Ram Will Reinstate The V8, Alleges Snapchat Photo Of Email From Dealer

A new, alleged leak suggests Ram could bring back the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to the 1500 lineup along with a new Hellcat-powered TRX model with even more power than before.

According to Sportsnaut, the info comes from a picture of an email reportedly sent by a guy who works at a Wisconsin dealer who attended a meeting where Stellantis executives said the Hemi V8 would return. This all sounds very ironclad.

This would be an about-face on Ram's earlier proclamations that the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six would be the future of Ram’s performance trucks. The snapchatted email also suggests that the TRX could return with more power than before. The doc doesn't say how Ram plans to push the TRX past 702 hp—likely through new mapping for the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 or maybe even the 807 hp Redeye version.

The Ram 1500 TRX has been effectively replaced by the Ram 1500 RHO, which uses a 540-hp twin-turbo inline-six. If Ram does reintroduce the TRX, it will directly eat into Ford F-150 Raptor R sales, the only other factory-built pickup offering a supercharged V8 under the hood.

If the rumors are true, the Hemi V8 could show up for the 2026 model year, giving buyers another V8 option as regulations try to force automakers toward smaller, turbocharged engines. With Ford and GM still offering V8s in their trucks, why should Ram miss out? Especially in speciality, high-margin, high-performance models.

Beyond the return of the Hemi, the report also suggests Ram’s Heavy Duty lineup could gain new Warlock and Night Edition trims. Another significant change could be the introduction of a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine for the Ram 2500 Power Wagon, finally giving customers an alternative to the 6.4-liter Hemi V8. The Cummins turbodiesel produces 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, offering significantly more towing power compared to the Hemi’s 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque.

The report also suggests that Jeep will begin production of the next-generation Cherokee (or its replacement) in October. Meanwhile, Dodge will reportedly discontinue the Durango after 2025, and the Hornet will gain a high-performance GLH variant, which Dodge CEO Matt McAlear has already confirmed. No mention of a Hemi for the Charger, though.

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