The 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine was, and still is, a wild thing. We miss its naturally aspirated power and 7,000 RPM redline. Over at Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, the automaker is rumored to have a similar displacement engine in the works.
Fiat-Chrysler Authority reported Wednesday there may be a 7.0-liter Hemi V8 engine in the works sans forced induction with the codename “Banshee.” Specifically, the engine is rumored to fit into a Ram Rebel TR and slot below the confirmed Ram Rebel TRX. It’s the first we’re hearing of a Rebel TR, but there’s reportedly a strategy behind two high-performance trucks.
The Ram Rebel TR, with a 7.0-liter Hemi, would tackle the Ford F-150 Raptor with 520 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque, while the TRX would be more of a street truck with a Hellcat-sourced 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi. The Rebel TRX concept packed 575 horsepower and is scheduled to arrive by 2022. The TR, as far as we’re concerned, is simply a rumor. As is the 7.0-liter Hemi V8.
However, if the engine and truck surface, it will certainly give truck enthusiasts something to think about when shopping for performance pickups. And they won’t have any Chevrolet model to consider. As far as we know, there aren’t any plans for a high-performance Silverado variant for the street or off-road use. That could (and hopefully will) change by the time Ram rolls out the TRX.
If a 7.0-liter Hemi does surface, we may also see the engine play a part in the next-generation Dodge Charger and Challenger. The two muscle cars have soldiered on with continuous updates for years, but two all-new models are due sometime next decade.
Comments
I hope GM has something in the works.
It would be heaven if GM rolled out another 7.0L V8 for not only the Camaro and Vette but for a Truck as well. Honestly, I’d love to see a 7-liter SS (not Z/28) and a 7-Liter Cheyenne SS pickup (even if only for two or three years). a car with about 520hp/500tq, a 10-speed automatic, magnetic suspension, etc just in an SS platform. Call it an LT7 if you will. I don’t know, I have a love for old school meets modern. Hell, I’d love for Chevy to take the current 376 6.2 and make it a 396 with about 495hp and about 480lb-ft of torque and bring back the SS-396 name. but like i said, that’s just me. Wishful thinking.