Just last December, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis was pulled out of retirement to rescue Mopar’s faltering pickup brand. The “Father of Hemis” returned with a straightforward mission: to provide what the customers desire. And what do Ram customers want? V8s—even if they don’t actually purchase them. It’s clear that cars are deeply emotional purchases, and this is further evidence of that.
Luckily for Ram, the company was already manufacturing some Hemis for its heavy-duty truck lineup, so restarting production was largely about ramping it back up rather than completely rebuilding it. Nonetheless, it’s quite impressive that Ram managed to revive the Hemi Ram’s production within a year. Even more remarkable is the fact that we’re here, approximately 18 months later, discussing not just one engine, but four: the mild-hybrid 5.7-liter, the 6.4-liter 392, the 6.2-liter Hellcat, and now the non-hybrid 5.7 (making a comeback for both the Rumble Bee and the standard 1500).
Ram had a leg up on the deregulation push. A few months back, when questioned at a media event about the impact of presidential politics on the V8 resurgence, Kuniskis remarked that it was the changes in leadership at Stellantis, not in the U.S., that had the most significant influence. Trump’s election and the subsequent easing of CAFE regulations certainly helped, but when asked if that was the pivotal factor, Kuniskis replied calmly and concisely:
“I was gonna do it anyway.”
That certainly didn’t simplify the task at hand, but at least Ram got off to a strong start. Once the newly formed SRT received the green light to bring back the TRX, the team realized it had to be more than a mere continuation of the old truck, especially since Ford had claimed the title of the most powerful gas truck with its refreshed Raptor R. Therefore, the number needed to surpass 720. This meant SRT’s engineers had to dig deep, eventually coming up with an additional 75 horsepower.
And given that the TRX is quite an old-school truck, it likely won’t shock you that they discovered that power the conventional way: by adding more air and fuel, and then revving it a bit faster. This is where the Redeye steps in. The previous TRX’s power curve was aesthetically pleasing, and its upper limits were restricted solely by its breathing capacity. By incorporating the valvetrain from the Redeye, SRT allowed the Hellcat to rev just a tad higher—an additional 300 RPM—and maintain that upward trajectory.
The 2.4-liter twin-screw supercharger was fine-tuned and equipped with a slightly reduced pulley (3.17 inches; down from 3.43 on the earlier TRX), with the whole system benefiting from a new cold-air intake setup. A new fueling configuration boosted pressure from 5 bar to 7 bar to ensure the 6.2-liter engine remained well-fueled.
The outcome is 777 horsepower. And yes, it’s quite exhilarating.
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**Ram’s New 777-HP Hellcat V8 Engine Utilizes Components from the Redeye Model**
In a daring move that has caught the eye of automotive enthusiasts and performance truck fans alike, Ram has presented its latest powerhouse: the 777-horsepower Hellcat V8 engine. This impressive engine stands as a testament to Ram’s dedication to performance and showcases a strategic sharing of components with the Dodge Challenger and Charger Redeye models.
### Engine Specifications and Performance
The new Hellcat V8 engine, a supercharged 6.2-liter unit, is designed to deliver an astonishing 777 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This makes it one of the most powerful engines ever made available in a production pickup truck. The engine’s remarkable performance capabilities are enhanced by a sophisticated design that features an integrated supercharger, forged aluminum pistons, and a high-performance fuel system.
### Component Sharing with Redeye
One compelling aspect of the new Hellcat V8 engine is its shared components with the Redeye model. By leveraging parts that have proven their worth in the realm of high-performance Dodge muscle cars, Ram enhances both reliability and performance. Key components such as the supercharger, fuel injectors, and engine management systems are sourced from the Redeye, ensuring that the Hellcat V8 not only meets but surpasses the performance expectations of truck enthusiasts.
### Performance Enhancements
The incorporation of Redeye components leads to improved airflow and elevated power output. The supercharger, capable of producing up to 11.6 psi of boost, is key to achieving the engine’s impressive horsepower rating. Additionally, the engine is equipped with an advanced intercooler system that aids in maintaining optimal temperatures, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy loads or during spirited driving.
### Applications in the Ram Lineup
The Hellcat V8 engine will be featured in the forthcoming Ram 1500 TRX, a model engineered to compete in the high-performance truck segment. With its bold styling, off-road capabilities, and now, an unparalleled powertrain, the TRX aims to redefine what a pickup truck can be. The combination of luxury and raw power positions the Ram 1500 TRX as a robust contender against competitors in the performance truck market.
### Conclusion
Ram’s launch of the 777-hp Hellcat V8 engine signifies a key milestone in the evolution of performance trucks. By utilizing components from the Redeye model, Ram not only boosts the performance and reliability of its new engine but also reinforces its status as a leader in the high-performance truck segment. As the automotive landscape progresses, the Hellcat V8 engine stands as a symbol of innovation, power, and the relentless pursuit of performance superiority.