Ram 1500 DT Hemi on run-out

BY MATT BROGAN | 6th Nov 2024

AVAILABILITY of the famed 5.7-litre V8 Hemi engine is at an end for the Ram 1500 with production of the acclaimed mill ending in the United States – marking the end of a production run that can trace its roots back to 1951.

Resultantly, V8-powered Ram 1500 DT models are now in run-out locally, with Ram Trucks Australia pricing its 1500 range from $114,950 with free on-road costs while stocks last.

“Hemi V8s and Ram Trucks go hand in hand, so now’s the perfect time to grab a future classic,” said Ram Trucks Australia general manager Jeff Barber.

“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.”

The Hemi V8 engine derives its name from the shape of the cylinder head’s combustion chamber – a scooped out semi-circle or hemisphere – which allowed the spark plugs to be positioned closer to shorten the burn distance of the air/fuel mixture.

This unique shape meant domed pistons were used to produce sufficient compression, which allowed for an increase in engine power.

The first-generation Hemi was produced from 1951-58, and the second from 1964-71, both predominantly in race cars and high-end muscle cars.

The third-generation Hemi V8 first saw action in pick-up trucks in 2003, and soon gained a passionate following for its effortless power and V8 rumble, says Ram Trucks Australia.

Today, the Hemi V8 sees action in the Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Sport, and Limited editions of the RAM 1500 DT range.

“You’ve always promised yourself a Hemi V8 – and now that they’re in run out with free on-roads, that time has come,” added Mr Barber.

“While we have exciting news ahead for what will power future Ram Trucks, once these history-making Hemi V8s are gone, they’re gone.”

Future Ram 1500 variants will arrive with the brand’s new Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, promising more power, better fuel economy, and lower emissions than the bent eight unit it replaces.

Standard Output (or SO) Hurricane engines, available in Big Horn and Laramie grades stateside, produce 313kW and 636Nm, while the High Output (or HO) tune available in the high-grade Limited offers a 403kW and 736Nm state of tune.

By way of comparison, the outgoing V8 makes 291kW and 556Nm.

An RHO model, currently available in the US, is also on the cards, replacing the 1500 TRX in the range. It will share the same ‘HO’ stats as the Limited variant, falling well short of the 6.2-litre supercharged V8 Hellcat engine currently offered with 523kW and 881Nm.

Australian availability of Hurricane-powered Ram 1500 models is expected to be confirmed within the coming weeks.

2024 Ram 1500 pricing*: