By Eve 
Stellantis is preparing for a significant increase in Hemi V8 engine production, aiming to build 100,000 units in 2026 as demand continues to outpace supply across several key Mopar brands. The move reflects renewed consumer interest in V8-powered trucks and performance vehicles, even as the automaker continues expanding its turbocharged inline-six offerings.
The production target comes after Stellantis struggled to meet demand for Hemi-equipped vehicles in recent years. Ram revived the 5.7-liter Hemi for the 1500 pickup lineup in 2025, and customer response exceeded internal expectations. Despite receiving approximately 50,000 orders for Hemi-powered Ram 1500s, the company was only able to assemble about 30,000 units due to limited engine availability.
At present, Stellantis produces both Hemi V8 engines and Hurricane inline-six engines at its Saltillo engine plant in Coahuila, Mexico. The shared production footprint created bottlenecks as demand rose across multiple brands. Shortages of Hurricane engines temporarily halted Jeep Grand Wagoneer production on two occasions, while Hemi constraints limited Ram output despite strong sales momentum.
Looking ahead, Stellantis plans to expand Hemi engine production capacity regardless of final manufacturing location. The goal includes output across multiple displacements, including the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter variants. Reaching 100,000 units would represent more than triple the number of Hemi engines produced the previous year.
The increased supply would support a broad range of vehicles, including the Ram 1500, Ram TRX, Dodge Durango, and Jeep Wrangler Moab. The Hellcat-powered TRX has already returned, while the Wrangler Moab continues to offer a V8 option. Industry watchers are also closely monitoring whether additional Hemi-powered performance models could follow, particularly as Stellantis evaluates future powertrain mixes.
Despite the renewed emphasis on V8 production, Stellantis is not backing away from the Hurricane inline-six. Dodge continues rolling out Sixpack Charger models, while Ram RHO trucks and Jeep Grand Wagoneers remain committed to the twin-turbo six-cylinder architecture. Company leadership expects 2026 to clarify how buyers ultimately divide between the two engine families, with early projections suggesting Hemis could account for roughly a third of overall demand.
If projections hold, 2026 could mark a defining year for Stellantis’ American brands as they balance traditional V8 performance with modern turbocharged alternatives.
Shawn Henry