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HEMI is shorthand for a hemispherical combustion-chamber design. Chrysler introduced its FirePower version for 1951 model-year vehicles, and the name now covers several distinct engine generations—not every Dodge V8 or one universal power rating.
Here’s what the name means, how the major HEMI milestones fit together, and which HEMI options Dodge lists for the 2026 Durango.
What does HEMI mean?
HEMI refers to the hemispherical shape or concept of an engine’s combustion chamber. Chrysler called its first production version FirePower. The name describes a design idea; it is not a fuel type, a single engine displacement, or a label for every Dodge V8. Stellantis’ history of HEMI engines traces the name through several generations.
The name alone also does not tell you an engine’s output. Displacement, vehicle, model year, and whether the engine is naturally aspirated or supercharged all matter.
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Key HEMI milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1951 model year | Chrysler’s FirePower hemispherical-chamber V8 appeared in production vehicles, rated at 180 hp in Stellantis’ historical account. Versions were also used by Dodge, DeSoto, and Imperial. |
| 1958 | Stellantis identifies this as the first-generation HEMI’s final year. |
| 1964 | The 426 Race HEMI debuted. Stellantis notes Richard Petty won the Daytona 500 that year in a HEMI-powered car. |
| 1966 | The 426 street version launched, and Stellantis says it returned to NASCAR. |
| 2003 | The Gen III 5.7-liter HEMI debuted in the Ram pickup, rated at 345 hp. |
| 2018 | Stellantis lists the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI in the Challenger SRT Demon at 840 hp. |
These historical ratings describe particular engines and applications; they are not interchangeable figures for every HEMI. The milestones and ratings above are from Stellantis’ published history.
Which HEMI engines does Dodge list for 2026?
Dodge’s 2026 Durango performance page lists three HEMI V8 options. The figures below are the page’s stated specifications for those Durango models, not universal ratings for each displacement in every vehicle.
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| 2026 Durango model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durango GT HEMI V8 | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 360 hp | 390 lb-ft |
| Durango R/T 392 | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 475 hp | 470 lb-ft |
| Durango SRT Hellcat | Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 | 710 hp | 645 lb-ft |
Specifications are from Dodge’s 2026 Durango performance page. For context, Dodge’s wider 2026 lineup also includes SIXPACK-powered and all-electric Charger variants; not every current Dodge performance model is a HEMI. See the Stellantis Dodge brand page.
What the HEMI name does—and doesn’t—tell you
- It identifies a design lineage: the name points to a hemispherical combustion-chamber concept.
- It doesn’t identify one engine: FirePower, the 426, and the Gen III engines are distinct generations and applications.
- It doesn’t guarantee one output: check the specific vehicle, model year, displacement, and induction type.
- It doesn’t mean every Dodge V8 is a HEMI: Dodge’s lineup includes other powertrains as well.
FAQ
What does HEMI stand for?
HEMI is short for hemispherical, referring to the combustion-chamber design concept associated with the engine name.
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Stellantis says Chrysler introduced its FirePower hemispherical-chamber engine for 1951 model-year vehicles, with a historical rating of 180 hp.
Is the 426 the same engine as the modern 5.7-liter HEMI?
No. The 426 Race HEMI debuted in 1964, while the Gen III 5.7-liter HEMI debuted in the Ram pickup in 2003. They are separate generations and applications.
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Which HEMI engines are listed for the 2026 Dodge Durango?
Dodge lists 5.7L, 6.4L, and supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 options. Its page gives each option’s rating for the corresponding Durango model; consult that page for current specifications.
Does HEMI mean every Dodge V8 is the same?
No. HEMI is a name used across multiple generations and displacements. Dodge’s wider lineup also includes non-HEMI powertrains, so check the specific model and year.
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