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Ram brings back the Hemi V8 to the 1500 model

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June 20, 2025

Ram brings back the Hemi V8 to the 1500 model

The Hemi V8 is returning to the Ram 1500 for the 2026 model year, as the brand has already opened an order book for the model with the 5,7-liter V8 engine.

Ram is bringing back the Hemi-powered 2026 for the 1500 model year, which will be available starting this summer. The 5,7-liter V8 is not standard, but it can be ordered for an additional fee of about 1.100 euros, with which Ram addresses customer dissatisfaction with the previous transition to a six-cylinder-only lineup for 2025. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis openly admitted: “Ram made a mistake when we dropped the Hemi. Now we want to fix it.”

The 5,7-liter Hemi V8 engine returns, retaining its original 295 kW (395 hp) and 556 Nm of torque. It also retains the eTorque hybrid system, a strategic decision to expedite its re-introduction and avoid extensive recalibration and certification. This engine will be available in a number of trim levels, including Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Limited and Longhorn.

Prices for the V8 upgrade vary depending on the trim level. For Limited and Longhorn trims, which come standard with Ram’s high-output 3,0-liter turbocharged inline-six, the V8 is available at no extra charge. For other trims equipped with the standard-output engine, the upgrade is available for an additional $1.100. The Hemi-powered Ram 1500 boasts a payload capacity of 794 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 5.203 pounds.

The decision to reintroduce the Hemi V8 engine was made quickly. Ram began working on reintroducing the V8 the day Tim Kuniskis returned to the brand in December. Despite initial estimates that the development cycle would take 1500 months due to the 18's new electrical architecture, a dedicated team codenamed F15, led by former SRT chief engineer Daryl Smith, was able to shorten the timeframe to just six months.

American Hypercar: The New Chevy Corvette ZR1X Aims to Beat Ferrari

Bojan Vrbnjak

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June 20, 2025

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American Hypercar: The New Chevy Corvette ZR1X Aims to Beat Ferrari

The 1 Corvette ZR2025 is probably already the fastest rear-wheel drive car to ever land on our planet. A racing monster that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a brutal 2,3 seconds, and its top speed of 375 km/h seems almost like an artificial intelligence hallucination.

And all this starting at $178.195 (nearly €155.000). For that, you don't get the 911 GTS, which, at 540 hp, has just over half the power of the ZR1. The question is: how will Chevrolet (or any other automaker) top that? Does it go even better? Of course: with the ZR1X in coupe and convertible versions.

Chevy officials say the “X” is meant to emphasize that it’s a natural extension of the ZR1 family, not a standalone model. A standalone model that would have more collector value? They don’t want to hurt the feelings of the standard ZR1 or its customers.

Somewhat surprisingly, the latest Corvette model will start to make collectors’ dreams and European rivals’ nightmares come true before the end of the year, with seven-figure prices. Chevy calls the ZR1X “America’s Hypercar.” It aims to take on the rare examples we usually see at Goodwood or Pebble Beach and then never see again except on YouTube crash videos: the Ferrari F80, the McLaren W1, the Mercedes-AMG One.

Sure, it's "just" a Chevy. But the crazy thing is that despite its working-class reputation, the ZR1X is no longer underrated. Not with the successful record-breaking history of its rear-wheel-drive sibling. And not with the insane, fully competitive 1250 hp and 1320 Nm of torque. The 186 hp and a good 200 Nm come courtesy of an electrified front axle. Specifically, an optimized version of the Corvette E-Ray hybrid system. The two extra driven wheels are supposed to help achieve exceptional traction with optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. Or, with the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires, provide less nervousness in wet conditions.

Neutral handling and driver confidence were key in the development. Using the front axle, says Corvette chief engineer Josh Holder, “is the easiest way to achieve maximum potential and predictable, repeatable performance.” Keith Badgley, lead development engineer for the ZR1X, says performance charts show the lighter ZR1 is slightly quicker in the middle of many corners. But on corner entry and exit, the game is even. This four-wheeled stunner also uses regenerative braking to balance itself.

