Chrysler Creates Fourth Brand with Popular HEMI

That thing got a HEMI? The catchy slogan is now part of North Americas street slang, doing its part in creating what many market analysts consider the automotive sectors newest brand, and Chrysler Groups fourth.

What Chrysler has done for the domestic auto industry, along with showing how a relatively straight forward overhead valve V8 engine with hemispherical heads, sophisticated cylinder deactivation technology, massive horsepower, and fabulous marketing can

Thanks to clever marketing and a solid product, Chrysler has made the phrase "That Thing got a HEMI?" part of North Americas lexicon. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

First offered in 2003 model year Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty pickup trucks, the HEMI

The engines popularity has been staggering, with a large percentage of buyers opting for the HEMI powerplant. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

The engines popularity has been staggering, with more than 46 percent of Ram buyers opting for the top-line V8, 43 percent of 300 and Magnum buyers, 29 percent of Jeep Grand Cherokee purchasers and an astounding 54 percent of Dodge Durango

Over 469,000 DaimlerChrysler vehicles sold in the U.S. are fitted with a HEMI inside, complemented by 41,000 Canadian HEMI buyers. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

That translates into 469,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. with a HEMI inside, and in case youre interested 41,000 Canadian HEMI buyers. The average take-rate for vehicles offering the HEMI V8 is 46 percent.

"The HEMI continues to resonate with consumers and has essentially become a brand within our brands," stated Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President, Product Development, Chrysler Group. "And with MDS, our modern cylinder deactivation system, the HEMI seamlessly moves

Next spring DaimlerChrysler will release a new 6.1 liter HEMI, making 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

MDS is available on Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

How will Chrysler make a good thing better? Next spring the automaker will release a new 6.1 liter version, making 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The new Chrysler 300C SRT8 that will use the engine will get modest styling upgrades, suspension enhancements and larger diameter wheels and tires.

How fast will it go? Zero to 60 mph should arrive in the low 5-second range, while the quarter mile should only take about 13 seconds, according to Chryslers

"Without question, the HEMI continues to play a critical role in building momentum for the Chrysler Group, stated Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President, Product Development, Chrysler Group." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

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