DaimlerChrysler Announces Winner of Zany "What Can You HEMI?" Contest!

Winning Trike Not the Craziest but Rather the Most Feasible from an Engineering Standpoint

Like its character, DaimlerChrysler's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is almost larger than life. Available in

DaimlerChrysler established the "What Can You Hemi?" contest earlier this year, challenging North Americans to come up with fun, creative new uses for the popular powerplant. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

six (and soon to be seven) of the hottest products Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep have to offer, the group has sold nearly 500,000 engines since its introduction in 2002. Not surprisingly, with an engine as powerful and smooth as this, the HEMI accounts for an average of 44 percent of all unit sales in the vehicles offered with the engine.

To further promote the engine that has now become DaimlerChrysler's fourth brand, and to pay homage to the reincarnated 'hemispheric' technology which was first introduced more than half a century ago, DaimlerChrysler established the "What Can You Hemi?" contest earlier this year, challenging North Americans to come up with fun, creative new uses for the popular powerplant, the now famous 5.7-liter, 340+horsepower twin-spark HEMI V8.

To get the creative juices of would-be invertors across the continent flowing, and to demonstrate its intentions, Chrysler came

Chrysler came up with a zany idea all on its own, the HEMI-Grille. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

up with a zany idea all on its own, the HEMI-Grille. The oversized barbeque, finished in stainless and diamond plate, features the alternator and battery of the famed 5.7-liter V8 at its front, which drives an electric motor to warm powerful heating elements. Like the HEMI motor itself, this 'cue is borderline overkill, with enough power (and space) to sizzle 240 hotdogs to perfection in under three minutes. For added entertainment, there's even a gas pedal, which the motor-head chef can blip to hear the rumble of the big-bore V8. Needless to say, it would be a sure-fire hit at any neighborhood street party and the perfect gift for that special someone who's got a little premium unleaded running in his or her veins.