Ram Drops eTorque: 5.7L HEMI V8 Returns Unhybridized

Ram ditches the unwanted mild-hybrid as the classic HEMI V8 comes back

Ram is rolling back electrification on its flagship V8. Stellantis confirmed that the eTorque mild-hybrid system will be removed from the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 beginning with early 2027 model-year Ram 1500 trucks. The move ends the use of the belt-driven motor-generator, the 48-volt battery pack and the automatic stop/start function on that engine — a conscious swing back to a simpler, traditional V8 setup.

Why Ram is abandoning the 48-volt eTorque system

Ram says the change is driven by cost and reliability concerns. Executives told Mopar Insiders that eliminating the hybrid components reduces manufacturing complexity, lowers production costs and addresses recurring owner complaints tied to the belt starter generator and 48-volt hardware. The company expects the non-hybrid 5.7L to be more affordable and less troublesome for owners over the long term.

"Our goal is to offer V8 capability with fewer headache-prone systems and a more traditional driving feel," a source close to the program told Mopar Insiders.

A limited number of trucks fitted with eTorque will still roll off assembly lines during a short transition period at Stellantis plants including the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Michigan and the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico.

What changes for drivers and buyers

By removing the eTorque package, Ram also drops the stop/start feature at traffic lights — a controversial efficiency technology that many V8 buyers dislike because it interrupts the classic engine note and idle feel. The result: a purer V8 experience and slightly lower production costs, at the expense of the modest fuel and emissions gains the mild-hybrid once delivered.

Highlights:

• The 5.7-liter HEMI loses the belt-driven motor-generator and 48V battery
• Automatic stop/start functionality is removed
• Phase-out begins early in the 2027 model year, starting with Ram 1500
• Small-run eTorque trucks may be built during factory transitions

Where the HEMI fits in the Ram 1500 lineup

The Ram 1500 continues to offer a broad powertrain mix to suit different buyer priorities:

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque — 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque
• Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six — Standard Output (420 hp) and High Output (540 hp)
• 5.7L HEMI V8 — now non-hybrid, 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque
• 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 — 777 hp and 680 lb-ft (Rumble Bee SRT / TRX territory)

Ram already prepared a non-hybrid 5.7L HEMI for the 2027 Rumble Bee, and that engine retains cylinder deactivation while losing eTorque and stop/start. The Rumble Bee launch earlier this year — offered in three variants with no electrification — likely influenced the decision to broaden availability of the non-hybrid HEMI for other trims like the Express.

Market context and what this means

This pivot is notable at a time when many automakers are expanding electrification. Ram’s choice illustrates a dual market reality: while electrified powertrains grow in importance, there remains steady demand for straightforward, reliable V8 trucks among buyers who prioritize towing, simplicity and ownership cost. Stellantis appears to be balancing those pressures — keeping the HEMI alive and accessible while avoiding the expense and warranty fallout that sometimes accompany additional 48-volt systems.

For buyers, the outcome is clear: if you want the classic HEMI V8 sound and feel without hybrid components, Ram will soon offer a simpler, potentially less expensive 5.7-liter option. For enthusiasts who value pure V8 character, that will be welcome news. For buyers focused solely on maximum efficiency, the eTorque era may be closing on the Ram 1500.