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Ram’s decision to bring back the legendary V-8 engine has triggered unprecedented buyer enthusiasm, with new Hemi-powered 2026 Ram 1500 trucks selling in just five days on average. This remarkable turnover rate crushes typical industry standards, where the fastest-moving vehicles usually sit on lots for 20 to 30 days.
Customer Demand Overwhelms Production
Stellantis reports that orders for Hemi-equipped trucks have already exceeded manufacturing capacity. The automaker acknowledged making a strategic error by removing the beloved 5.7-liter V-8 from the 2025 model year lineup.
“Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it,” stated Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis. The company replaced the traditional V-8 with its more powerful Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine but discovered customers preferred the classic eight-cylinder sound and character.
Strong Overall Sales Performance
The Ram 1500 lineup achieved a 10% year-over-year increase in third-quarter sales, moving 44,349 units between July and September. Through the first nine months of 2025, Ram has delivered 143,264 light-duty pickups, representing a 4% gain compared to the previous year.
While Ram doesn’t separate sales figures by engine type, the five-day dealer lot average for Hemi models indicates significant consumer preference for the returning V-8. The engine produces 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by eTorque hybrid technology for improved efficiency.
Extended Model Availability
The 5.7-liter Hemi will be available across most 2026 Ram 1500 trim levels, excluding only the high-performance RHO and luxury Tungsten variants. Configurations include Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn, Laramie, and Rebel models.
The engine comes standard on Limited and Limited Longhorn trims at no additional charge, while lower-tier models require a $2,900 option fee. When properly equipped, Hemi-powered trucks can tow up to 11,470 pounds.
Market Response Signals Strategy Success
The overwhelming response validates Stellantis’ decision to listen to customer feedback rather than purely pursue efficiency metrics. Ram’s experience mirrors broader industry debates about balancing environmental regulations with consumer preferences.
This success could influence other Stellantis brands, particularly as the electric Dodge Charger Daytona struggles to gain traction in the marketplace. The company plans to launch gasoline-powered Charger variants this fall and may consider bringing V-8 power back to that nameplate as well.
For truck buyers, the rapid sales pace suggests how long does it take to buy a car might be much shorter when popular features return to market. However, the production constraints mean interested customers should act quickly to secure their preferred configurations before supply catches up with demand.
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
