Ram Ditches Hemi V8's Mild-Hybrid eTorque System for 2027

Key Takeaways

• Ram is discontinuing the Hemi V8’s mild-hybrid eTorque system for the 2027 model year.
• The change will occur early in the 2027 model year, with some early production models still using the outgoing mild-hybrid V8.
• The traditional 5.7-liter Hemi will retain its 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque output.
• The eTorque system’s removal eliminates stop-start and 48-volt hybrid hardware.
• The move broadens Ram’s engine lineup, offering options ranging from the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to the 777 hp supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8.

What’s Happening to the Hemi V8?

Ram is discontinuing the Hemi V8’s mild-hybrid eTorque system for the 2027 model year. The change will occur early in the 2027 model year, with some early production models still using the outgoing mild-hybrid V8. This move means the traditional 5.7-liter Hemi will return to its conventional configuration, without the extra electrical hardware.

The Hemi V8 isn’t dead, but it’s about to change. For 2026, every 1500 pickup sold by Ram with the Hemi came with the brand’s eTorque mild-hybrid system. That’s changing, and for buyers who wanted the Hemi back without the extra electrical hardware, their patience is about to pay off.

What Does This Mean for Performance?

The traditional 5.7-liter Hemi retains its familiar output of 395 hp (294 kW) and 410 lb-ft (556 Nm) of torque. Ram has not yet said whether pricing or EPA fuel economy ratings will change once the swap is complete. The engine will also keep the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) cylinder deactivation that shuts down four cylinders under light loads to improve fuel economy.

What disappears is the belt-driven motor-generator, 48-volt battery pack, and automatic stop-start functionality that came with eTorque. For many truck buyers, that means the engine will behave much like older Hemis, starting conventionally and idling normally at traffic lights rather than cycling on and off.

How Does This Affect Ram’s Engine Lineup?

The move broadens an already diverse engine lineup. For 2027, Ram expects to offer everything from the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to the 777 hp (580 kW) supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, alongside multiple Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engines. Removing eTorque from the 5.7-liter simply gives traditional V8 buyers another option rather than forcing every Hemi customer into a mild-hybrid powertrain.

What About the Transition Process?

The transition won’t happen overnight. Early 2027 production will include both versions of the engine while the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant shifts to the conventional setup. In other words, some buyers might be able to briefly spec the hybrid if they still want it at that time.

Why Is Ram Making This Change?

Ram sort of hinted at this when it announced that the 2027 Rumble Bee would use a non-hybrid Hemi. The move also gives traditional V8 buyers another option, rather than forcing every Hemi customer into a mild-hybrid powertrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s happening to the Hemi V8’s mild-hybrid eTorque system?

A: Ram is discontinuing the Hemi V8’s mild-hybrid eTorque system for the 2027 model year, returning to a conventional V8 configuration.

Q: Will the traditional 5.7-liter Hemi retain its performance output?

A: Yes, the traditional 5.7-liter Hemi retains its familiar output of 395 hp (294 kW) and 410 lb-ft (556 Nm) of torque.

Q: How will this change affect Ram’s engine lineup?

A: The move broadens an already diverse engine lineup, offering options ranging from the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to the 777 hp supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8.