“You’ll feel it when you come out of a corner, how the car pulls you out,” Badgley promises. “This thing accelerates like nothing you’re used to. The two powertrains work together harmoniously and smoothly, beyond what you’d expect from a simple two-motor pairing.”

Of course, the ZR1X is also a monster on the straights. Despite the electrical work that lifts it above 1.815 kilograms. The ZR1X achieves an incredible 1,3 g of acceleration in first and second gear and almost all of third gear. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (i.e. 0 to 96 km/h) in less than 2,0 seconds. Chevy confirmed this at the Michigan racetrack, where it achieved a time of less than 9,0 seconds in the quarter mile. Two new records for the Corvette have been set. The new super Corvette is also expected to reach a top speed of 375 km/h, which is achieved by the ZR1.

Toyota dealers in the US have already seen the new 8th generation Celica

Bojan Vrbnjak

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June 19, 2025

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Toyota dealers in the US have already seen the new 8th generation Celica

Although we haven't seen any photos of the prototype yet, Toyota has been talking about a possible return of the Cell for over two years. The company even released a pseudo-teaser during the second season of its anime series "Grip," which is worth checking out. In our photos, you can see seven generations of the Toyota Celica.

The eighth generation of the affordable sports car is still in development and is currently in “a fairly advanced stage of development,” according to Toyota’s senior vice president of North American production planning. Cooper Ericksen told MotorTrend that Toyota is already testing vehicles of the reborn Celica. And not only that: behind closed doors, dealers have already been able to see prototypes and design sketches for the first time.

The car's design remains a mystery, but Ericksen confirmed that all the images circulating on social media are false. Regarding the powertrain, he did not rule out the possibility of the car being equipped exclusively with an internal combustion engine, but the option of electrification is also open.

With a hybrid drivetrain, the new Celica could compete with another revived legend that is very popular among enthusiasts: the Honda Prelude. A fully electric version seems unlikely, especially since Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda recently expressed his preference for sports cars with “the smell of gasoline and a loud engine.”

Although the new Celica hasn't been officially approved for North America yet, the fact that it's in an advanced stage of development suggests it's on its way. If it doesn't make it to the United States, it wouldn't be the first Gazoo Racing product to be denied a US visa. Americans won't get the GR Yaris, but instead the GR Corolla. The latter will also be built in the UK in the future, so it could make its way to Europe. There's another banned model powered by the same three-cylinder turbo engine: the Japanese Lexus LBX Morizo RR.

The lack of photographic evidence likely means we'll be waiting a long time for the next-generation Celica. At best, we can't imagine the car hitting the market before 2027. But the Celica isn't the only fun car Toyota has in the works. The company has already announced that it's re-launching the Supra, and something is sure to come of the crazy mid-engine concept we saw earlier this year. A new MR2, perhaps? The car's name even appears in the trailer.

It's worth noting that Toyota has also hinted at an all-electric sports car. The latest update to the FT-Se concept suggested that it's still in development. Hideaki Iida, head of the Gazoo Racing Design Group, told InsideEVs that the car is expected to hit the market after 2026. Chief engineer Fumihiko Hazama mentioned dual-motor all-wheel drive, a next-generation battery pack, and a 0-100 km/h time of just three seconds.

Toyota's most fascinating high-performance vehicle, however, could wear a different badge. The GR GT3 concept is expected to evolve into a road-going Lexus supercar, possibly called the "LFR." It's rumored to be powered by a newly developed twin-turbo V8 engine, though nothing has been confirmed yet. Expect this flagship of high-performance vehicles to hit the market sooner rather than later.

While sports cars remain a niche market, Toyota is giving us hope for a more exciting future. But the question is where the new Celica would fit into the lineup, considering the GR86 is still around and the Supra won't be gone for long. With the Yaris, Corolla, 86, Celica, Supra, MR2 and LFR all potentially existing side by side, it could get a bit crowded in a few years. Not that we're complaining, but maybe those who count every crumb would.