Ram Rules Out Hemi V8 Comeback as Australia Commits to New Hurricane Era
V8 muscle has roared through Australia’s outback for decades, but Ram Trucks is slamming the door on its return. In a bold pivot, the brand confirms no plans to revive the iconic Hemi V8 in local pickups, embracing the twin-turbo Hurricane engine as the future of high-performance towing Down Under.
Ram Hemi V8 comeback rumors are fading fast in searches, with Hurricane engine Australia adoption surging alongside Ram 1500 Hurricane upgrade and twin-turbo six-cylinder pickup trends. This shift underscores a global push toward efficient powertrains amid tightening emissions rules, even as the Hemi’s rumble still echoes in enthusiasts’ dreams.
The announcement from Ram Trucks Australia (RTA) comes hot on the heels of the 2025 Ram 1500’s local debut, where the new Hurricane straight-six has stolen the spotlight. Debuting in the U.S. last year as part of Stellantis’ electrification strategy, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six replaces the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 across the lineup. In Australia, where the Ram 1500 has carved a niche since its 2018 import as a right-hand-drive behemoth, the transition marks a clean break from the V8 era.
Under the hood, the Hurricane packs a punch: Standard Output versions deliver 313kW of power and 635Nm of torque, while High Output variants crank out 403kW and 707Nm—outpacing the Hemi’s 292kW and 556Nm. Paired with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic, it promises smoother shifts and better fuel economy, addressing complaints from Aussie drivers about the Hemi’s thirst on long hauls. The engine’s iron block and twin turbos ensure diesel-like low-end grunt without the clatter, making it ideal for towing up to 4.5 tons in the Ram’s coil-spring rear setup.
RTA’s Director of Vehicle Sales, Todd Dowling, drove the point home in a recent interview: “The Hurricane is definitely a part of our future, and the more people who drive it, the more they are really falling in love with that engine.” Dealers report strong test-drive conversions, with early buyers praising the refined power delivery over the Hemi’s raw shove. For now, the sole Hemi holdout is the outgoing MY24 Big Horn trim at $109,950 drive-away, but stock is dwindling as Hurricane-equipped Laramie Sport, Rebel, and Limited models roll out from $139,950.
This isn’t Ram’s first dance with engine swaps Down Under. The Hemi V8 arrived with the DT-series Ram 1500 in 2018, transforming the full-size pickup from a Yank curiosity into a status symbol for tradies and weekend warriors alike. It filled a void left by Ford’s Ranger Raptor and Toyota’s HiLux, offering unapologetic American excess in a market dominated by utes. But with Australia’s Euro 6 emissions standards looming and fuel prices biting, the Hemi’s 15L/100km thirst became a liability.
Industry watchers see this as part of a broader Stellantis playbook. The Hurricane, co-developed with Mercedes-AMG influences, slots into a modular family that includes a forthcoming Hurricane II hybrid for heavier-duty Rams. Globally, it’s a hedge against EV mandates, blending performance with 10-15% better efficiency than the V8. In Australia, where pickups outsell sedans, RTA’s bet on the six-cylinder aligns with rivals like the Ford F-150’s EcoBoost V6, which has quietly dominated sales charts.
Automotive analyst Ben Wilson from Drive.com.au calls it a savvy move: “The Hemi’s emotional pull is real, but data shows buyers prioritize torque and tech over cylinder count. The Hurricane’s 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds for the HO version will win over skeptics.” On forums like Reddit’s r/RamTrucks and X, reactions split the crowd—one user lamented, “RIP to the Hemi growl that shook the red dirt,” while another cheered, “Finally, a Ram that won’t bankrupt me at the pump.” Sales figures back the optimism: Ram Australia’s volumes hit 4,200 units last year, up 20%, with Hurricane previews drawing record showroom traffic.
For U.S. readers eyeing the Pacific trade ties, this Aussie commitment ripples across the economy. With Ram exports to Australia topping $500 million annually, the Hurricane’s adoption could pressure Detroit to accelerate V8 phase-outs stateside, boosting jobs in turbo tech at plants like Saltillo, Mexico. Lifestyle perks? American truck fans—over 2 million Ram owners strong—get a sneak peek at the engine’s real-world grit from mates towing caravans through the Nullarbor. Politically, it nods to Biden-era green incentives spilling over via USMCA, easing EV transitions without killing the pickup’s soul. And in NASCAR-loving circles, where Hemi heritage runs deep, the shift hints at hybrid muscle cars revving up stock car tech for everyday haulers.
User intent here is straightforward: Truck shoppers want power without compromise, and RTA’s management focuses on education—roadshows and dyno demos to showcase the Hurricane’s edge. Early management tweaks include software updates for sharper throttle response, addressing minor turbo lag gripes.
As the dust settles on the Hemi era, Australia’s full-throated embrace of the Hurricane signals a torque-filled tomorrow, with Ram eyeing hybrid variants by 2027.
In summary, Ram’s firm no to a Hemi V8 revival in Australia cements the Hurricane engine’s reign, blending brute force with smarter efficiency for a new generation of pickups. Looking ahead, this pivot could inspire global lineups, from U.S. heavy-duty models to export beasts, ensuring the Ram legacy thunders on without missing a beat.
By Sam Michael
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