Based on the current 6.1-liter version of the HEMI, an engine that appears in any number of SRT-branded cars, the new engine would feature both a larger bore and a longer stroke, with resulting power figures estimated to fall somewhere between 450 and 500 galloping ponies.
An engine with that much power would need a beefy transmission bolted up to its crankshaft, something Dodge already offers with its diesel engines. Levine suggests ChryCo could use the latest six-speed gearbox from German specialist ZF.
If you think there's nothing wrong with Chrysler's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that an extra dollop of horsepower can't fix, we have some great news for you. Our friend and knower-of-all-things with a pickem-up-bed Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com is reporting that Dodge's next Heavy Duty Ram will be offered with a big 'ol 6.4-liter version of the OHV V8.
Of course, all of this assumes that Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy with these projects intact. Bug assuming that, we're being told that in addition to its spot in the Ram HD lineup, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is also likely to make an appearance under the hood of Jeep's next Grand Cherokee SRT8. The next obvious question, then, is how much money will the powerplant add to the cost of the vehicle and what kind of fuel mileage will it be able to muster?
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