Ram fans, the wait is finally over. The iconic 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque engine is officially back in the 2026 Ram 1500, and trucks equipped with the powerhouse motor are now leaving the Sterling Heights (Michigan) Assembly Plant (SHAP) and heading to dealerships across the U.S.
Ram Brings Back the HEMI V-8 in Record Time
Just three months after announcing the HEMI’s return, Ram has delivered on its promise. Demand was instant and overwhelming: more than 10,000 orders were placed within the first 24 hours of the June announcement.
“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,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram Brand. “The return of the HEMI was managed in record time by the Ram team and the employees at SHAP.”
Chuck Padden, Vice President and Plant Manager at SHAP, added, “The SHAP team is as excited as our customers about the return of the HEMI. 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 for the 2026 HEMI-Powered Ram 1500
Each 2026 Ram 1500 equipped with the HEMI V-8 comes with a brand-new fender-mounted Symbol of Protest badge, designed by Ram’s in-house team. The badge showcases Ram’s head pushing forward, symbolizing strength and heritage powered by the legendary HEMI block.
The 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque engine is available in the following trims:
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Tradesman
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Big Horn
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Express
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Warlock
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Laramie
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Rebel (late availability)
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Limited
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Longhorn
This move is part of Ram’s aggressive product cadence over the next 18 months, expanding its already impressive lineup of light-duty and heavy-duty pickups.
Milestones at Sterling Heights Assembly Plant
The Ram 1500 was first launched at SHAP in early 2018, and in April 2024, the plant celebrated the production of its two millionth truck. The return of the HEMI V-8 underscores the plant’s legacy and commitment to producing trucks that customers love.
Why the 2026 Ram 1500 Stands Out
Ram continues to dominate the truck market by offering features that set it apart from competitors:
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Best-in-Class Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles on full-size truck and van powertrains
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Record Torque: First to deliver 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque with the Cummins Turbo Diesel
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Luxury Performance: Ram 1500 Tungsten with air suspension, 24-way massage seats, and 540 horsepower
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Unmatched Ride & Handling: Five-link solid rear axle with segment-exclusive active-level air suspension
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Off-Road Excellence: Ram 1500 RHO offers the best off-road performance per dollar
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Workhorse Capability: ProMaster delivers the most cargo space of any full-size cargo van
Final Thoughts
With its unmatched blend of power, performance, and heritage, the return of the HEMI-powered Ram 1500 reaffirms why Ram remains one of the most trusted names in trucks. Whether you’re looking for strength on the jobsite, luxury on the highway, or off-road capability, the 2026 Ram 1500 delivers.
