Chrysler’s 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine is a bit of a beast, but it seems that it just isn’t big enough. According to reports Dodge’s next heavy duty Ram will be offered with a massive 6.4-litre version of the OHV V8.

Based on the current 6.1-litre version of the HEMI, an engine that appears in a few SRT-branded cars, the new engine would feature both a larger bore and a longer stroke, with resulting power figures estimated at between 450 and 500hp.

An engine with that much horse would need a hardcore transmission bolted up to its crankshaft, something Dodge already offers with its diesel engines. Chrysler may use the latest six-speed gearbox from German specialist ZF.

Of course, all of this assumes that Chrysler will retain the RAM and this particular engine development when it emerges from bankruptcy. Assuming it does, in addition to its spot in the Ram HD lineup, the 6.4-litre HEMI V8 is also likely to make an appearance under the hood of Jeep’s next Grand Cherokee SRT8. No word yet on how much the new motor will add to the price of the Ram and also how bad the fuel economy is for such a big unit.

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