The rally cry from Ram customers was heard by Stellantis, and just months after the announcement that the HEMI V8 would be returning. The first 2026 Ram 1500s equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque engine left the Michigan Sterling Heights Assembly Plant also called SHAP on its way to dealers and happy customers across the country.
Demand meets Production
“When we announced the return of the legendary HEMI for the Ram 1500 in June, we received 10,000 orders in the first 24 hours, proving that we made the right decision to bring back this iconic engine for this truck,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO, Ram Brand. “The return of the HEMI was managed in record time by the Ram team and the employees at SHAP.”
“The SHAP team is as excited as our customers about the return of the HEMI,” said Chuck Padden, vice president and plant manager at SHAP. “There is a buzz around the building. They were eager to get back to work on it and to get it to our customers as quickly as possible.”
What’s New?
Each of the new HEMI-powered 2026 Ram 1500s includes a new fender-mounted Symbol of Protest badge custom-created by the Ram design team. Tapping into the brand’s audience and heritage, the new badge outlines the Ram’s head pushing forward powered by a HEMI V-8 block, symbolizing the drive toward innovation and the brand’s forward march focus.
The engine is now available in 2026 model-year Ram 1500 Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Limited and Longhorn with late availability in the Rebel as part of the brand’s promise to deliver a host of products over the next 18 months. The aggressive product cadence was teased by Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis at a press conference earlier this year. The Michigan-produced Ram 1500 debuted from SHAP in early 2018 and assembled its 2 millionth truck this April.
If you’re searching for a pickup that blends legendary capability, innovative technology, and pure driving enjoyment, look no further than the Ram 1500—now available with an exciting new HEMI engine option. Building on Ram’s reputation for strength and reliability, the latest Ram 1500 brings even more to the table for truck enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
For more information on the Ram 1500 or to schedule a test drive of the 2026 Ram 1500, click here.
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