Volkswagen Golf: PHEV power no closer to Australia
Volkswagen Australia is yet to commit to electrifying its popular Golf hatchback, despite mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options being available in overseas markets.
Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, head of product for Volkswagen Australia – Arjun Nidigallu – said arguing the business case with the company's global parent remains the biggest hurdle.
'We continually investigate alternative powertrains as a general thing, not just for [the] Golf but for every model wherever there's an opportunity,' Mr Nidigallu said.
'The challenges tend to be around creating a business case for it, particularly in segments that are smaller in volume.'
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'We continue to investigate these things, but for the current Golf if we look at what the customers are after, it's very, very clear that they want the quality and practicality aspects of it in the lower end, and of course they want the performance and acceleration in the GTI and R,' Mr Nidigallu continued.
'We haven't seen a clear marker in our data sets for hybridisation as a priority for [Golf] customers. Yes it is on the list, but it's not top of the list at the moment for this segment.
'There are other segments – [like] medium SUV – where electrification is very much desired, and that's why the ID.4 and ID.5 were such a big priority for us, and it's the first step we're taking in that direction.
'But in the small segment, while it is a general interest for customers, it's not on top of the list for Golf buyers at the moment.'
Despite VW Australia being unable to get the business case over the line with its global parent, other brands in the VW Group stable Down Under have managed to make it work – the related Audi A3 runs the Group's latest 1.5 eTSI engine with 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology, soon to be joined by the also-related Cupra Leon and Skoda Octavia.
Further, the non-MHEV 1.5 TSI – which is already newer and more efficient than the 1.4 TSI – is offered in a raft of products in Australia and around the world. The Skoda Scala and Kamiq, as well as the Audi A1 and Q2 also feature this powertrain.
Then there are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which VW brands as eHybrids. In the Golf alone there are two different variations offered abroad: a 150kW in the standard Golf and a 200kW tune in the GTE, with both quoting over 130km of WLTP-certified electric driving range in their latest forms.
PHEVs have been a struggle for all of the VW Group in Australia, particularly in the smaller segments, though Cupra offers the Leon and Formentor with plug-in tech. These use the older 1.4-litre PHEV powertrain with less range – in the 50-60km realm.
Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles in Australia has made a number of attempts to bring the Golf PHEV Down Under, starting with the Mk7 GTE last decade before backflipping due to high global demand, and more recently the Mk8.5 GTE which was likewise abandoned.
Skoda Australia recently confirmed it's planning to bring the mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI powertrain to the Octavia before the end of this year as a running change to the lineup. Currently, the Skoda runs the same 1.4 TSI and eight-speed auto transmission as the Golf.
Likewise the Cupra Leon and Formentor will add the 1.5 eTSI with their incoming facelifts, joined by the larger Terramar SUV – which will get MHEV and PHEV options unlike the related VW Tiguan.
Despite VW's stance on demand for electrified small vehicles, the Golf is being outpaced by rivals with varying degrees of electrification on the Australian sales charts.
The Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla currently outsell the Golf by quite some margin, with the Hyundai offering 48V mild-hybrid and full-hybrid options across its i30 Hatch and Sedan respectively, while the entire Corolla range is hybrid-only as of mid-2024.
Further, the all-electric MG 4 hatchback is likewise beating out the Golf in year-to-date volume (1335 v 853) as of March 31.
Elsewhere in the small passenger segment, the Mazda 3 has previously offered 24V mild-hybrid tech, though has reverted to ICE-only; and the Honda Civic has gone hybrid-only Down Under.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our Australian launch drive review of the new Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI on May 8.
