The HEMI V8 Roars Back to Life In August: What Stellantis’ Production Reboot Means for Muscle Car Fans

The HEMI V8 is Back: Everything You Need to Know

For muscle car fans, the HEMI V8’s rumored demise was a tough pill to swallow. When Stellantis ended production in favor of the twin-turbocharged Hurricane I6 engines, many thought it was the end of an era. But in a surprising twist, multiple reports confirm that the legendary V8 will return, with production resuming at the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan as early as August 2025.

What’s Coming Back?

The revived HEMI lineup isn’t just limited to the 5.7-liter variant. Stellantis is reportedly bringing back a range of V8 powerplants, including:

The only omission is the 6.4L Big Gas Engine (BGE), which remains exclusive to heavy-duty Ram trucks.

What Triggered the Comeback?

A key factor in this shift is the departure of former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, who was widely credited with pushing the company toward electrification and downsizing. Since his exit, internal resistance against the V8 phase-out appears to have gained momentum. According to leaks and insider reports, Dodge and Ram executives fought to keep the HEMI alive, recognizing its significance in both branding and sales.

Dodge CEO Matt McAlear recently hinted at the possibility of a V8 return, fueling speculation. Now, new insider reports suggest that Stellantis is fully committed to reintroducing the HEMI to its lineup, likely to counter softening demand for all-electric muscle cars.

Which Vehicles Will Get the HEMI?

The first models expected to receive the reborn V8 include:

• Ram 1500: Leaked dealer documents suggest both the 5.7L and 6.4L V8s will return to the lineup, possibly even reviving the high-performance TRX variant.

• Dodge Durango: The 5.7L V8 is rumored to power the R/T trim until at least 2026, after which the SUV will undergo a full redesign.

• Dodge Charger: While initial reports claimed the all-new Charger was locked into Hurricane I6 and EV powertrains, recent reports suggest engineers are working on making a HEMI-powered version possible.

What’s Next for the HEMI?

Reports suggest that while the returning V8s will stick to the Gen 3 HEMI architecture, Stellantis might introduce minor performance and efficiency tweaks. There’s even speculation about a larger-displacement HEMI variant in the pipeline, though official details remain scarce.

One thing is clear: the muscle car world is watching. Whether this marks a full-fledged return of V8 dominance or a temporary last hurrah before stricter regulations take over remains to be seen.

Source: moparinsiders