Here's Everything You Want To Know About The New HEMI And Hellcat Powered Ram Trucks! | Ep. 332

A HEMI is an engine design where the combustion chambers are shaped to promote better airflow and efficient burning. The “6.4 liter” part tells you the engine’s displacement, which is a rough indicator of how much air/fuel the engine can move.

The Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that can be ordered with performance-oriented engines, including Hemi V8 options. The podcast specifically mentions a 6.4-liter Hemi in an SRT-flavored Ram 1500 context, which is significant because it points to a high-performance truck configuration. That’s why it’s included in a discussion about powerful truck setups.

The Ram 1500 is Ram’s half-ton pickup, and this episode highlights it specifically because it can be configured with a HEMI V8 in an SRT trim. That matters because it turns the truck into a more performance-focused “street” pickup rather than a purely work-oriented one.

The Dodge Challenger is a performance-focused American muscle car, offered in high-output trims such as Hellcat. The podcast references it in the same breath as the Charger, pointing to the “last” of a specific Hellcat-era configuration. That makes it relevant to discussions about what performance packages are changing over time.

The Dodge Charger is a full-size American muscle sedan that’s known for high-performance versions like the Hellcat. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside the Charger/Challenger lineup, which is significant because it highlights the end of a particular high-output configuration. That’s why it comes up in a discussion about what’s being introduced or retired.

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck designed to be practical and relatively affordable compared with larger trucks. In the podcast, it’s brought up as a recent truck purchase and discussed in the context of model variants like the Lobo. That’s why it appears in a conversation about truck sizing and ownership choices.

The Ford Lobo is referenced in the podcast as a Maverick-related variant name, suggesting a specific trim or configuration. In this context, it’s used to clarify which Maverick version someone is talking about. That makes it relevant mainly as a naming/trim detail in the conversation.

Sidepipes are exhaust pipes mounted along the sides of a vehicle rather than exiting underneath or at the rear. They’re often chosen for the look and the sound, and they can make an older truck’s exhaust note more noticeable.

The Dodge Viper is a discontinued American sports car known for its big V10 engine and track-focused performance. The podcast references a “Viper powered V10 SRT sport truck,” which highlights the idea of using that V10 performance character in a truck concept. It’s mentioned because the Viper’s engine is a memorable performance benchmark.

A dyno (dynamometer) is a machine used to measure a vehicle’s output—typically horsepower and torque—by running the drivetrain against controlled resistance. It’s a common way to quantify how modifications change performance.

The Ram DC 650 is a dealer-sold performance Ram pickup built around a supercharged 5.7 Hemi. In this segment, the hosts describe it as a Fox Factory–built package sold through dealers, positioned as a competitor to supercharged Ford F-150 variants.

A supercharger is an engine-driven forced-induction device that compresses incoming air, allowing more oxygen to enter the engine. More oxygen generally means the engine can burn more fuel for higher power output.

Fox Factory is a performance brand known for suspension and off-road components, and here it’s referenced as the builder behind the supercharged Ram DC 650 package. The hosts are emphasizing that it’s a curated performance parts setup rather than a one-off conversion.

The “5.7 Hemi” refers to a 5.7-liter V8 engine from Chrysler/Dodge/Ram’s Hemi family, known for its hemispherical combustion chambers. In this segment it’s the engine used in the supercharged DC 650 package.

The Ford F-150 Lobo is a supercharged F-150 variant referenced as a competitor to the Ram DC 650. The key point in the segment is the matchup: both are dealer-accessible performance trucks built around forced induction.

SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is a major U.S. trade show where automakers and aftermarket companies showcase concept vehicles and performance parts. The hosts reference it to place when they first saw the “Dude Concept.”

The NASCAR Truck Series is a national stock-car racing series where teams race pickup trucks. The hosts describe it as a “feeder” series—meaning drivers often move up from trucks to higher NASCAR divisions.

