Chrysler has announced since first introducing the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine for the 2003 model year, Chrysler Group has sold more than 300,000 vehicles with a HEMI inside. In Chrysler Group vehicles where HEMI is offered, the take-up rate is 46 percent, the company said.

"The HEMI continues to resonate with consumers and has essentially become a brand within our brands," said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President, Product Development, Chrysler Group. "And with MDS, our modern cylinder deactivation system, the HEMI seamlessly moves from eight cylinders to four cylinders and back. The only thing customers notice is a savings in fuel economy of up to 20 percent."

On a product-by-product basis, the HEMI remains a popular engine choice. For Dodge Durango, the take-up rate is 54 percent. The 2005 Dodge Ram is at 46 percent while Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300C are at 43 percent. Jeep Grand Cherokee's take-up rate is 29 percent. MDS is available on Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In the spring of 2005, Chrysler Group will add an all-new, beefed-up 6.1-liter 425-horsepower HEMI V-8 engine in the new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8. Preliminary performance targets for Chrysler 300C SRT8 are 0-60 mph in the low five-second range and a quarter-mile time in the high 13-second range.