Ram Trucks Australia has filed government approval documents for a new Hemi V8-powered version of the Ram 2500 dual-cab pickup, in what would be the brand’s first new V8-powered model here since 2024.
While it hasn’t been officially confirmed for the local lineup, government homologation filings – required before a new vehicle can legally be sold in Australia – have revealed a V8-powered Warlock variant of the heavy-duty Ram 2500.
It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 6.4-litre ‘Apache’ 90-degree V8 engine producing 305kW and 582Nm, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.
That compares with the 313kW/1458Nm outputs of the Cummins 6.7-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel under the bonnet of the Ram 2500 Laramie currently sold in Australia, which is priced from $172,950 before on-road costs.
“Ram Trucks Australia regularly assesses models from the vast catalogue of vehicles available in the United States (US) and appreciates the passion for the return of the iconic Hemi V8, but there is nothing to announce today,” a spokesperson said in a statement issued to CarExpert.
If it does make it here, the Warlock is expected to cost less than the Laramie, given its US starting price of $US56,400 (A$79,906) before on-road costs is almost $US6000 (A$8501) less.
The US-spec Ram 2500 Warlock with the V8 has a 6817kg braked towing capacity, a 1506kg payload and a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4535kg.
Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, a black front grille, LED headlights and black bumpers.
Inside, the Warlock offers keyless entry, six cloth-trimmed seats and a 12.0-inch centre touchscreen running Ram’s Uconnect infotainment software.
The 6.4-litre Apache dates back to 2011 and has previously seen service in Australia in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT/SRT8, sold between 2012 and 2021.
It also powered the Chrysler 300 SRT/SRT8 sports sedan, which competed with the Holden Commodore SS and Ford Falcon XR8.
While the Ram 2500 has always been offered by Ram Trucks Australia with the Cummins diesel six, the Ram 1500 was offered with 5.7-litre and supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8s until 2025, when the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre ‘Hurricane’ inline six-cylinder engine was introduced. The final local V8 model rolled off the Walkinshaw Automotive assembly line in late 2024.
But following the return of V8 power to the US-market 1500 last year, local importer Ateco has said it’s considering introducing new V8-powered versions of the 1500, which has led Australian full-size pickup sales for eight consecutive years, ahead of the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Toyota Tundra.
This includes the V8-only Rumble Bee lineup, which starts with an entry-level 5.7-litre engine producing 295kW/556Nm, while the flagship Rumble Bee SRT packs a 6.2-litre supercharged petrol V8 producing 579kW/922Nm.
Ram claims the latter is the world’s quickest-accelerating V8-powered pickup, with a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds.
Ram Trucks Australia general manager Jeff Barber has also toldCarExpertthe company is evaluating the SRT TRX for Australia, which uses the same supercharged V8 with identical outputs.