Nickname for a powerful Chrysler
V8 engine from the 1960s that had a hemispherical
combustion chamber. The name has since been trademarked by Chrylser and applied to a new, 345 horsepower V8 that does not have the characteristic hemispherical heads. The new engine is not really a
hemi; DaimlerBenz, the owners of Chrysler and Dodge, wanted a name that would convey the power of the new engine so they picked
Hemi.
The copyrighted term Hemi and the accompanying engine have been marketed with a series of commercials featuring actor Jon
Reep.
Q: That thing got a Hemi in it?
A: Well, if you mean, does it have the new, 345 horsepower
Chrysler V8, then yes. But if you mean, does it have the legendary
Mopar V8 characterized by hemispherical
combustion chambers, then no, this thing does not have a Hemi in it.