The 5.7L HEMI is a tried and tested engine and has been a go-to powerhouse for muscle car and truck enthusiasts alike for over two decades. So, it makes sense that there are plenty of HEMI fans who view the eTorque HEMI with an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. While there isn’t anything wrong with the standard 5.7L HEMI, it’s hard to argue that the eTorque version isn’t worth it for the fuel savings, additional towing capabilities, and better overall drivability.
One of the main benefits that the HEMI eTorque touts over its standard counterpart is improved fuel economy. The HEMI eTorque gets an additional 2 MPG combined over the standard 5.7L HEMI in the Ram 1500, largely due to the eTorque’s improved auto start-stop system. According to Car and Driver, a single 90-second auto stop-start event in the Hemi eTorque saves 1.7 ounces of gasoline, adding up to huge savings in the long run. The eTorque’s motor-generator also makes the engine restart almost unnoticeable due to the fact that the engine is restarted directly from the crankshaft rather than from the starter battery.
In addition to the fuel savings, the eTorque motor also supplies supplemental power and torque to the engine. In total, the HEMI eTorque’s motor-generator has an output of 16 horsepower and 49 lb-ft of torque. However, the torque is multiplied through the belt drive to the crankshaft, creating an actual assist of 130 lb-ft of torque. That additional torque can help get a sizable tow load moving from a standstill or simply provide more acceleration off the line.