The last RAM 1500 HEMI V8 has rolled off the production line in Melbourne, marking the end of an era for the popular pickup in Australia. RAM Trucks Australia has confirmed the iconic V8 engine will be replaced by a new turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine, set to arrive in local showrooms in the first half of 2025.
The final vehicle, a RAM 1500 Limited in Granite Crystal paint, became the 28,495th HEMI V8 model to be remanufactured from left-hand drive to right-hand drive at the company’s Clayton facility since the program began in 2018. It was a milestone celebrated by more than 100 workers at the Melbourne factory, which employs over 250 staff across its manufacturing and engineering teams.
Jeff Barber, general manager of RAM Trucks Australia, acknowledged the HEMI V8’s significance for Australian buyers, saying:
“Australians love their utes and their V8s, and the RAM 1500 delivered on both fronts. It offered superior space, comfort, and towing performance that resonated with our customers. Our customers – many of whom have come from traditional utes and four-wheel-drives – tell us they appreciate the extra space, the extra comfort, and the stronger towing performance, and clearly that’s why these vehicles are so popular.”
The upcoming six-cylinder replacement is part of a broader evolution of the RAM lineup, but details about the new powertrain in Australian-spec remain under wraps. “We will have more to share as we approach its launch next year,” Barber said.
Stellantis, parent company of RAM, has a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six known as the Hurricane engine. It’s offered in two output levels, with the ‘SO’ producing around 310kW and 636Nm, and then a ‘HO’ version developing 400kW and 706Nm. For reference, the current 5.7-litre HEMI V8 RAM 1500 produces 291kW and 556Nm.
RAM Trucks Australia has been converting US-built pickups to right-hand-drive since 2015, using over 400 locally-engineered parts to meet strict quality and safety standards. The process, which takes approximately 14 hours per vehicle, is described by the brand as being at factory-level for quality and safety.
As the HEMI V8 exits the stage, RAM Trucks Australia assures customers that its legacy of powerful and capable pickup trucks will continue with the next-generation engine. For those wanting to secure one of the last V8 models, the race is on before stocks are depleted.