The Ram 5.7 Hemi is a V8 engine in Ram trucks, part of Chrysler’s “Hemi” family known for hemispherical combustion chambers. In this episode it’s the entry point for the new sport-truck lineup before they move up to the higher-output variants.

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup that’s often used as a benchmark for size and proportions. Here, the hosts compare the new Ram’s wheelbase to the Tacoma to give listeners a familiar reference point.

E-Torque is a mild-hybrid system used on some Ram Hemi engines. It adds an electric motor/generator to assist the engine, improving low-end response and enabling features like engine-off coasting and smoother stop-start behavior.

A TRX hood refers to the hood design associated with the Ram TRX performance model. It’s typically a more aggressive, functional-looking hood treatment that helps visually signal the truck’s performance orientation.

Hybrid technologies refer to powertrain systems that combine an internal-combustion engine with electric assistance. In this segment, the hosts are contrasting the new Ram’s approach with mild-hybrid/stop-start features that some buyers consider too “modern” for classic muscle vibes.

Stop-start is an engine management feature that shuts the engine off when the truck is stopped (like at a light) and restarts it when you’re ready to move. The hosts mention it because some muscle-car fans dislike it, and they’re saying this truck avoids it.

“ZF 8-speed” refers to an eight-gear automatic transmission made by ZF. More gears generally help keep the engine in a more efficient or responsive part of its powerband across different speeds.

Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. Shortening the wheelbase typically makes a truck feel more agile and can change ride/handling balance compared with a longer wheelbase.

“Off the shelf” means using an existing, production-ready component rather than designing something new from scratch. In this context, they’re saying the transmission hardware is already available, so the truck can be built faster and cheaper.

“Zero to 60” is a common performance metric that measures how many seconds it takes a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 mph. It’s used to compare acceleration between different engines and drivetrains.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) sends power to all four wheels, improving traction in snow, mud, or off-road conditions. Many modern 4WD systems can switch modes depending on speed and grip needs.

Two-wheel drive (2WD) means the truck sends power to only one axle—either the front or the rear. This typically reduces drivetrain complexity and can improve efficiency, but it usually offers less traction than four-wheel drive.

Low range is an off-road gearing mode (via the transfer case) that multiplies torque for slow-speed crawling. If a truck lacks low range, it may be less capable for technical rock crawling and similar situations.

“All wheel drive auto” refers to an automatic AWD mode where the system decides when and how much torque to send to the additional axle(s). It’s designed to balance traction and everyday drivability without requiring constant manual mode changes.

“Rear wheel drive only” means power is sent only to the rear axle. Enthusiasts often use this mode for controlled driving events because it can make the truck behave more like a traditional RWD vehicle.

Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally over-rotates the car so the tires lose grip while the vehicle is kept moving in a controlled slide. It’s typically done on closed courses because it requires precise throttle and steering inputs.

Chelsea Proving Grounds in Michigan is a test facility used for vehicle development and media driving events. The hosts mention it as the location where they saw demonstrations like burnouts.

The speaker refers to “Stalantas Proving Grounds,” which is a misspoken/ASR variant of Stellantis, the automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA. The context is the company’s testing facility in Michigan.

A burnout is when the driver spins the tires while the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, usually to heat the tires and produce visible rubber smoke. It’s often used for demonstration on dry pavement or tracks.

The Lancia Kappa is a model from Lancia that the podcast references through a person named Nick Kappa, who is described as a PR manager. In other words, the car name is being used as part of a conversation about the guest’s name and role rather than as a deep technical discussion. It’s mentioned because it connects to the person being introduced.

Top Gear is a UK automotive TV show known for car reviews and driving challenges. In this segment, it’s referenced as having media coverage related to the truck launch.

An extended cab is a pickup-truck body style that adds extra rear seating space behind the front seats, typically with smaller rear doors than a full crew cab. It’s meant to fit occasional passengers without the full footprint of a crew cab.

“Suicide doors” are rear-hinged doors that open from the opposite side of the usual front-hinged layout. They’re often discussed in pickup and classic-car contexts, but modern trucks typically use conventional forward-opening doors for safety and packaging.

