Ram’s Resurgence: Bringing V8 Power Back to Australian Showrooms

Ram Trucks Australia has recently submitted government approval documents for a new edition of the Ram 2500 dual-cab pickup, featuring a Hemi V8 engine. This new model would mark the brand’s first V8-powered vehicle in Australia since 2024.

Although not officially confirmed for release in the local market, the V8-powered Warlock variant of the Ram 2500 has been revealed through government homologation filings. This model is equipped with a 6.4-liter ‘Apache’ V8 engine generating 305kW and 582Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

In comparison to the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine in the current Ram 2500 Laramie model available in Australia, which delivers 313kW and 1458Nm, the new V8-powered Warlock offers a different driving experience.

If the Warlock model does make its way to Australia, it is expected to be priced lower than the Laramie variant, with a starting price of $US56,400 (A$79,906) before on-road costs, making it a more affordable option.

The US-spec Ram 2500 Warlock with the V8 engine boasts a braked towing capacity of 6817kg, a payload of 1506kg, and a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4535kg. It comes standard with features like 20-inch wheels, a black front grille, LED headlights, and black bumpers.

Inside the Warlock, keyless entry, six cloth-trimmed seats, and a 12.0-inch center touchscreen running Ram’s Uconnect infotainment system are offered. The 6.4-liter Apache engine has a history of use in vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT/SRT8 and Chrysler 300 SRT/SRT8.

While the Ram 2500 has traditionally been available with the Cummins diesel engine in Australia, the Ram 1500 was previously offered with V8 options until the introduction of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter ‘Hurricane’ inline six-cylinder engine in 2025. The return of V8 power to the US-market 1500 has sparked interest in introducing new V8-powered versions of the 1500 in Australia.

Ateco, the local importer, is considering introducing the V8-only Rumble Bee lineup, which includes models with a 5.7-liter engine producing 295kW/556Nm and a flagship model with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 579kW/922Nm. The Rumble Bee SRT is touted as the world’s quickest-accelerating V8-powered pickup with a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds.

Ram Trucks Australia is also exploring the possibility of bringing the SRT TRX to Australia, which features the same supercharged V8 engine with identical outputs. The company’s general manager, Jeff Barber, has expressed interest in evaluating this model for the Australian market.

For more information and to explore the Ram 2500 showroom, stay tuned for updates from Ram Trucks Australia.