Ram performed a course correction earlier this year by reviving the Hemi-powered 1500 pickup. It reintroduced the 5.7-liter V-8 to the model for 2026, and the truck brand is highlighting its return with a wicked-looking SEMA concept. It’s called "The Dude," and it takes inspiration from the Dude sport trim package Dodge offered in the early 1970s.
Under the hood is the Hemi V-8 making 395 horsepower. The only noted upgrade is a Mopar cold-air intake, but the truck rides on a lowered suspension with 20-by-10-inch wheels at the corners.
The Dude features a custom front splitter and custom side skirts, with side-exit exhaust finished with black tips, sticking out both sides in front of the rear wheels.
This truck, based on the Ram 1500 Big Horn, wears Sublime Green exterior paint, which Ram accents with satin black C-stripes, just like the original package. It even features a motif of a square-jawed guy in glasses and a cowboy hat. Other black accents include the hood stripes, the grille and grille surround, the roof, mirror caps, and tailgate.
Inside, Ram kept the green to a minimum, using it as contrast stitching on the seats and center armrest. There’s also a green "The Dude" badge on the passenger-side dashboard. The truck also comes with an in-console safe, a multi-accessory instrument panel rail, and all-weather floor mats.
The truck looks great with its lowered stance and body kit. Despite the pickup truck craze and high-powered models like the Ram TRX (RIP), it’s kind of shocking street trucks never made a proper comeback—but at least fans have the Hemi.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis admitted the brand "screwed up" by killing the V-8 engine in the current-generation 1500.
It was something he wanted to rectify when he returned to the role late last year. Engineers quickly figured out how to get the engine back in the truck and even launched a new badge called "Symbol of Protest," which is visible on The Dude’s front fender.
The Dude will be at this year’s SEMA Show, so check it out. It’ll be on display alongside Dodge’s custom Charger Sixpack that features a range of Mopar upgrades.
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Source: Ram
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