Ram brings back the iconic Hemi V8 engine
Ram faced the risk of losing 30,000 sales per year by abandoning the legendary Hemi V8 engine. Despite the emergence of more modern alternatives, customer loyalty and brand identity forced the manufacturer to bring back this option. On the first day after the announcement alone, over 10,000 orders were received.
As stated by the new Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, without the return of the Hemi V8, the company could have lost a significant market share. This indicates a deep connection between pickup truck owners and this engine, which has become part of their identity. Even the advantages of the new inline six-cylinder Hurricane engine could not convince V8 enthusiasts.
“With loyalty at the level of 75-80% in the pickup segment, you don’t want to lose any of these customers” – Tim Kuniskis
Market reaction and the future of Hemi
Experts note that American buyers associate pickup truck power specifically with V8 engines. It is expected that about 40% of Ram buyers will choose this option, despite the additional fee of $1200. This figure is significantly higher than that of competitors, confirming the unique status of Hemi in the Ram lineup.
Interestingly, the demand for V8 remains stable even in a world that is increasingly focused on environmental friendliness and efficiency. This indicates that for many motorists, emotions and traditions often prove more important than technical specifications. Manufacturers have to balance between innovation and preserving the iconic solutions that shape brand identities.