Ram Won't Say ‘No' to Hemi V8-Powered RHO
We know the Hemi V8-powered Ram 1500 is officially coming back, there's one big question: What about the RHO? It's the brand's Ford F-150 Raptor fighter that currently uses a high-output Hurricane I6 engine, and while a naturally aspirated V8 version might not be faster , some might argue that it would be better .
The Drive asked Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis if a Hemi RHO is in the cards. 'I don't know,' he admitted. 'We've debated that a lot internally.'
The RHO's twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six may not be what people are used to, but it is stout. Engine output measures 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. It has lots of upgraded parts compared to the standard-output Hurricane, like all-forged internals and 26 pounds of boost versus the S.O.'s 22 psi.
Kuniskis rightfully worries that a naturally aspirated V8 making 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque might not be enough.
'I drive an RHO now, and it is a fantastic package,' Kuniskis continued. 'If you put a 5.7-liter in it, compared to what it is today, is that going to meet customer expectations? That's what we're thinking about right now.'
'Not saying we won't do it, but that's what we're thinking about right now.' Ram Stellantis
People can't seem to talk about the RHO without mentioning the old Ram TRX and its supercharged Hellcat V8. That's understandable, considering they look similar and share Baja-blasting credentials like semi-active Bilstein suspension and 35-inch tires. If Ram does end up tossing the 5.7-liter into the RHO, it might sound slightly more like the TRX, but it will be a far cry from the infamously discontinued truck's 707 hp.
The idea of a 5.7-liter Hemi-powered RHO would be more like a first-gen Raptor than anything since that pickup went away. It would provide a V8 soundtrack rather than the Hurricane I6's weakened battle cry while being magnitudes less complex, and not to mention more balanced than the TRX. Simpler times when not everything needed ridiculous horsepower.
Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. Either way, Ram won't say 'no' to a V8 RHO just yet.
Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
2026 Chevrolet Colorado Pricing Doesn't Break The Bank
Good news! While a price increase is never a good thing, the one coming to the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado is not too bad. According to order guide data obtained by CarsDirect, the midsize pickup truck will be going up by no more than 1.8%, with the most expensive dollar rise still only $900. The Colorado is now approaching its third model year after arriving for 2023, and with only small changes, GM has not seen fit to overly inflate the price. By contrast, other 2026 arrivals across all sorts of segments - like the GMC Acadia, the BMW M5, and the Chevrolet Trax - have all swelled by four figures for the new model year. Of course, there are varying reasons for varying price adjustments, but it's still a welcome relief when a small one happens. Kicking off the range is the base Colorado WT, which sees a $500 increase to start at $32,400, excluding destination. Next up is the LT, which only goes up 200 bucks to a nice round $36,000. Then it's the Colorado Trail Boss and Z71, which match the WT's $500 increase to start at $40,400 and $44,400, respectively. Finally, the most expensive model in the range, the ZR2, saw the biggest price increase for 2026 at $900, now starting at $50,500. For the extra money, no major changes will be made, but buyers will be able to choose from White Sands paint, which is currently available on the Trailblazer, and new 20-inch wheel options. Related: Ram's New Midsize Truck Is Coming for the Toyota Tacoma Those willing to shop around might consider the Ford Ranger, which for the 2025 model year starts at $33,350 in base XL form and goes up to $56,070 in Raptor guise. Alternatively, the Toyota Tacoma arrives at a significantly lower price point, with its SR starting at just $31,590, but with 11 trims available for 2025, there's a lot more room to spend, particularly when you get to the hybrid trims. In its priciest form (TRD Pro), the Tacoma starts at $64,135. The cheapest pickup in this segment, however, is the Nissan Frontier S, starting at $32,050 and going up to $41,810 in SL form. All of the above prices exclude destination and apply to 2025 variants of the Colorado's rivals, so there will probably be similar increases when Ford, Toyota, and Nissan release 2026 pricing. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles in U.S. over fuel pump defect
Ford Motor is recalling 850,318 vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential low-pressure fuel pump failure, which could cause an engine stall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said July 10. A faulty fuel pump can reduce fuel flow from the tank to the engine, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash, NHTSA said. Ford spokesman Mike Levine said: 'This recall is for certain 2021-2023 model year Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, Ford Bronco, Ford F-Series Super Duty, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition.' NHTSA estimates that 10% of the potentially affected vehicles have the defect. The auto safety authority received six consumer complaints alleging loss of power due to pump failure. Before a fuel pump fails, drivers may notice poor engine performance, including misfiring, rough running, reduced power, or a check engine light, NHTSA said in a notice to dealers. More: Ford recalls more than 300,000 Mach-E EVs warning it could lock out occupants Failures are more likely when fuel levels are low or in hot weather, it added. Ford is still developing a remedy. (Detroit Free Press senior auto writer Jamie L. LaReau contributed to this report.) This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles in U.S. over fuel pump defect Sign in to access your portfolio
3 days ago
Michigan deacon who thwarted gunman with his truck gifted replacement F-150
A Michigan deacon who used his pickup truck to stop an armed gunman outside a church last month received a new Ford F-150 from a local dealership on Thursday. July 10, 2025
