Get Your Hemis While You Can!

[Cuda340]

This disturbing news was posted on autoblog on January 22:

"It looks like the Hemi engine, an icon for the Chrysler Corporation, won't be included in forthcoming applications due to changing fuel economy standards. Rising gas prices have already hurt sales of vehicles featuring these engines, causing Chrysler to cut back production. Now co-president Jim Press has declared, "The Hemi is not the powertrain of the future." Similar to the direction taken by GM, Chrysler is banking on newly developed V6 powerplants to take the reigns from current V8 options. These Phoenix engines are scheduled to hit production in 2009.

The Hemi engine's downfall is its inability to adapt to features proven to increase efficiency. The large combustion chamber design and dual valve structure leads to blow-by of unburned fuel, thus producing large levels of undesired emissions. The use of dual spark plugs has improved burn in the hemispherical combustion chamber, however, it's a solution that increased cost and complexity. More modern and efficient chamber structures, unlike the Hemi, can fit four valves and utilize dual overhead camshafts. Chrysler plans to implement these features into their future V6 engines, along with cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing."

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

[E-Body]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/chrysler...he-future.html

"In the face of newly passed CAFE regulations, it looks as though Chrysler will once again have to cease production of its legendary Hemi engine. Chrysler hopes to sway the definition of what performance and power means to those who didn't grow up with the Hemi engine by offering smaller, more fuel efficient powerplants with similar performance.

"The Hemi is not the powertrain of the future," Jim Press, Chrysler co-president, told Automotive News. "It's the powertrain of today."
One powertrain of the future could lie underneath the hood of the recently unveiled Dodge Zeo — a 268 horsepower electric motor capable of propelling the concept from 0-60 in less than 6 seconds. Dodge says the lithium-ions battery pack that powers the car can go 250 miles between charges.

Although the Dodge Zeo offers Hemi-like performance without the fuel consumption or emissions, its technology still puts it several years out. However, Chrysler's new line of fuel efficient Phoenix V6 engines will arrive in about a year. The new Phoenix range of engines will feature double-overhead-cams, an aluminum block, variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. The new V6s should offer greater performance while reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

But Chrysler hasn't completely given up on the Hemi yet. The latest iteration will bow in the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, which will feature the same displacement — 5.7L — but will see a 10% increase in horsepower — up to 380 — while reducing overall fuel consumption by 4%. The improvement were achieved through variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation.

Chrysler didn't shed any more light on the Hemi's future, but with the new CAFE standards taking effect in 2011, the Hemi's revival could be short lived."

[wirewilly]

Oh GOD, say it ain't so! Just what I always wanted, a battery operated Challenger. I know, they can paint it pink (not panther pink. that would look too tough for a car that runs on 250 AA batteries) we're talkin' a nice soft girly pink. How about an Energizer Bunny decal for the hood??? I have to find a bridge to jump from!

[undertaker]

Pretty easy to see this one coming. As a former Home Depot fan, I don't have high hopes for Bob Nardelli.

[Challenger09]

Well, I hope we have a couple of years of hemi Challengers....... Hold out until 2010 DODGE!!

[mopar2ya]

Originally Posted by wirewilly

Oh GOD, say it ain't so! Just what I always wanted, a battery operated Challenger.

Wait a minute... I DID have one of those... as a kid...

[JonW]

I thought the revised CAFE numbers didn't kick in til 2020?

[Ragamuffin]

Originally Posted by undertaker

Pretty easy to see this one coming. As a former Home Depot fan, I don't have high hopes for Bob Nardelli.

Yeah, he's brought on at least one 'crony' from Home Depot and this Jim Press , I believe is from Toyota ! How many other upper echelon NON-Mopar Big whigs are going[ and already doing so] to manipulate and/change things around not for the delight of past, present and future Mopar Afficiandos/as ; but for Cerberus's deep pockets ! !! It's almost like us Challengertalkers have to sit and watch as these "aliens" mess things up : and the Feds ain't helpin' either !!

[Cuda340]

It looks like the Challenger, in its Hemi form, may have a short run. It's the 1970s all over again!

If you don't want to drive a V6 Challenger, it would be smart to buy one no later than 2010!

[srtdrew]

From what I've been reading elsewhere on this topic, you probably have nothing to worry about. As said by someone in the know:

Hemi top end HO engines will still be used for SRT-ORT-truck based HD models. These are profitable sellers and customer simply don't care about cost of fuel.

It was also said that this more than likely means that they will extend the upcoming Phoenix engines to include V8's and not just 6's.