The demise of the Gen III HEMI V8 engine began in earnest back in 2022. Last Call editions of popular sports cars and muscle trucks started rolling out as the company’s electrification and engine downsizing plans came into full swing. For horsepower-loving off-road fanatics like us, this meant that 2024 was the final year for the 702-horsepower, supercharged V8-powered Ram TRX. A collective wail was heard across the nation.

Now, with Carlos Tavares out as CEO of Stellantis and Tim Kuniskis back as head of the Ram brand, rumors of the legendary engine’s return have become increasingly frequent. And honestly, we’re here for it.

The HEMI Engine Is Back! Maybe?

Thanks to its anonymous sources, Mopar Insiders is reporting that not only is the HEMI returning, but it will be doing so much sooner than anyone anticipated. Their source says that the Dundee Engine Plant (DEP) in Michigan is preparing for a targeted production start date as soon as August of this year. And it’s not just the 5.7-liter engine that will be produced either. Instead, sources are saying that it will be the entire HEMI family, which includes the 6.4-liter V8 and supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat.

This information seemingly backs a previous leak reported by Sportsnaut, that not only will the 5.7-liter HEMI be returning to Ram trucks but that a more powerful Ram TRX will as well. This time, the information came from a screen capture during a confidential dealer meeting. The memo also notes availability of a 6.4-liter HEMI for Ram 1500.

The most recent Ram TRX rumors also align with reports from Mopar Insiders from early March, which indicate a more powerful 2026 Ram TRX return. If true, this likely signals a Hellcat Redeye-powered TRX is in the works in an attempt to regain the horsepower and torque crown from Ford’s Raptor R.

The HEMI Never Really Left

Contrary to what the loud voices on the internet might say, the HEMI V8 engine never really left the Mopar stable. In 2025 you can still purchase a Jeep Wrangler 392, which comes fit with the 6.4-liter HEMI. Also still available is the Dodge Durango Hellcat with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI. And we be remiss if we didn’t at least mention the Ram Heavy Duty and its big gas engine option, a 6.4-liter HEMI built specifically for heavy-duty applications.

Which HEMI Engines Do We Realistically Expect Back?

If this whole scenario shakes out like the rumors suggest, we expect to see the slow rollout of HEMI V8 engines across the Stellantis portfolio. This will likely begin with the 5.7-liter engine for the Ram 1500. The rumored 6.4-liter Ram 1500 would likely follow along with a new Ram TRX. Jeep will likely continue producing Wrangler 392 models and there’s a slim chance of the 5.7-liter HEMI returning to Grand Cherokee. Wagoneer could very well see its 6.4-liter option restored. And, if the vehicle survives another generation, the Dodge Durango should get its 5.7-liter option back.

It’s worth noting that Stellantis has not officially confirmed that the HEMI V8 engine is in fact returning to production. And when reached for a comment, a Ram spokesperson called the report merely “speculation.” The only thing we know for certain is that the truck-specific 6.4-liter V8 will remain.