Why is Ram showing V8 pickups at SEMA?

Inheritance is the name of the game in 2025 as Stellantis works to right the ship and win back US buyers. After a change in management brought back Tim Kuniskis as CEO of Ram Trucks, he in turn brought back the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 for the 1500 pickups after a year’s absence.

As a result, pickup truck sales are up, with V-8 models selling quickly. With talk emerging about possibly putting the Hemi V-8 back in the new Charger, it’s only natural that Stellantis would keep the momentum going while the company is at its peak.

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Fonts: Dodge

That’s why the automaker is preparing to introduce a series of custom vehicles in conjunction with its in-house performance brand, Mopar. So far, we only have a two-vehicle stretch – but even more performance concepts are expected.

The first preview released in early October focuses on part of a Dodge Charger painted in a new shade of Purple Haze. The color appears to be used on a Charger Scat Pack Sixpack – the gas-powered model, not the electric one. Other details reveal a bulging black hood that offers a sharp contrast to the illuminated emblem and rims that are certainly not original.

Photo by: Ram

The second preview is the 2026 Ram 1500 with an equally wild paint finish dubbed Sublime Green. We know it will have a V-8 because it wears the brand’s “Symbol of Protest” emblem on the front fender. The front fender also appears to be dangerously closer to the tire, suggesting it has been lowered.

Could this be the 1500 street truck we were asking for? It’s hard to say. Stellantis is being sneaky with these teasers, as no other details have been revealed other than its collaboration with Mopar.

We will know more when the exhibition opens its doors in Las Vegas (USA). You can see these two models and many others at the SEMA event at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 4th to 8th.