The automotive world is buzzing with news of a potential resurgence for a beloved engine. Following changes within Stellantis, including the departure of former CEO Carlos Tavares, there’s a significant shift in strategy. While electrification and new engine technologies are still a focus, it appears the roar of the classic V8 might not be silenced just yet. Sources indicate that the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8, a staple in Dodge vehicles and beyond, is slated for a production restart, offering enthusiasts hope for its continued presence in the market.
Recent online speculation has hinted at the 5.7-liter HEMI making a comeback in the Ram 1500, even after its anticipated phase-out for 2025 in favor of the advanced twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE I6 engines. While these rumors have been circulating, concrete confirmation remained elusive – until now.
5.7-liter HEMI® V8 Production to Resume at Dundee Engine Plant
Credible sources have revealed exciting developments that lend weight to the rumors surrounding the HEMI’s return. Previously, the 5.7-liter HEMI was manufactured at Stellantis’ Saltillo Engine Plant in Mexico. However, production there ceased to accommodate the increasing demand for HURRICANE I6 engine production. Although the Dodge Durango currently benefits from a stockpile of pre-built 5.7-liter HEMI engines, it was widely assumed that once these reserves were depleted, the era of the 5.7L HEMI would draw to a close.
However, according to inside sources, Stellantis is preparing to restart production of the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. In a noteworthy shift, this production is expected to take place at the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan. This move marks a significant change, as it would be the first time in many years that a Mopar V8 engine has been produced within the United States. This development not only fuels speculation about the HEMI’s return to the Ram 1500 lineup but also strongly suggests that Dundee will be the new home for its production.
Before exploring the implications of this for Stellantis and the Ram brand, let’s examine the Dundee Engine Plant’s recent history and its evolving role in Stellantis’ powertrain strategy.
Dundee Engine Plant: From Pentastar V6 to Potential Dodge HEMI Production
The Dundee Engine Plant has been a crucial part of Stellantis’ (and formerly FCA’s) engine production network. In February 2019, a $119 million investment was announced to retool the Dundee facility for the production of the Pentastar V6 engine family. This investment was a key component of a broader $4.5 billion initiative aimed at modernizing five Michigan-based facilities, an effort projected to create approximately 6,500 new jobs. Dundee efficiently adapted to its new mandate, commencing Pentastar engine production in November 2019 as part of this significant transformation.
Further solidifying its future, on August 1, 2022, Stellantis unveiled plans for a $99 million investment across three North American plants to introduce a cutting-edge 1.6-liter, I-4 turbocharged engine into production. A substantial portion of this investment, nearly $83 million, was allocated to transforming the Dundee Engine Complex into the final assembly point for this new powertrain. This next-generation engine, engineered with direct fuel injection and hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) compatibility, is based on an existing European design. It is intended to power two upcoming North American HEV models, including the next generation Jeep® Cherokee, which has been recently spotted in spy photographs. This engine represents Stellantis’ inaugural HEV engine offering in the region, with production slated to begin in early 2025.
As Dundee geared up for its future in hybrid and smaller engine production, it also marked the end of an era for some long-standing engine lines. The final 2.4-liter Tigershark I4 engine was produced on March 16, 2023, and the last 3.6-liter Pentastar Upgrade V6 engine rolled off the line on August 18, 2023, as Stellantis shifted its focus towards newer technologies.
Electrification and the Potential V8 Engine Return
More recently, on September 11, 2024, Stellantis announced an additional investment exceeding $73 million to further retool the Dundee plant. This funding is earmarked for equipping the facility to assemble, weld, and test battery trays for the innovative STLA Frame architecture and to machine the front and rear beams crucial for the forthcoming STLA Large architecture. This latest investment highlighted Dundee’s increasing importance in the company’s electrification strategy, making the rumor of V8 production restart even more surprising and intriguing.
If the latest information holds true, and Dundee becomes the production site for the 5.7-liter Dodge Hemi, it would signify the first time in almost 16 years that Chrysler has manufactured a V8 engine in the United States. The Dundee Engine Plant is strategically located for 5.7-liter HEMI production, given its close proximity to both the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (where the Ram 1500 is assembled) and the Jefferson Assembly Plant (home of the Dodge Durango). This geographic advantage not only supports the plausibility of the HEMI V8’s return to the Ram 1500 but also reinforces the likelihood of production shifting to Dundee.
What Does This Mean for the Future of the Dodge HEMI?
While the prospect of continued Dodge HEMI V8 production is exciting news for enthusiasts, it’s important to maintain a realistic perspective. It is unlikely that the 5.7-liter HEMI will suddenly appear in models where it wasn’t previously offered. The most probable applications remain the Dodge Durango and Ram 1500. A less likely, but still possible, scenario could involve its return to the Grand Cherokee, particularly as rumors suggest the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 might be replaced by the updated turbocharged 2.0-liter GME-T4 EVO I4 engine for the 2026 model year.
Sources indicate that the HEMI V8 is expected to return to the 2026 Ram 1500 as the base engine option, positioned below the HURRICANE I6 engines in lower trim levels. It’s also anticipated that “HEMI Special Editions” could emerge to celebrate this continued engine production. Production at Dundee is reportedly scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year.
While many performance enthusiasts might be hoping to see a V8 under the hood of the new Dodge Charger, it’s highly unlikely the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will be offered in this model. The new Charger platform was not engineered with the V8 in mind, and performance-wise, it would likely be overshadowed by the more powerful HURRICANE I6 engines, creating an incongruous powertrain hierarchy. However, for fans of the classic V8 sound and feel, the news of continued Dodge HEMI production is undoubtedly a positive development, ensuring this iconic engine remains a part of the automotive landscape for a while longer.