“Spousal alibi” is a humorous way to describe the justification someone uses to buy a truck with limited rear space. In this context, it’s the idea that the truck’s back seat is “for the kids” so the purchase makes sense to a spouse.

The Porsche 911 is a long-running sports car famous for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. The podcast mentions it in the context of practicality—specifically seating and access—because it has four seats and four doors. That makes it a talking point when discussing “can it fit the family?” in a performance car.

Wheel size is commonly discussed in inches for pickups and SUVs, and it affects ride comfort and tire sidewall height. Larger wheels (like 22-inch) typically pair with shorter sidewalls, which can change how the truck feels over bumps.

Hoosier is a tire brand known for motorsport-focused tires, often associated with track use and higher-grip compounds. In the transcript, it’s mentioned as an upgrade someone might make to get more “sticky” performance than the factory all-seasons.

All-season tires are designed to work across a range of temperatures and weather conditions, trading peak dry-weather grip for broader usability. They’re typically less “sticky” than dedicated summer performance tires, especially in hot, dry conditions.

A “wide body” refers to a truck configuration that uses wider fenders and body panels to increase track width and give the vehicle a more aggressive stance. It’s often paired with wider tires and helps visually (and sometimes dynamically) emphasize performance or off-road capability.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of the F-150 pickup, designed to bring EV power to a full-size truck platform. The podcast discusses whether Ford will reuse the “Lightning” name, which matters because naming often signals a specific performance/EV direction for the model. It’s brought up as part of speculation about future electric truck branding and offerings.

A “two-year start” here is a product-timing advantage: the idea is to begin development early enough that the truck can be on sale when competitors’ similar models hit the market. In the truck performance segment, being early matters because it takes time to engineer, certify, and ramp production.

The Hummer EV SUV is an electric SUV built for off-road capability and heavy-duty styling. The podcast compares it to a TRX competitor idea, noting that it’s an EV alternative in the performance/off-road conversation. It’s discussed because it brings electric power to a segment that’s often dominated by gas performance trucks.

The Ram TRX is a high-performance off-road pickup built around a powerful HEMI V8 and aggressive suspension/tires for desert-style driving. In this segment, it’s contrasted with other trucks to highlight how performance-focused trucks can still offer real off-road capability.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the most widely recognized trucks in its class. The podcast mentions it in the context of not competing with certain high-performance off-road trucks, while also referencing upcoming changes to Silverados. That makes it part of a broader comparison about what “serious” performance trucks are aiming to do.

The Chevrolet Silverado SS refers to an older performance trim of the Silverado, where the truck was offered with a sportier, higher-output setup. The host brings it up as GM’s performance-truck history when discussing what’s coming next.

The host contrasts “sport truck” setups with “desert runner” setups, arguing that you trade away utility (space, comfort, and towing) when you bias the truck toward off-road capability. The key idea is that optimizing for one kind of use changes how well the truck works for the others.

The Ram Rumble Bee is a special-edition Ram pickup concept that’s being discussed as the more street-oriented counterpart on the showroom floor. The hosts frame it as a “sports car of trucks” idea—using the same Hellcat-based powertrain as the TRX, but aimed at buyers who want more everyday utility and comfort.

“Hellcat engine” refers to Dodge/Chrysler’s supercharged V8 family known for very high output. In this segment, the hosts say both the Ram TRX and the Ram Rumble Bee use the same basic Hellcat powertrain, which is why they’re comparing them as two different “personalities” rather than two totally different engines.

An off-road truck is set up for traction and durability on rough terrain—typically with suspension tuning, tires, and drivetrain behavior designed for loose surfaces. In this segment, the Ram TRX is described as the off-road one, contrasted with the more street-oriented Rumble Bee.

A street truck is tuned more for everyday driving—comfort, ride quality, and usability—rather than maximum off-road capability. Here, the hosts use “street truck” to describe the Rumble Bee as the more practical, less trail-focused option.

