How Chrysler Killed The Hemi Brand

Jalopnik.com ^ | Jul 7, 2010 | Ray Wert

[GreenHornet]

This makes a lot of sense. Delete all references to the Hemi, one of the most iconic and recognizable names in automotive history, all in the name of “environmental correctness.” Yeah, that's a shrewd marketing move.

[Erasmus]

That’s some pretty orange paint on the exhaust manifold.

Oh——that’s not paint?

Hmmmmm!

[Daffynition]

Ban soda pop! Ban Hemis!

[Daffynition]

[Daffynition]

The 1970s did not happen.

[Erasmus]

Probably radiating about 50 kilowatts per side.

[mkjessup]

And back, WAY back where it all really began, with the first generation hemi engines, this one is from a '55 Desoto, a 291 CID version, aka the Desoto FireDome!:


The unrestored Desoto:


And finally, restored:


w/thanks and a tip o' the hat to...

Aaron's Custom Auto Restoration, Pinnacle NC

http://www.aaronscustomrestorations.com/55desoto.html

[ltc8k6]

They aren’t really hemispherical anymore anyway. The current Hemi line introduced in 2003 does not have hemispherical chambers.

Hemi has been nothing but a marketing term since it’s reintroduction.

[absolootezer0]

if they’d put one of those things in a wrangler, i just might buy one.

personally, i’ve always thought slapping a badge on a vehicle that tells ya what’s under the hood was stupid- especially when you consider that they charge you for it.

[MileHi]

When we fired up the new 429 in my Bronco the L&M headers did that. It was a vacuum leak. Now those headers are green and blue and purple.... pretty cool!

[Big_Harry]

I seem to remember that it was the Chrysler Company’s whining that kept the “Cammer” from ever being run in a NASCAR event. even though the rules of the time allowed the 426 hemi to run.

[mkjessup]

You remember it correctly. When Ford decided to challenge the Mopar Hemi, Chrysler folded up like a cheap suit and ALL hemispherical design V-8’s were banned from NASCAR. While I happily admit to a pro-Ford bias, there is little doubt in my mind that the 427 SOHC would have eaten the Hemi for lunch, and farted out whatever was left of it, had the two brands ever faced each other in NASCAR competition.

[OldMissileer]

Now THAT is the kind of “porn” I would surf for!

That is a beautiful automobile.

[codercpc]

We had owned a Jeep for 20 consecutive years. We had them all, including the latest the Jeep Commander (with the Hemi).

When it came time to trade it in earlier this year, it broke my heart to not buy another one. The newest Grand Cherokee would have been the perfect replacement. But, alas, we took the "No Government Motors" pledge, and bought a Toyota instead!

I can honestly say (after putting almost 15,000 miles on it since March) that I am thrilled with our decision. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Jeep, but some times principles must win out.

[grjr21]

 

 if they’d put one of those things in a wrangler, i just might buy one.

 

 

Jeep Hurrican

 Two 5.7-liter, 8-cylinder HEMI engines and four-wheel steering

[Daffynition]

I think history agrees with you.

[Daffynition]

WOW! Just beautiful! Thank you!

[absolootezer0]

yeah.. that’s a bada** jeep but.. how about a *production model* wrangler with a hemi?

[ltc8k6]

http://www.wkjeeps.com/concept/hurricane.htm

[Erasmus]

Pretty cool, but dangerous hot!

≤}B^)