The 5.7-litre Hemi V8 is officially in run-out across the Ram Trucks Australia DT 1500 range.
As manufacturing ends for the Hemi V8 in the US for Ram 1500 DT trucks, it marks the end of a production run that can be traced back to 1951.
A Hemi V8 engine is so named because the shape of the cylinder head’s combustion chamber—a scooped-out half circle or hemisphere—allows the spark plugs to be positioned closer to shorten the burn distance of the air/fuel mixture.
This unique hemisphere shape meant domed pistons were used to produce sufficient compression, which increased engine power.
Generation 1 ran from 1951 to 1958, and Generation 2 ran from 1964 to 1971, predominantly in race and high-end muscle cars.
The third-generation Hemi V8 first appeared in pick-up trucks in 2003 and soon gained a following for its power and rumble.
The Hemi V8 is available in the Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Sport and Limited editions of the Ram 1500 DT range.
Delivering 291kW and 556Nm, the Hemi V8 also incorporates the eTorque mild hybrid system that powers cylinder deactivation and the stop/start engine functionality.
“Hemi V8s and Ram Trucks go hand in hand, so now’s the perfect time to grab a future classic,” Ram Trucks Australia general manager Jeff Barber said.
“The legendary Hemi V8 has been the rock-solid backbone of the RAM Trucks product line-up since the early 2000s, offering unrivalled drivability, outstanding towing capability and, of course, that unique V8 rumble for over 70 years in various incarnations.”
Every Hemi V8-powered RAM also benefits from up to 4.5-tonne max braked towing.
“You’ve always promised yourself a Hemi V8 – and now that they’re in run out with free on-roads, that time has come,” Barber said.
“While we have exciting news ahead for what will power future Ram Trucks, once these Hemi V8s are gone, they’re gone.”
Pricing:
• Ram 1500 Big Horn – $114,950 RRP*
• Ram 1500 Laramie – from $137,950 RRP*
• Ram 1500 Laramie Sport – from $141,950 RRP*
• Ram 1500 Limited – from $156,950 RRP*