“Sports car of trucks” is a enthusiast phrase meaning the truck is being marketed/imagined as having sports-car-like driving appeal—quick response and excitement—while still being a pickup. In this segment, it’s used to argue that the Rumble Bee targets a different buyer than the TRX.

The podcast’s “Challenger” reference is tied to Hellcat pricing speculation, indicating a high-performance trim within the Challenger lineup. It’s mentioned because the conversation is about how much buyers might pay for the latest/last Hellcat-era performance configuration. That makes it relevant to the cost and positioning of these muscle-car variants.

“64 hemmy” refers to a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. A HEMI is Chrysler’s hemispherical combustion-chamber design, which helps airflow and combustion efficiency, and it’s commonly associated with strong V8 performance in modern Mopar trucks.

The Dodge Power Wagon is a heavy-duty off-road-oriented version of the Ram pickup line, built for serious traction and durability. The podcast notes it as something that used to exist in the Power Wagon and describes it as a “whole different animal,” implying a modern reinterpretation. It’s mentioned because it’s a key nameplate for off-road capability within the Ram family.

“392” here refers to the 6.4L (392 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 used in certain Jeep models. They’re discussing how the same engine is being placed into more vehicles (and specifically asking for it in other Ram trucks), which is a big deal because it changes the character from work-focused to performance-focused.

The Jeep Wrangler 392 is the Wrangler equipped with the 6.4L (392) HEMI V8. In this segment, it’s used as proof that the 392 engine already exists in Jeep form, and they’re hoping Ram offers the same engine across more models.

The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan designed for family use, with space and comfort as its main strengths. The podcast mentions a possible “Pacifica 392,” which would imply a high-performance engine option for a vehicle type that’s usually about practicality. That’s why it’s brought up—because it would be an unusual performance twist on a minivan.

The Jeep Gladiator is Jeep’s pickup truck, and in this segment they say you can’t get the 392 engine in it. That matters because the 392 is the performance-focused HEMI they’re discussing, so availability affects which trucks can get the same powertrain.

A sway bar (anti-roll bar) helps reduce body roll during cornering by linking the left and right suspension. Removing or “losing” it can let the suspension move more independently, which can improve wheel articulation off-road.

A locker is a differential feature that forces the left and right wheels on an axle to rotate together. A front locker improves traction when one front wheel loses grip, which is common on rocks, mud, or steep climbs.

Crash testing is the process of validating a vehicle’s safety by measuring how it performs in controlled collisions. The host is emphasizing that new chassis and wheelbase changes require redoing safety validation work, not just styling updates.

A hood scoop is an opening on the hood that can direct airflow toward the engine. When it’s functional, it can help feed air to an intake system, improving how the engine breathes under certain conditions.

A performance air intake is an intake system designed to improve airflow into the engine. Better airflow can support higher power output by helping the engine get the air it needs for efficient combustion.

An eight-speed transmission has eight forward gears, allowing the engine to stay closer to its ideal RPM range. That can improve both acceleration and drivability by matching gear ratios to different speeds and loads.

Disconnecting the front end typically means the vehicle can disengage the front drivetrain so it effectively runs as rear-wheel drive. This can reduce drivetrain drag and improve efficiency, while still allowing full 4x4 engagement when needed.

“GT exhaust” here refers to a performance-oriented exhaust configuration associated with the truck’s GT trim/variant. Exhaust systems can change sound character (tone/rasp) and sometimes flow, which is why they’re replaying the exhaust note for listeners.

A cutaway is a vehicle display where part of the body is removed so you can see the interior structure and components. In truck shows, cutaways are often used to highlight packaging, chassis layout, and how systems are arranged.

A Track Pack is a factory performance package that bundles track-oriented upgrades. Here, the host says it adds things like aerodynamics and tires, aiming to improve grip and overall on-road/track behavior.

A locking differential forces the left and right wheels on an axle to rotate at the same speed. That helps put power to both wheels during low-traction situations, which is why it’s useful for aggressive launches and burnouts.

