Raptor-eating 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Unleashed With 702 Hp
After years of rumours and speculation, FCA has officially unveiled its brand new Ram 1500 TRX.
The full-size pickup follows in the footsteps of the Dodge Challenger, Charger and Durango, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which have all previously adopted the famous Hellcat engine.
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The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX boasts a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 that cranks out 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The ZF-sourced, eight-speed automatic transmission it’s mated to is shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Obviously, with this new monster truck, FCA aims to beat the Ford F-150 Raptor at its own game. The dinosaur-sounding name (TRX as in T-Rex) makes it pretty clear. The target demographics is 50-year-old males who crave performance and like to do off-road shenanigans.
The Ram 1500 TRX sprints from 0-96 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is awefully quick for a full-size pickup. While top speed is limited at 190 km/h, drag racing enthusiasts will be pleased by the quarter-mile run of 12.9 seconds at 174 km/h. Towing capacity is a respectable 8,100 pounds.
More Than a Big Engine
Make no mistake: the power-hungry folks at FCA didn’t just fit a Hellcat engine under the hood while tweaking the exterior for a meaner look. The high-strength steel chassis is 75 percent new when compared to a regular Ram 1500 model. The alternator and air intake are also mounted higher to limit damage when driving off-road. By the way, the functional hood scoop is responsible for 50 percent of all the fresh air going into the engine.
The Ram 1500 TRX rides on 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory (325/65/R18) tires. As you can see on the pictures, flared fenders add 203 millimetres (eight inches) to the truck’s normal width.
Production will take place at the Sterling Heights assembly plant in Michigan. Orders will open tomorrow and deliveries are expected to start by the end of this year.
Special Launch Edition
In order to mark the debut of this exceptional pickup, FCA has created a launch edition to be sold in limited numbers. Highlights include Anvil Gray body paint, a brushed aluminum plaque in the middle of the console, carbon inserts and a head-up display.
Just 702 units will be available to customers in the U.S. (a nod to the horsepower count) and another 100 in Canada. Pricing has yet to be announced.
