategic move that would have been considered brilliant if the brand hadn't made the boneheaded decision to cancel the V8 in the first place.
Key Points
- Ram has officially brought back the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the 2026 1500 pickup after CEO Tim Kuniskis admitted it was a mistake to drop it for the 2025 model year.
- The brand received over 10,000 orders in just 24 hours after announcing the engine’s return, signaling strong consumer enthusiasm and loyalty for the V8 option.
- The 395-hp Hemi is available across multiple trims, with some receiving it at no additional cost, and Ram plans to begin deliveries this summer with a special “Symbol of Protest” badge.
Truck buyers wasted no time responding. According to Stellantis North America’s head of U.S. sales, Jeff Kommor, Ram received over 10,000 orders within the first 24 hours of announcing the Hemi’s return early last month. That’s nearly 20% of Ram’s total light-duty pickup sales from the previous quarter—an astounding show of demand.
The Hemi V8 delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, making it more potent than the standard 3.6-liter V6, but not quite as powerful as the new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, which offers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The Hemi’s raw, naturally aspirated appeal still resonates strongly with traditional truck buyers. There's honestly nothing like daily driving a V8—if you haven't done it, you won't get it, sorry.
While the decision to resurrect the Hemi has clearly been popular, it’s created a new challenge: meeting that surging demand. Kuniskis noted that ramping up production could lead to short-term headaches as supply catches up to enthusiastic customer response.
The Hemi’s return is just the start. CEO Kuniskis previously hinted that 25 new product launches are planned for the next 18 months, including Ram’s much-anticipated return to NASCAR. Speculation is also heating up about a TRX reboot for 2026, especially with Stellantis reviving its performance-focused SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand.
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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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