“Aero” is short for aerodynamic changes that affect how air flows around the vehicle. On performance trims, aero pieces like spoilers and air-control surfaces can improve stability and reduce drag at speed.

Bilstein is a suspension brand known for shock absorbers tuned for handling and ride control. Mentioning Bilstein shocks signals the truck has performance-oriented damping rather than basic, comfort-focused shocks.

A multi-piston brake caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotor more evenly and with more clamping force. Six-piston calipers are a common upgrade on performance vehicles to improve stopping power and consistency under hard use.

Rotor size matters because larger rotors provide more braking surface area and can better manage heat during repeated hard stops. The hosts call out 16.1-inch rotors as part of a big brake package for the performance trim.

Air suspension uses air-filled springs (bags) instead of steel coils to adjust ride height. Because it can quickly change clearance, it’s often used for “slam” looks and for lowering the truck during certain driving modes.

“Brambo” (spoken as “brambos”) refers to Brembo, a well-known brake manufacturer. Using Brembo calipers is a signal that the truck’s braking system is designed for higher performance than typical factory brakes.

Launch control is a driver-assist feature that manages engine output and traction systems to optimize acceleration from a standstill. In this segment, it’s limited to the Track Pack and Hellcat versions, implying those trims have the calibration and hardware to support repeated hard launches.

A brake controller is an in-cab module that controls the brakes on a trailer with its own electric brake system. It helps the truck apply trailer braking in a controlled way, improving stopping stability when towing.

A rear locker is a type of differential lock that forces both rear wheels to rotate together. The hosts say “East Pool” is the name used for this feature, and that it locks the rear end to help traction—especially relevant to drag racing.

In drag racing, a “spool” is a rear differential setup where the differential is effectively locked so both wheels turn together. That eliminates the normal left/right speed difference, improving straight-line traction but making the car less forgiving in turns.

A supercharger is an engine-mounted forced-induction device that compresses incoming air before it enters the engine. More compressed air lets the engine burn more fuel, which is why supercharged engines can make very high horsepower and torque.

Air ducts are openings/channels designed to route cooling air to a specific component. Here, they’re directing cooler air toward the front brakes to help manage brake temperatures during hard use like towing or aggressive driving.

Brakes are the components that slow the vehicle by converting motion into heat. This segment focuses on brake heat management—how repeated hard use can cause brake fade or smoke when pads/rotors get too hot.

Brake fade is when braking performance drops because the brakes overheat, reducing friction at the pads/rotors. The host describes “nothing in the brake” after a lap and a half, which is consistent with fade during track-style use.

A tire speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is engineered to sustain safely under specified conditions. The host discusses how most pickup tires are rated around ~100 mph, while higher-performance trucks (like Raptors and TRX) use tires rated higher, and they mention a Rivian rated around 130 mph.

Top speed is the highest sustained speed a vehicle can reach, limited by aerodynamics, gearing, and traction. The host connects the truck’s aerodynamic changes (like a low front end and spoiler) and tire ratings to the goal of beating the earlier SRT 10’s top speed.

Understeer is when a car turns less than the driver intends—typically the front tires lose grip first. The host ties it to truck weight distribution (more weight over the front), explaining why these vehicles can feel difficult to rotate in corners compared with sports cars.

The center of mass is the point where the vehicle’s weight effectively balances. The host says the truck’s rotation behavior is affected by having a lot of weight in the front, and compares it to how sports cars can rotate around their center of mass more predictably.

Ceramic brakes (ceramic brake pads/rotors in performance applications) are designed to handle high temperatures and resist fade better than some conventional setups. The host asks whether there would be a ceramic option, implying it could help with the heat-related braking problems discussed earlier.

Camber is the inward or outward tilt angle of a wheel relative to vertical. In racing, teams adjust camber to keep the tire’s contact patch working efficiently through cornering and to manage grip as the suspension loads the tire.