Chrysler boosts power and efficiency of 5.7L HEMI for 2009

Chrysler’s HEMI V8 engine dates back more than fifty years, going back to the first ‘FirePower’ units from the 1950s and culminating with the third-generation design found in the carmaker’s current lineup. While the future of the legendary V8 is in doubt, there’s still plenty of life in the powerplant as it is set to appear in a range of new models including hybrid SUVs, performance muscle cars and workhorse pickups. Chrysler has extensively updated its 5.7L HEMI V8 range for the 2009 model year, making it more powerful and more fuel-efficient. The new engine debuts in the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 and will eventually appear in other 2009 models including the 300 sedan and Challenger coupe. Engineers improved engine breathing and added new technologies, including variable valve timing (VVT) to boost power and torque levels throughout the rev range. They also expanded the number of models with Chrysler’s fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) operation and lowered the idle rev level. Numerous other hardware upgrades were implemented to build on the quality, reliability and durability reputation of the engine. These include crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT. The end result is output rating of 380hp (283kW) and 404lb-ft (547Nm) of torque – up 10% and 8% respectively over the previous 5.7L unit. At the same time, fuel economy has been improved by roughly 4% in most applications. When mated with the hybrid system in the Dodge Durango Hybrid and Chrysler Aspen SUVs, power levels rise to 385hp (287kW) but torque slips to 380lb-ft (514Nm). The new 5.7L HEMI V8 is manufactured at the Saltillo engine plant in Mexico.

By Dandan #1, Posted: 9/3/2008

for an engine so big why don't they just have a V12 it would be smoother..
By tp #2, Posted: 9/3/2008

why don't they just get more power out of it the europeans could get at least 450hp out of a 5.7l
By Dandan #3, Posted: 9/3/2008

Europeans if they wanted to could get 400bhp out of a 4ltr...just got on to how bad this engine is.
By NoNameDenton #4, Posted: 9/3/2008

I want the V8 to survive, but it will need to be smaller, use GDI and turbos so they are more fuel efficient (Keep the VVT MDS and such).
By bran #5, Posted: 9/3/2008

They could kill a whole liter on this engine, keep all the power, and get another 15% efficiency from it. This is an american invention though, so what can you really expect.
By Don #6, Posted: 9/7/2008

Why not put your energy into making it more fuel efficient without worrying about a power increase? Is 345 hp not enough?
by KyChallengerRT #7, Posted: 1/6/2009

The new Hemi is great. I have a new 09 Challenger RT with 6speed 3.92 pos rearend. For a car that weight is over 4100 lb. And I weigh almost 285 . I average 20 to 21 mpg and 25 on the interstate. As a old hot roder from the 60s, 70s and 80s . That kind of gas mileage is great. And I love the power . Not that I have my foot on the floor all the time. I traded in a 06 MX-5 Miata with 6 speed that I got average 30 mpg and best of 35 a few times. And a 4x4 pickup that got about 14 mpg. If you want mpg drive a little box and see if you live when you get hit by a SUV or run off the road . I think Dodge has done a great job with the new 5.7 VVT engine. And does better than my wife's 300C with the older Hemi that run's on 4 cylinder's some time. And if that isn't good enough . Ride a bicycle.