17 Best Hemi Cars Ever
The “HEMI” name ignites passion in muscle car aficionados, representing a legacy of hemispherical combustion chambers that deliver explosive power and unforgettable roars.
From Detroit’s golden age to today’s high-performance marvels, HEMI engines have fueled vehicles that dominate streets and drag strips.
These 17 HEMI-powered icons embody speed, style, and the heart of American muscle.
1. 1970 Plymouth Superbird
With its towering wing and NASCAR pedigree, the Superbird was a HEMI icon like no other. Its 426 HEMI V8 pushed out 425 horsepower, making it a menace on the track and an object of awe on the street.
Only a limited number were built, making it one of the rarest and most collectible muscle cars today. It’s a rolling monument to when aerodynamics met brute force.
2. 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 426 HEMI
Made famous by Hollywood and even more beloved by muscle fans, the ‘68 Charger R/T paired a menacing look with a beastly HEMI under the hood. The 426-cubic-inch engine delivered brutal acceleration and a soundtrack that still turns heads.
It became a symbol of the golden age of muscle. Few cars scream “power” like a Charger with a HEMI badge.
3. 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
This model marked the triumphant return of the HEMI into a full-size performance sedan. With a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 producing 425 hp, it offered modern tech and old-school muscle in one stylish package.
It reminded the world that HEMI power wasn’t just for two-door cars anymore. The SRT8 set the tone for Dodge’s future performance lineup.
4. 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 426 HEMI
The ’71 HEMI ‘Cuda, with its sharp lines and scarce 426 HEMI production, is a collector’s dream. Its thunderous power and aggressive stance epitomized muscle car ideals.
Rare and formidable, it remains a pinnacle of style and brute strength.
5. 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
A modern HEMI titan, the Super Stock Challenger boasts 807 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2L V8. Built for quarter-mile dominance, it achieves sub-10-second runs.
This beast channels ‘70s spirit with cutting-edge engineering, pushing muscle car boundaries.
6. 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The Hellcat stunned the world with its 707-hp supercharged 6.2L HEMI, redefining American performance. Loud, brash, and gloriously excessive, it captured the essence fans adore.
Its debut thrust the HEMI back into the spotlight for a new generation.
7. 1957 Chrysler 300C
The HEMI’s legacy began with the 300C, a luxury-performance coupe with a 392 HEMI V8 pumping 375 horsepower. Blending elegance and prodigious torque, it was a trailblazer in the ‘50s.
This refined powerhouse foreshadowed decades of Chrysler performance.
8. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
Built to dominate NASCAR, the Charger Daytona paired the 426 HEMI with an aerodynamic nose cone and massive rear wing. It became the first car in NASCAR history to break 200 mph.
On the street, it looked straight out of a sci-fi movie. Rare, fast, and outrageous, it remains one of the most famous HEMI cars of all time.
9. 2023 Ram 1500 TRX
Who said HEMIs were just for coupes? The Ram TRX shoved a 702-hp supercharged HEMI into a full-size off-road truck, creating an apex predator for any terrain.
It blended Baja racer performance with luxury and tech, proving the HEMI’s versatility. It’s the modern-day muscle truck, stomping across highways and sand dunes alike.
10. 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II HEMI
Disguised as an unassuming sedan, the Belvedere II hid a 426 HEMI that ruled drag strips. Its minimalist design belied ferocious speed, endearing it to purists.
This sleeper’s raw power made it a favorite for those who valued performance over pomp.
11. 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
The 2009 Challenger’s return, powered by a 425-hp 6.1L HEMI in the SRT8, reignited muscle car rivalries. Its retro design and modern performance resonated instantly.
This model carried the HEMI torch, inspiring a new wave of enthusiasts.
12. 1955 Chrysler C-300
Known as the original “banker’s hot rod,” the C-300 introduced the 300 horsepower 331 HEMI to the world. It dominated NASCAR in its day and paved the way for Chrysler’s performance lineage.
It was elegant, powerful, and ahead of its time. Many historians consider it the first American muscle car.
13. 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 426 HEMI
The 1970 Challenger R/T was Mopar’s answer to the pony car craze, and the HEMI option turned it into a monster. With the 426 under the hood, it could go toe-to-toe with anything Detroit had to offer.
It was also available in wild high-impact colors and with shaker hoods, making it a standout at any stoplight. Collectors prize this combo of muscle and style.
14. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Trackhawk stunned with a 707-hp HEMI in an SUV, outpacing sports cars while offering family-friendly space. Its all-wheel drive and advanced tech tamed its wild power.
This versatile beast redefined performance utility with HEMI flair.
15. 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
The 2012 300 SRT8 paired a 470-hp 6.4L HEMI with upscale amenities, delivering refined yet ferocious performance. Subtle until unleashed, it balanced luxury and muscle.
This sedan proved HEMIs could thrive in sophisticated settings.
16. 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 426 HEMI
Named after the cartoon bird, the Road Runner was all about straight-line performance for less cash. When ordered with the 426 HEMI, it was a bare-bones rocket that ate up quarter-miles like candy.
It became a symbol of blue-collar horsepower and smart engineering. The “beep-beep” horn was just icing on a very fast cake.
17. 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10
Though powered by a Viper-inspired V10, the Ram SRT-10 earns a nod for capturing HEMI’s audacious spirit. Hitting 0–60 in under 5 seconds, this pickup was a performance pioneer.
Its bold legacy endures among Mopar enthusiasts.