The new Hemi engine will be available as an option in the upcoming redesigned 2005 Grand Cherokee. The 5.7-liter V-8, which puts out 345 horsepower with 375 lb.-ft of torque, debuts for model year 2003 in the new 1500, 2500 & 3500 Dodge pickups. As described by DC, "The engine's unique two-valve Hemispherical combustion chamber (which gives the engine its "Hemi" name) within an aluminum head provides impressive air flow, torque and power, and gives the engine its throaty rumble. Fifty-six pounds lighter than the 5.9-liter V-8, the 5.7-liter Hemi produces 41-percent more power and a 12-percent increase in peak torque." The engine started production at the Salitillo plant in Mexico in June of 2002. More than 35,000 engines per month have been rolling off the assembly lines. The engines will be used in pickups, Dakotas, Durangos and other large Chrysler vehicles.

Future versions of the Hemi engine will include Cylinder Deactivation, a feature which shuts down four of the eight cylinders during idling and light-demand situations, such as highway driving, by electronically controlling the flow of oil to valve lifters. Engines with this enhanced fuel-saving feature are slated to start production in January of 2004.

Facts and features:

The 5.7-liter Hemi® Magnum V-8 engine is an internally balanced pushrod (OHV) 90-degree V-8. The cast iron block is a deep skirt and cross-bolted design with cylinder bore spacing the same as the engine it replaces.

The aluminum cylinder features a two-valve per-cylinder, Hemispherical combustion chamber with dual spark plugs and a coil over plug ignition for best-in-class airflow and power. At an impressive 345 hp and 375 lb.-ft of torque, the 5.7-liter Hemi cranks out 41 percent more power and 12 percent greater torque than the 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 it replaces. And the power plant is 56 pounds lighter than its predecessor. An Integrated Air Fuel Module (IAFM) incorporates the function of 26 individual components in the induction and fuel system, thereby reducing cost, weight and engine plant complexity.

The 5.7-liter Hemi marks Chrysler Group's first application of an electronic throttle control system in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The system uses a DC motor with reduction gears to open and close the throttle, for optimal control of the airflow into the engine. A combination of the 5.7-liter Hemi and the new 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission will improve fuel efficiency by 8-10 percent over the 5.9-liter V-8.

A systematic approach to sealing, using premium elastomeric materials and state-of-the-art practices, helps ensure a leak-free, weep-free engine. The power plant's simple and efficient design means servicing and repairs are easier and less costly.

Hemi Specifications

• Description: Eight cylinders, 90-degree V-type, liquid cooled. Deep-skirt cast iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with Hemispherical combustion chambers

• Bore x stroke: 3.92 x 3.58 (99.5 x 90.9)

• Camshaft: Silent chain, 5-bearings. Bi-metal material except number 3 Babbit. Deep-fillet rolled journals for improved fatigue life, press fit damper to minimize torsional vibration

• Compression Ratio: 9.6:1

• Connecting rods: Forged with cracked cap, powder metal, bi-metal bearings

• Coolant capacity: 18.7 qt. (17.7L)

• Crankshaft: Nodular cast iron, tuned assembly vibration damper, 6 bi-metal bearings

• Displacement: 354 CID (5,654 cu. cm)

• Engine speed, max: 5,800 rpm

• Fuel injection: Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless

• Fuel requirement: Unleaded mid-grade, 89 octane (R+M)/2 - recommended, Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2 - acceptable

• Knock sensors: Dual, wide band

• Manifold, intake: Seven-piece composite construction with electronic throttle control

• Oil capacity: 7 qt. (6.6L)

• Pistons: Aluminum strutless, 3-ring

• Piston pins: Floating in piston, press-fit in rod

• Power (2500 series): (SAE net) 345 bhp @ 5400 rpm

• Power (3500 series): (SAE net) 330 bhp @ 4800 rpm

• Torque: (SAE Net) 375 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm 2500/3500 series

• Valve system: Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, hydraulic lifters with roller followers

• Valves, intake: SAE 547 steel, solid stem, PMF-22 seats

• Valves, exhaust: 23-8N steel, solid stem, PMF-22 seats

• Weight: Manual trans 529 lbs., Auto trans 485 lbs.