Ram is keeping V8s in some of its trucks—but only the BGE version, which is the 6.4 liter “truck Hemi” used in the Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, and its chassis cabs.
The news comes today as Stellantis North America released its list of active plants. This listing confirms that the Saltillo Engine facility is the only source of Hurricane twin turbo engines; Saltillo South and Trenton South are both continuing to make the Pentastar V6 engines, though Trenton is the only source of “classic” Pentastars and Saltillo is, unexpectedly, the source of Pacifica PHEV engines (the Pacifica is made in Canada).
Earlier word from Saltillo suggested that all the Hemi equipment had been adapted to making Hurricanes, but on inquiry, it turned out that a very small number of machines may have been kept “as is” to make the low volume of engines needed for the “heavy duty” and medium-duty Rams. These trucks have much lighter regulatory rules, as they were, when the rules were being written, almost entirely used for commercial ends and had low volumes.
Cummins diesel engines are likely to remain as an option, and it’s possible that Cummins hydrogen engines may join them—though fuel cells are also possible.
Dundee is to start making 1.6 liter engines in 2024; these are a highly regarded Peugeot design. Kokomo will keep making 2.0 liter four-cylinders, the only source for these.
Mt. Elliott Tool & Die shows up on the list as making stamping dies, and stamping and checking fixtures; but the site is being closed (if it has not already been closed) and will be sold. This was part of the 2023 union agreement.
