[the Sandman]

Wasn't the new Hemi, was it? Suddenly seeing quite a few of those, often in Crew cab 4 doors.

 

[the Sandman]

No, it was a couple years old, probably a 390 motor. At least I think that's what they use in them
And you're right about the new ones. A freind of mine got one. Silver short-bed, Hemi, aftermarket wheels. Really looks nice but is no runner.
Yesterday, I saw my first new Chevy SS P/U on the road. Damn that thing's ugly.

The previous "big" V8 was the 5.9 liter (360 cubic inches). The new Hemi 5.7 liter puts out 100 more horsepower (345 horsepower (5,600 rpm) and 375 lb-ft of torque (4,400 rpm)) than the 5.9. The 5.9 was low tech, underpowered but torquey, and did have a good bit of potential for modding. Stock, the advantage was mainly towing/hauling.

At first, Dodge wasn't supposed to put the Hemi in the 1/2 ton pickups (only 3/4 and 1 ton), at least not right away, but they changed their minds. I haven't seen any 0-60 or 1/4 mile results for a standard cab Ram 1500 Hemi - should be interesting. Most of their power is top end though, as the big advantage of the hemi is breathing.