Ram revived the Hemi-powered 1500 pickup, reintroducing the 5.7-liter V-8 for 2026. The brand showcased this with The Dude, a SEMA concept inspired by the early 1970s Dodge sport trim. It features a Hemi V-8 with 395 horsepower, a Mopar cold-air intake, and a lowered suspension with 20-inch wheels.
The Dude, based on the Ram 1500 Big Horn, sports Sublime Green paint with satin black C-stripes and a motif of a square-jawed guy in glasses and a cowboy hat. Black accents include the hood stripes, grille, roof, mirror caps, and tailgate. Inside, green is used sparingly for contrast stitching and a badge.
Additional features include an in-console safe, a multi-accessory instrument panel rail, and all-weather floor mats. Despite the popularity of high-powered trucks, street trucks haven’t made a comeback, but fans have the Hemi. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis admitted to a past mistake in discontinuing the V-8 and rectified it with The Dude.
