Exclusive—Hemis to coexist with Hurricanes: timing and more

According to a recent report by several informal sources within FCA US, Ram will indeed be carrying Hemi V8s in the Ram 1500 again, with the Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer possibly regaining the engine as an option. However, the Hurricane Six, which has won over many V8 buyers who gave it a chance, is to stay on as the mainstay powerplant.

Mopar engines, Hemi V8 and/or Hurricane

The reason for this has much to do with tooling and machinery. The newer machines used to make high-production Hemis, particularly the 5.7, were repurposed to make Hurricane engines. Other machines and dies were too worn out to be put back into service.

The end result is that the Hemi will reportedly be made on a flexible assembly line using equipment meant for smaller runs. This line can reportedly make the 5.7, 6.4, and 6.2 Hellcat (though suppliers have yet to report contacts for Hellcat parts) without difficulty; but they are going to be limited in volume, and likely higher in cost, than if they were made on a normal high-speed line.

392 Hemi

The extra cost of making new Hemis will be offset by the U.S. government’s 25% taxes on Mexican and Canadian parts, but it will still likely be sold at a premium over the more powerful and efficient Hurricane, simply because it has to be made in smaller volumes. Those who insist on a Mopar V8, though, will be able to buy one without getting a Durango or a heavy duty pickup (which never lost their Hemis).

None of the engines are expected soon, though the company may start out by selling old stock from Saltillo, brought into the United States months ago for the Durango. The factory is not expected to make any engines until August, and may need to ramp up volume slowly to avoid problems.

The new Charger may remain Hurricane-only for some time, as it was not engineered with V8s in mind. Sales have been slow partly due to high prices and the company’s decision to bring 2024 models to dealers in 2025.


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