A few days ago a friend asked if my car had a Hemi, to which I replied yes. He then asked "Aren't all Chrysler’s Hemi's?" He wasn’t joking. It was a serious question. I don’t know why, but the question really bothered me, and it got me thinking.

Is Chrysler hurting the value of owning a Hemi by slapping them into so many different cars?

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they put one in our SRTs, but I'm not talking about Chrysler’s limited production, super high performance models. I'm referring to all the other mid-range cars that all have some variation of a Hemi horseshoed into them. I honestly wish Chrysler would rein it in a bit. I’m not saying that Chrslyer should make fewer cars or engines, just create another engine brand for them and reserve the Hemi brand for their highest performance vehicles. As it’s going now, the value and exclusivity of owning a Hemi is quickly becoming diluted.

It seems that Chrysler goes through marketing cycles and Hemi is their flavor of the month. Ten years ago it was "Turbo". I'm sure we can all remember the scorching hotrod that was the Chrysler LeBaron Turbo. By the time that car came out, it wasn’t even important for the turbo to do anything; it was the word “turbo” on the fender that was important. “Turbo” had become a Chrysler marketing mechanism. Is this where Chrysler is heading with Hemi? Will we soon see the top end Town and Country sporting a detuned 250 hp Hemi?

I'd be curious how other SRT owners feel about how Chrysler is treating the Hemi brand.

I see your point. By using it as such a powerful marketing tool, they've somewhat "dilluted" the Hemi moniker. No longer is it as unique as it used to be, but then again they were doing the same thing in the 60's and 70's. Personally, it dosen't bother me at all. Sure, that Grand Cherokee Limited may have a Hemi but you and I know it's not nearly the same as what is in our trucks. =)

The amazing flexibility, performance, and reliability of the Hemi design is what makes the engine so useful for Chrysler. Thats why you see it spread across their product line. I think it would be incredibly cost prohibitive for them to design a new engine "brand" for other vehicles. Also, think about it....when a guy goes to buy a Dodge Pickup he see's that "Hemi" badge and immediatly knows it's a higher performing product. Same with Jeep....they see Hemi on that Limited Grand Cherokee and it's immediate brand identity. Nothing wrong with that in my book. Just keep the 6.1L and larger motors in our SRT8's and I'm happy!!! haha

The modern HEMI does have some marketing plan behind it, but it really is a HEMI head type engine. I agree that it may be borderline as to where DCX should continue fitting the engine. It should deffinitly stay out of the Lerado GC's. There may be V6 version of the HEMI at some point too, which I have mixed feelings about. The 6.1L 425hp should only be in SRT's. Though there has been talk of a 375hp 6.1L in the RAMs for some time, & w/Toyota(5.7L 380hp? all aluminum V8 "Ramdra") & other upping thier hp DCX must follow(I mean lead:) ). The HEMI also loses DCX business, on the MPG issue, just the HEMI name makes "treehuggers" cringe. The SOHC 4.7L is a great engine IMO. I'd like to see DCX up the ci & hp on this engine. Maybe a DOHC version of the 4.7L? The future of SRT may get bigger & more powerful in a 6.4L HEMI, this will reduce the value of our 6.1L GC's, but will make DCX get more of my $$$ in the future.

I think your friend is one of those with the 'It's just a car" mentality, while we enthusiasts are of the "Oh my God, is that an SRT?!?" mentality. I also think the question is a brand recognition thing, almost like people feel obligated to ask to show they're keeping up with the times. Ex: I drive a yellow C6 and, because Corvette used yellow in their Z06 marketing campaign, I get asked all the time how I like my Z06. It's not just car-related either, it happens in other areas... like asking if someone's wine glasses are Waterford, or if a stained glass lamp is Tiffany, or a watch is a Rolex. Usually it's just making conversation, but once in awhile, if we really think there is a genuine desire to know, we can try to bring a new lamb into the fold.

I think your friend is one of those with the 'It's just a car" mentality, while we enthusiasts are of the "Oh my God, is that an SRT?!?" mentality. I also think the question is a brand recognition thing, almost like people feel obligated to ask to show they're keeping up with the times. Ex: I drive a yellow C6 and, because Corvette used yellow in their Z06 marketing campaign, I get asked all the time how I like my Z06. It's not just car-related either, it happens in other areas... like asking if someone's wine glasses are Waterford, or if a stained glass lamp is Tiffany, or a watch is a Rolex. Usually it's just making conversation, but once in awhile, if we really think there is a genuine desire to know, we can try to bring a new lamb into the fold.
I feel like I've just been heavily medicated. I've read your response 4 times now and I have to say that I'm stumped. What are you saying?

I feel like I've just been heavily medicated. I've read your response 4 times now and I have to say that I'm stumped. What are you saying?
The HEMI moniker is a form of Chrysler brand recognition. Just saying the word "HEMI" makes even the nonautoenthusiast think of a Mopar product.

I feel like I've just been heavily medicated.
Heh Heh!:D :cool:
Seriously though, I do see your point and I wish they would show some reservations in the future as well.

I feel like I've just been heavily medicated. I've read your response 4 times now and I have to say that I'm stumped. What are you saying?Wow, sorry.. didn't mean to throw you for such a loop! ;)
Actually, I was doing 3 things at once, guess I could have read my post back again before clicking 'submit' :o.

You said:
A few days ago a friend asked if my car had a Hemi, to which I replied yes. He then asked "Aren't all Chrysler’s Hemi's?" He wasn’t joking. It was a serious question. I don’t know why, but the question really bothered me.... SRT8 got it and summed it up pretty well...(Thanks SRT8, I owe ya one!!)
Compare "Aren't all Chryslers Hemis?" to people I've encountered that think all yellow Vettes are Z06's, etc., etc., etc.
My other point was that if he is truly interested, he could be another SRT enthusiast-in-the-making...

Hope you feel better!

How about this...in a couple years, the people with the 6.4 hemi are going to be saying why does the 6.1 hemi have the hemi badge. In 2005 there was no Jeep SRT8. So at the time the 5.7 was the biggest hemi in a Jeep. And in a couple years, maybe the 6.1 will be overshadowed by the 6.4...who knows.

The HEMI moniker is a form of Chrysler brand recognition. Just saying the word "HEMI" makes even the nonautoenthusiast think of a Mopar product.


Ding ding ding-We have a winner. This is the correct response for the question.

Ding ding ding-We have a winner. This is the correct response for the question.
What did I win? :D

I said basically the same thing he said, in greater detail, before he said it!! I don't win a prize?

PFFFFFffff!! =P

I said basically the same thing he said, in greater detail, before he said it!! I don't win a prize?

PFFFFFffff!! =P
It's ok, I'll share. :cool:

^_^






.

What did I win? :D

Case-o-beer. Will not ship,must come to Houston to collect and assistance with operating instructions. ;)