Last year, numerous sources claimed that the Hemi V8 engine would be dropped by 2021 — later clarifying, “The 5.7 Hemi will be dropped by 2021, but the SRT Hemi may survive.”

The 5.7 was first launched in December 2002; it was revised in 2008, for the 2009 cars and trucks.


Recently, sources have told Allpar that a new Hemi engine will replace the current SRTs. It is to be smaller (externally), so it can fit under the hoods of future cars; it will likely be lighter as well.

A base Hemi V8 is likely, in addition to a forced-induction model. The Hemi name sells Rams and Dodges, and not everyone wants a turbocharged (or supercharged) straight-six. A smaller Hemi could be valuable for sales, especially if fuel-economy standards are dialed back.


Emissions remain a problem — engines with “Hemi” designs tend to have issues with certain pollutants. To get a new V8, Auburn Hills may need to give up the remains of the Hemi heads; that may or may not mean the end of the Hemi name.

The code name is still unknown, but the company currently uses military aircraft (Eagle, Apache, Hellcat, Hurricane). AMC’s 5.6-liter V8 was dubbed “Typhoon” — a fine name for a next-generation Hemi engine.