But it doesn't have hemispherical combustion chambers, does it?

 

No, but do you think that really matters to the buying public? "That thing got a HEMI???"

 

And that just adds another level of the genius to marketing the "Hemi" brand.

It now means more than just the design of the engine in todays world.

 

But isn't this an example of something we would be bashing GM for - trading on the legacy of legend in the marketing of something quite unlike and arguably inferior to it's namesake? You can still buy a real Hemi from Chrysler; or you could as late as 99.

Chrysler has a tremendous amount of goodwill and brand recognition due to the Hemi that is far out of proportion to the number of cars they actually sold with that very expensive engine option all those years ago.

Sure the new "Hemi" is all modern but it doesn't exactly equal or outperform the original which if I recall was a necessary criterion when GM revived the LT1 moniker. Now I am not so sure if this was the case when GM revived the LS-1 and LS-6 monikers but I don't see why not given the levels of performace these Gen III engines put out.

Anyhow, I'm not saying that the program doesn't show more than a little genius, as you say Darth; it does and it has worked - very well. I'm just not so sure that using the Hemi name for their new small block is the route they should have followed given it's somewhat misleading implications.

 

I won't argue the misleading part, or the fact that some people may be upset about the Hemi name going on an engine that doesn't have the features than previosuly defined Hemi....

Still, it seems to be working, and I really have heard no backlash at all.... but you sure hear people saying "That thing gotta Hemi?!"

 

This is an interesting. Chrysler brings back a "hemi" engine, which has nothing to do with the Hemi of yore that everyone remembers (or think they do, with their rose-colored glasses), and the public loves them for it. How would they know differently? It is just an engine, it has a cool name, and makes good power. It does have the name and good power in common with the original, and that seems to be enough.

Meanwhile, Pontiac brings back the GTO on a world-class coupe platform, very much in the spirit of the original (very powerful, high performance, large engine in a midsize/family size coupe, subdued midsize mainstream styling - just like the freaking Tempest-based original) and they get a lukewarm response from the buying public and flamed from so-called enthusiasts who obviously have poor recollection of exactly what a GTO really was.

The lesson? It is evidently heroic to bring a new V8 to market that finally can play on the same field as the several years older Gen III small block, but it is no big deal, or even pathetic, to bring a world class high performance coupe based on a subsidiary from Australia to a market that recently lost two not quite world class (in some regards) high performance coupes...

 

Agreed, I wasn't actually looking for an argument with anyone but this whole Hemi thing has really taken on a life of it's own. That tagline sure has worked. Kudos have to go to Chrysler... or their ad agency.

Has anyone even been that outspoken with regards to the new Hemi not being a "real" Hemi? Maybe we can trade some GTO purists to their boards. Lord knows some of them like to run off at the mouth about the heresy of tampering with a legend:-)

 

Pretty ironic, isn't it?

I think at least a small part of it is that most people don't even look at their engine... but everyone looks at their car's body.

It'll be interesting to see how people react to a 4-door Dodge Charger.

 

...probably nothing but praise (at least on this board)

 

I am confused, I found this:
"The aluminum cylinder features a two-valve per-cylinder, hemispherical combustion chamber with dual spark plugs and a coil over plug ignition for best-in-class airflow and power. ..."

So it doesn't have HEMI heads? but serveral places claim it does. Could you clarify what is different with these pseudo hemi heads and the real things. Thanks

 

I think the difference is about the same as that between a big-block Chevrolet and a true 426 Hemi. The 426 has a true hemispherical combustion chamber, the big block was called a "semi-hemi" due to the fact that it was partially hemispherical. I think the new Hemi is partially hemispherical, but not fully like the old 426.

 

Exactly...

 

The new hemi head is better than the original. It is closed chamber with only the valve area unshrouded for good squish (read no detonation)

It'll outflow any 2V head.

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0403phr_hemi/

 

They Just made a better motor than the LSX. (in power potenial) check out the low lift port flow numbers. Its as good as a Ford DOCH 4v. motor. I have seen a new Hemi head and it is pretty much a hemispherical head, The just filled in a little of the chamber for emissions. You will see after market porters openin them up.

 

OK, waitaminute......in order to remain competitive in NASCAR, GM copies FORD to create SB2 , SB2 is one of the basis for LS1, Chrysler copies LS1 to revive HEMI......hmmm.