One-millionth Modern HEMI Produced Today by the Chrysler Group

[Buick61]

8/11/05:


What’s Better Than a HEMI®? A Million of Them!

One-millionth Modern HEMI® Produced Today by the Chrysler Group

* From work trucks to sexy, high-performance sedans, today’s HEMI engine powers a winning line of Chrysler Group vehicles
* Chrysler Group’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS) included with nearly all HEMI engines built today, giving customers performance and fuel economy


Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 11, 2005 -

The HEMI® engine has a long list of historical milestones, and today marked a new achievement for the storied engine: the one-millionth modern HEMI was produced.

“The modern HEMI engine is one of our best examples of Disciplined Pizzazz,” said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler Group. “We combined the best of our engineering heritage with modern design to develop an engine that puts smiles on the customers’ faces – one million customers’ faces.”

The HEMI engine first debuted in a 1951 Chrysler. The most renowned of all HEMI engines was the 426, built from 1964 through 1971. These engines powered the Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars that made Woodward Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard famous. There were only 6,671 of these engines produced.

First introduced in the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, the modern Chrysler Group HEMI V-8 engine is elegantly simple. It achieves power, fuel economy and emissions goals with a design that is uncomplicated and cost effective. The versatile HEMI V-8 engine is now available in the Chrysler 300, Jeep® Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Ram 1500 and Dodge Ram 2500/3500.

The HEMI engine also powers the Chrysler 300C SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Magnum SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. At the heart of these SRT8 models is a 6.1-liter HEMI engine, which generates more horsepower than the 5.7-liter version with more cubic inches, higher compression ratio, faster engine speed and better engine breathing through special cylinder heads and manifolds. The 6.1-liter HEMI engine features strengthened components including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods.

Chrysler Group’s innovative Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is standard equipment with all 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the 2006 Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Ram 1500. Improving fuel economy by as much as 20 percent, MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the 5.7-liter HEMI engine is in demand. Chrysler Group vehicles equipped with MDS through the end of the 2007 model year will save more than 60-million gallons of fuel each year.

Chrysler Group was the first to offer modern, large-volume vehicles in North America with cylinder deactivation — the HEMI-powered 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum R/T went on sale in the spring of 2004. Chrysler Group was also the first to offer cylinder deactivation in an SUV with the introduction of the 2005 HEMI-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee. Chrysler Group is now the first to offer MDS in a pickup truck — the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. MDS is a fuel-saving technology that is here today — customers get the power and capability of the HEMI V-8 that they desire with the fuel economy of a less powerful engine.

Current vehicle-specific take-rates for the HEMI V-8 engine at Chrysler Group are:

Vehicle HEMI Take-Rate
Chrysler 300: 42 percent
Dodge Charger: 67 percent
Dodge Durango: 52 percent
Dodge Ram 1500: 49 percent
Dodge Ram 2500/3500: 14 percent
Dodge Magnum: 46 percent
Jeep Grand Cherokee: 19 percent

The HEMI engine is manufactured in Saltillo, Mexico.

[Stéphane Dumas]

I wonder if Chrysler plan to built smaller Hemi (V8 size between 4L and 5.5L) in a near future? Also with high gas prices, a flex-fuel system who allow the use of E85 could be an interesting option to put for the Hemi

[big swede]

That's amazing when you think about it. The storied 426 was selling at a pace of around 1000 a year and the current one has been averaging over 300,000 a year.

[asim]

wow, i wish i had a 300C

[DuSpinnst]

I assume this includes the 5.7L Hemi Crates as well.

[balthazar]

Originally Posted by big swede

That's amazing when you think about it. The storied 426 was selling at a pace of around 1000 a year and the current one has been averaging over 300,000 a year.

That is amazing. Of course it's significant that the current Hemi is priced affordably; the '60s Hemi option was around $600 on a $3500 car. If today you could get just the Hemi engine without it being bundled in a whole 'nuther trim & equipment package, that'd be like a $5000 option for the engine alone. Ain't gonna sell 300K yearly of a $5K singular option.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by balthazar

That is amazing. Of course it's significant that the current Hemi is priced affordably; the '60s Hemi option was around $600 on a $3500 car. If today you could get just the Hemi engine without it being bundled in a whole 'nuther trim & equipment package, that'd be like a $5000 option for the engine alone. Ain't gonna sell 300K yearly of a $5K singular option.

I like the '59 Buick in your avatar.

I think the modern Hemi is more economical, price wise, in the trucks where it's a stand alone option.

In the cars, you have to get a whole different trim level that's centered around the engine.

But good for Chrysler. I was enjoying my Hemi today. Sounds good, pulls strong, and I'm getting over 20mpg. Let the good times roll.

[Parkwood60]

Originally Posted by big swede

That's amazing when you think about it. The storied 426 was selling at a pace of around 1000 a year and the current one has been averaging over 300,000 a year.

Uhm, that's not amazing at all. In the 60's the 426 Hemi was the top motor. In most cars you could choose two different power/sized slant sixes, several
power/sized small blocks from a 318 to a 360, and several big blocks from the 383 to the 413 and the Hemi. The modern hemi is the BASE V8 and is analogous to the small blocks and lower powered big blocks of old. The old 426 Hemi would be the equivent of the SVT-8 6.1 Hemi.

Does it bother anyone else that the motor of the car that everyone is calling a return of the traditional American car is being made in Mexico? That's like buying Mexican blue jeans, or apple pie.

[Blue_Firestarter]

How many SBC's are out there compared to the Hemi... Doesn't seem like a really big milestone after all...

[surferdude00711]

The HEMI engine isn't actually a HEMI design. They just wanted a retro name to go with the slightly retro design.

[DemonKnightDK]

Wasent the only thing that actually made a "HEMI" the hemispherical combustion changer design? basicly the heads were domed and the pistons slightly dished? if thats the case than arent most engines "HEMIs"? this new 5.7L hemi is just about the same as an LS1 (also 5.7L) power wise (granted the LS1 was underrated for the most part.)

I dont know, i gusse people like fancy words. GM should make a catch name for their engines (not ecotech, or vortech. Hell, just start stating the cubic inch size again, instead of the displacment, like in the new Z06, its a 7.0L V8, so what? but if you call it a 427ci V-8 it sounds alot more powerful dont it.. same with the 6.0L LS2, its what like 364ci? slightly bore the cylender wall a fraction or somthing and make it an even sounding 365ci.. end of rant)

[stealth rob]

I wonder if Chrysler plan to built smaller Hemi (V8 size between 4L and 5.5L) in a near future? Also with high gas prices, a flex-fuel system who allow the use of E85 could be an interesting option to put for the Hemi

-------------

good idea

5.2 L Hemi

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by surferdude00711

The HEMI engine isn't actually a HEMI design. They just wanted a retro name to go with the slightly retro design.

It's a "Semi-Hemi" but I think that's for emission reasons. I know that is why it has two spark plugs per piston.....

[stevecmh]

That is impressive. But there are sure alot of models with a Hemi... BTW the new chrysler comericals with Snoop Dog are just plain stupid.

[Whirling_Dervish]

Originally Posted by asim

wow, i wish i had a 300C

I test drove one, with the HEMI. VERY nice ride quality and power. Well in excess of its actual cost. Its no wonder DC has such a hit on their hands. NAV was top notch as well.