--- title: "Ram’s ’Symbol of Protest’ V8 Badge Is an Actual Line Item on the Hemi 1500’s Window Sticker" date: "2025-10-10" modified: "2025-10-10" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/rams-symbol-of-protest-v8-badge-is-an-actual-line-item-on-the-hemi-1500s-window-sticker" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "RAM News" tags: - "pickup" --- # Ram’s ’Symbol of Protest’ V8 Badge Is an Actual Line Item on the Hemi 1500’s Window Sticker ![Ram Symbol of Protest window sticker line item]() Ram is really thumping its chest with the return of the V8 to ensure anyone with hurt feelings is seeing the Hemi love fest. The [2026 Ram 1500 Ram 1500 brought back the Hemi V8]() as an option, and the automaker called the comeback a "symbol of protest." But it's not just a saying, there's an actual fender badge with the same name. While driving a 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn with the V8 this week I discovered that Symbol of Protest Badge is an actual line item on the window sticker. You can't make this stuff up. ![2026 Ram 1500]() *The "Symbol of Protest" badge on the front fender of the 2026 Ram 1500 *Joel Feder** It's a bit weird, and after spending too much time thinking about it I was unable to come up with another vehicle that specifically calls out a random exterior badge on the window sticker. I'm sure there's one I'm missing, but nothing is coming to mind in the memory archives. The Hellcats didn't even have their exterior badging called out on the window stickers. I checked. And the father of the Hellcats, Tim Kuniskis, who was the CEO of Dodge back in that era, is now the man in charge of Ram trucks and responsible for the return of the V8. In June, when the return of the Hemi V8 to the Ram 1500 was announced Kuniskis said, “Data be damned—we raise our flag and let the Hemi ring free again!” The data Kuniskis is talking about says [the V8 isn't America's truck engine anymore](). Ram isn't alone with its (renewed) commitment to the V8 engine in trucks. [GM's sticking with V8s]() while everyone else switches to six cylinders. The revived Hemi V8 will set you back $2,895 when ordering a 2026 Ram 1500. That's a $1,695 premium for an engine with less power than the turbo-six, worse fuel economy, but lots of freedom noises. *Got a tip on a weird automotive line item? We want to hear from you at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()