Chrysler co-president Jim Press has already proclaimed the “Hemi is not the powertrain of the future,” but it looks as though another variant of the legendary powerplant is in the works. Chrysler is said to be readying an all-new 6.4L Hemi V8 for the 2011 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty.
According to PickupTrucks.com, the new 6.4L will be based on the architecture of the current 6.1L Hemi used in many of Chrysler’s SRT8 vehicles. However, thanks to a bigger bore and a longer stroke the new mill will crank out between 450 and 500 horsepower.
It remains unclear what transmission Chrysler will mate to the new engine, but a six-speed unit by ZF seems likely. Mules using the new 6.4L are said to have already begun testing.
Although the new 6.4L will first emerge as a work truck engine, it won’t stay that way for long. The 6.4L will make its first performance debut in the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – developing at least 500 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque – followed by SRT8 versions of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger and Challenger.
