Ram 1500 HEMI V8 returns to the Middle East

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The 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel and Limited bring the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 back to the region with 395 hp and 556 Nm, ahead of the TRX SRT and Rumble Bee arriving in 2027

Ram has announced the return of its 5.7-litre HEMI V8 to the Middle East, with the engine now available in the 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel and Limited. The move follows regional demand for the V8 after the Ram 1500 range switched to six-cylinder power from the 2025 model year. The HEMI's return also marks the first step in a broader regional V8 comeback, with the Ram 1500 TRX SRT and new Ram 1500 Rumble Bee scheduled to arrive in the Middle East in 2027.

395 hp 5.7-litre HEMI V8

The naturally aspirated 5.7-litre HEMI V8 produces 395 hp and 556 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission in both Rebel and Limited versions.

Fuel-saving measures include variable camshaft timing and Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation, which can shut down cylinders when full V8 power is not required.

Ram quotes a towing capacity of up to 5,266 kg, maximum payload of 748 kg and a 125-litre fuel tank for HEMI-powered Ram 1500 models.

Both HEMI variants feature the G/T Performance Exhaust, using a Mopar cat-back system designed to give the V8 a more distinctive exhaust note. Ram also lists RamBox cargo storage and a 360-degree Surround View Camera among the Middle East equipment.

Ram 1500 Rebel HEMI V8 variant

The Ram 1500 Rebel combines the HEMI V8 with off-road-focused hardware including Bilstein performance shock absorbers, underbody skid plates and an ELocker electronic locking rear differential.

It rides on 18x9-inch mid-gloss black wheels and gets a G/T Performance Exhaust with dual black tips, along with a 360-degree Surround View Camera and RamBox cargo system.

Inside, the Rebel features leather-trimmed bucket seats in Black or Blackened, Mopar rubber floor mats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, dual wireless charging pads, a 14.4-inch Uconnect 5 NAV touchscreen and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

An available ADG package adds a digital rear-view mirror, head-up display and LED CHMSL, while the optional Bed Utility Group includes adjustable cargo tie-down hooks, a spray-in bedliner and deployable Mopar bed step.

Ram 1500 Limited HEMI V8 variant

The more luxury-focused Ram 1500 Limited also uses the 395 hp HEMI V8 and 8-speed automatic, with the G/T Performance Exhaust fitted as standard.

It rides on 22x9-inch wheels and offers an available four-corner air suspension. Exterior features include chrome power mirrors and power-deployable running boards.

An optional Night Edition adds a sportier appearance with a sport bonnet, black exhaust tips, 22-inch black wheels, black trim elements, body-colour bumpers and a black-textured grille surround.

Inside, the Limited gets quilted leather bucket seats in Black or Blackened, with power massage for the driver and front passenger and ventilated front and rear seats.

Other features include a full-length premium centre console, leather-wrapped dashboard, door panels and grab handles, a wood/leather steering wheel, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.4-inch Uconnect 5 NAV display, tri-fold tonneau cover and digital rear-view mirror.

The Limited also offers four-way power lumbar adjustment, a head-up display and driver-assistance features including Traffic Sign Recognition, Evasive Steer Assist and ParkSense automated parking, along with the 360-degree camera and RamBox cargo system.

More V8-powered Rams coming in 2027

Ram says the return of the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is the beginning of an expanded Middle East product range.

The Ram 1500 TRX SRT and Ram 1500 Rumble Bee are planned for regional introduction in 2027, further expanding the brand's V8 performance and off-road line-up.

Pricing and exact market-by-market availability for the 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel and Limited HEMI V8 have not been announced.


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