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Ram 1500 revives Hemi V8 as brand fixes "mistake", Australian return unconfirmed
The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. "Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it," he said. "We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But there's no guarantee it'll return to the Australian-market 1500 lineup. "The return of the Hemi V8 is a decision that has been made for the US market. As it stands today, there is no guarantee the Hemi V8 will return to Australian showrooms," said a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson. "As with any development, we will continue to review and evaluate what options are made available to us from the vast Ram catalogue in the US. "We know there are customers who love the sound of a V8, and the Hemi V8 is still available in our Ram 1500 Big Horn model while stock lasts. "However, customers have also embraced the new Hurricane twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in our latest Ram 1500 models. "The Hurricane engine remains an integral part of Ram's future. With more power and torque – and better efficiency – than the previous 5.7-litre Hemi V8, we believe the new Hurricane engine series will over time become iconic in its own right." Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. That would make a Hemi V8-equipped 1500 a late 2026 or early 2027 proposition, should it be approved for our market. The 2025 facelift comprised more than just aesthetic tweaks, with other changes including upgraded infotainment, so this isn't as simple as just figuratively flicking a switch. Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. In the US, the Hemi will be offered across every trim level bar the sporty RHO and luxurious Tungsten, which will be offered exclusively with the High Output version of the Hurricane six. For the Limited and Longhorn, which also come standard with the high-output six, the Hemi will be a no-cost option. Ram has stood behind the new Hurricane engine in the US, which is also used by Jeep and is being rolled out to the Dodge brand this year. "Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic Hemi V8," said Mr Kuniskis. The return of the Hemi also sees the introduction of a new badge featuring a Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V8 engine block. Ram is calling the badge the 'Symbol of Protest'. The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under. MORE: Everything Ram 1500 Content originally sourced from: The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. "Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it," he said. "We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But there's no guarantee it'll return to the Australian-market 1500 lineup. "The return of the Hemi V8 is a decision that has been made for the US market. As it stands today, there is no guarantee the Hemi V8 will return to Australian showrooms," said a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson. "As with any development, we will continue to review and evaluate what options are made available to us from the vast Ram catalogue in the US. "We know there are customers who love the sound of a V8, and the Hemi V8 is still available in our Ram 1500 Big Horn model while stock lasts. "However, customers have also embraced the new Hurricane twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in our latest Ram 1500 models. "The Hurricane engine remains an integral part of Ram's future. With more power and torque – and better efficiency – than the previous 5.7-litre Hemi V8, we believe the new Hurricane engine series will over time become iconic in its own right." Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. That would make a Hemi V8-equipped 1500 a late 2026 or early 2027 proposition, should it be approved for our market. The 2025 facelift comprised more than just aesthetic tweaks, with other changes including upgraded infotainment, so this isn't as simple as just figuratively flicking a switch. Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. In the US, the Hemi will be offered across every trim level bar the sporty RHO and luxurious Tungsten, which will be offered exclusively with the High Output version of the Hurricane six. For the Limited and Longhorn, which also come standard with the high-output six, the Hemi will be a no-cost option. Ram has stood behind the new Hurricane engine in the US, which is also used by Jeep and is being rolled out to the Dodge brand this year. "Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic Hemi V8," said Mr Kuniskis. The return of the Hemi also sees the introduction of a new badge featuring a Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V8 engine block. Ram is calling the badge the 'Symbol of Protest'. The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under. MORE: Everything Ram 1500 Content originally sourced from: The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. "Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it," he said. "We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But there's no guarantee it'll return to the Australian-market 1500 lineup. "The return of the Hemi V8 is a decision that has been made for the US market. As it stands today, there is no guarantee the Hemi V8 will return to Australian showrooms," said a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson. "As with any development, we will continue to review and evaluate what options are made available to us from the vast Ram catalogue in the US. "We know there are customers who love the sound of a V8, and the Hemi V8 is still available in our Ram 1500 Big Horn model while stock lasts. "However, customers have also embraced the new Hurricane twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in our latest Ram 1500 models. "The Hurricane engine remains an integral part of Ram's future. With more power and torque – and better efficiency – than the previous 5.7-litre Hemi V8, we believe the new Hurricane engine series will over time become iconic in its own right." Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. That would make a Hemi V8-equipped 1500 a late 2026 or early 2027 proposition, should it be approved for our market. The 2025 facelift comprised more than just aesthetic tweaks, with other changes including upgraded infotainment, so this isn't as simple as just figuratively flicking a switch. Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. In the US, the Hemi will be offered across every trim level bar the sporty RHO and luxurious Tungsten, which will be offered exclusively with the High Output version of the Hurricane six. For the Limited and Longhorn, which also come standard with the high-output six, the Hemi will be a no-cost option. Ram has stood behind the new Hurricane engine in the US, which is also used by Jeep and is being rolled out to the Dodge brand this year. "Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic Hemi V8," said Mr Kuniskis. The return of the Hemi also sees the introduction of a new badge featuring a Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V8 engine block. Ram is calling the badge the 'Symbol of Protest'. The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under. MORE: Everything Ram 1500 Content originally sourced from: The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. "Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it," he said. "We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But there's no guarantee it'll return to the Australian-market 1500 lineup. "The return of the Hemi V8 is a decision that has been made for the US market. As it stands today, there is no guarantee the Hemi V8 will return to Australian showrooms," said a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson. "As with any development, we will continue to review and evaluate what options are made available to us from the vast Ram catalogue in the US. "We know there are customers who love the sound of a V8, and the Hemi V8 is still available in our Ram 1500 Big Horn model while stock lasts. "However, customers have also embraced the new Hurricane twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in our latest Ram 1500 models. "The Hurricane engine remains an integral part of Ram's future. With more power and torque – and better efficiency – than the previous 5.7-litre Hemi V8, we believe the new Hurricane engine series will over time become iconic in its own right." Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. That would make a Hemi V8-equipped 1500 a late 2026 or early 2027 proposition, should it be approved for our market. The 2025 facelift comprised more than just aesthetic tweaks, with other changes including upgraded infotainment, so this isn't as simple as just figuratively flicking a switch. Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. In the US, the Hemi will be offered across every trim level bar the sporty RHO and luxurious Tungsten, which will be offered exclusively with the High Output version of the Hurricane six. For the Limited and Longhorn, which also come standard with the high-output six, the Hemi will be a no-cost option. Ram has stood behind the new Hurricane engine in the US, which is also used by Jeep and is being rolled out to the Dodge brand this year. "Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic Hemi V8," said Mr Kuniskis. The return of the Hemi also sees the introduction of a new badge featuring a Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V8 engine block. Ram is calling the badge the 'Symbol of Protest'. The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under. MORE: Everything Ram 1500 Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
5 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Ram 1500 revives Hemi V8 as brand fixes "mistake", Australian return unconfirmed
The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. 'Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it,' he said. 'We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But there's no guarantee it'll return to the Australian-market 1500 lineup. 'The return of the Hemi V8 is a decision that has been made for the US market. As it stands today, there is no guarantee the Hemi V8 will return to Australian showrooms,' said a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson. 'As with any development, we will continue to review and evaluate what options are made available to us from the vast Ram catalogue in the US. 'We know there are customers who love the sound of a V8, and the Hemi V8 is still available in our Ram 1500 Big Horn model while stock lasts. 'However, customers have also embraced the new Hurricane twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in our latest Ram 1500 models. 'The Hurricane engine remains an integral part of Ram's future. With more power and torque – and better efficiency – than the previous 5.7-litre Hemi V8, we believe the new Hurricane engine series will over time become iconic in its own right.' Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. That would make a Hemi V8-equipped 1500 a late 2026 or early 2027 proposition, should it be approved for our market. The 2025 facelift comprised more than just aesthetic tweaks, with other changes including upgraded infotainment, so this isn't as simple as just figuratively flicking a switch. Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. In the US, the Hemi will be offered across every trim level bar the sporty RHO and luxurious Tungsten, which will be offered exclusively with the High Output version of the Hurricane six. For the Limited and Longhorn, which also come standard with the high-output six, the Hemi will be a no-cost option. Ram has stood behind the new Hurricane engine in the US, which is also used by Jeep and is being rolled out to the Dodge brand this year. 'Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic Hemi V8,' said Mr Kuniskis. The return of the Hemi also sees the introduction of a new badge featuring a Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V8 engine block. Ram is calling the badge the 'Symbol of Protest'. The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under.
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
Ram 1500 revives Hemi V8 as brand fixes "mistake", Australian return unconfirmed
The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. 'Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it,' he said. 'We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert But there's no guarantee it'll return to the Australian-market 1500 lineup. 'The return of the Hemi V8 is a decision that has been made for the US market. As it stands today, there is no guarantee the Hemi V8 will return to Australian showrooms,' said a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson. 'As with any development, we will continue to review and evaluate what options are made available to us from the vast Ram catalogue in the US. 'We know there are customers who love the sound of a V8, and the Hemi V8 is still available in our Ram 1500 Big Horn model while stock lasts. 'However, customers have also embraced the new Hurricane twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in our latest Ram 1500 models. 'The Hurricane engine remains an integral part of Ram's future. With more power and torque – and better efficiency – than the previous 5.7-litre Hemi V8, we believe the new Hurricane engine series will over time become iconic in its own right.' Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. Supplied Credit: CarExpert That would make a Hemi V8-equipped 1500 a late 2026 or early 2027 proposition, should it be approved for our market. The 2025 facelift comprised more than just aesthetic tweaks, with other changes including upgraded infotainment, so this isn't as simple as just figuratively flicking a switch. Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. In the US, the Hemi will be offered across every trim level bar the sporty RHO and luxurious Tungsten, which will be offered exclusively with the High Output version of the Hurricane six. For the Limited and Longhorn, which also come standard with the high-output six, the Hemi will be a no-cost option. Ram has stood behind the new Hurricane engine in the US, which is also used by Jeep and is being rolled out to the Dodge brand this year. 'Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic Hemi V8,' said Mr Kuniskis. The return of the Hemi also sees the introduction of a new badge featuring a Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V8 engine block. Ram is calling the badge the 'Symbol of Protest'. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under. MORE: Everything Ram 1500
