Over Half a Million HEMI V8s Sold in North America Since 2002 Debut

That translates into 469,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. with a HEMI inside, and 41,000 Canadian HEMI buyers. The average take-rate

Over 469,000 DaimlerChrysler vehicles sold in the U.S. are fitted with a HEMI inside, complemented by 41,000 Canadian HEMI buyers. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

for vehicles offering the HEMI V8 is 42 percent (46 percent in the U.S.).

"The HEMI continues to resonate with consumers and has essentially become a brand within our brands," stated Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President, Product Development, Chrysler Group. "And with MDS, our modern cylinder deactivation system, the HEMI seamlessly moves from eight cylinders to four cylinders and back. The only thing customers notice is a savings in fuel economy of up to 20 percent."

MDS is available on Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

How will Chrysler make a good thing better? Next spring the automaker will release a new 6.1 liter version, making

Next spring DaimlerChrysler will release a new 6.1 liter HEMI, making 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The new Chrysler 300C SRT8 that will use the engine will get modest styling upgrades, suspension enhancements and larger diameter wheels and tires.

How fast will it go? Zero to 100 km/h should arrive in the low 5-second range, while the quarter mile should only take about 13 seconds, according to Chrysler's preliminary specifications. The 6.1 liter HEMI will not only be the highest specific output engine offered by the automaker next year, but its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating makes it the most powerful ever sold by the company legendary for its powerful 1966 "Street Hemi".