Tag - Ram Hemi protest badge

Key highlights Ram reintroduces the 5.7L Hemi V-8 for the 2026 Ram 1500 with a bold new ‘Symbol of Protest’ badge. The badge features a ram’s head mounted on a Hemi engine block, complete with straight-pipe exhausts. The move is seen as a tongue-in-cheek rebellion against downsizing and electrification trends. Ram has officially brought back the iconic 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 for the 2026 Ram 1500, and it’s not just the engine that’s making noise. Every Hemi-equipped truck will now wear a new ‘Symbol of Protest’ badge—a design that’s as bold as it is bizarre. The badge, created by Ram’s in-house design team, features a ram’s head bursting out of a Hemi engine block, flanked by individual straight-pipe exhaust tubes. It’s not a peace sign or a raised fist, but it’s Ram’s way of making a statement in a world increasingly dominated by turbocharged six-cylinders and EVs. What is it protesting, exactly? That’s the million-dollar question. The badge doesn’t come with a manifesto, but the message is clear: Ram is poking fun at the industry’s shift away from V-8s. While Stellantis has been pushing its new Hurricane inline-six engines and electrified platforms, the return of the Hemi—after just a one-year hiatus—feels like a rebellious nod to tradition. It’s a celebration of raw torque, deep exhaust notes, and unapologetic Americana. Marketing or movement? Maybe both Ram is leaning into the moment. The badge will be featured prominently in marketing campaigns and even at NASCAR events, where fans can ride a mechanical bull-style version of the emblem for prizes. Critics may call it gimmicky, but it’s a clever way to reignite interest in a beloved powertrain. The Hemi returns unchanged, but the buzz around it is anything but quiet. Our thoughts This is Ram at its cheekiest—and I kind of love it. The badge is absurd, over-the-top, and completely unnecessary. But that’s what makes it genius. It’s a middle finger wrapped in chrome, aimed at conformity. And while it may not change the future of propulsion, it sure makes the present a lot more fun. Also read: Mercedes-Benz India launches AMG GT 63 and GT 63 PRO