Ram trucks just topped all rivals in the fast truck world.
With its 702 hp eight-cylinder, supercharged engine, the new 1500 TRX is capable of a 4.5-second sprint to 60 MPH and can run the quarter-mile in under 13 seconds. Ram says this is the fastest mass-produced truck on the planet and we are not arguing it isn’t.
“The all-new 2021 Ram TRX sets the benchmark for extreme performance pickup trucks and solidifies Ram Truck’s position as the off-road truck leader,” said Mike Koval, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – North America. “Ram has a strong history of high-performance trucks and TRX adds to that while expanding the light-duty lineup with the segment’s best combination of performance, capability, luxury and technology.”
Dodge SRT and Jeep fans know that the 6.2-liter “Hellcat” high-output engine has proven reliable and is capable of extended high-performance driving sessions without degradation in performance.
Big Changes To Ram 1500 TRX
Ram didn’t simply drop the 702 hp engine into the front of the 1500 and call it a day. Quite the opposite. The frame is entirely high-strength steel. The most obvious difference to the chassis is that the new TRX is 8 inches wider when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup. Ram uses composite flares help to compensate for a 6-inch increase in track width.
The wheels are also one inch wider than typical ram wheels and wear aggressive Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain tires.Ram says that the front axle was shifted 20 millimeters forward to accommodate the 35-inch Goodyear Territory All-Terrain tires that were designed exclusively for TRX. To keep the rubber from rotating on the rim during hard launches, Ram uses beadlock-ready wheels with accent color-matched rings.
The Ram TRX’s functional hood scoop is responsible for 50 percent of air entering the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine. To further push air into the engine, Ram employs a second path consisting of a functional air curtain just outboard of the headlamps, relieving high-pressure zones at the front corners and allowing air to pass through the fenders. The air enters the engine intake system via a 29-liter airbox that filters out dirt, sand, debris and water.
A flat-bottom steering wheel from SRT includes enhanced hand grips wrapped in leather with optional suede and carbon fiber accents. Custom aluminum paddle shifters stretch above and below the steering wheel spokes, allowing the driver to choose the proper gear with their fingertips.
The TRX also has a console-mounted performance floor shifter, which includes a cast metal main grip wrapped with semi-perforated leather. Ram says this lends itself to the spirited performance driving that TRX was bred for while maximizing storage.
A new Drive Mode selector has been integrated into the dashboard above the transfer case switches. It offers different modes of operation, indicated by a TRX pictogram for select environments: Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road and Baja. There is also a Launch Control button within easy reach of the driver, sitting to the right of the transfer case switches.
To keep the driver’s attention facing forward, the TRX has an available Head-up Display unit that can show up to five different content areas at once, including driver-assist setting, current speed, current gear, and speed limit.
-The special features of the Ram 1500 TRX are so extensive it is difficult to convey them other than with a bullet-point list. Please allow us to list them in that fashion below:New frame extensively uses high-strength steel that increases low-torsion attributes to amplify durability and stability
-Engineered to deliver a new level of truck performance, the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® -V-8 engine sets new benchmarks for power and performance among half-ton pickups:
-rated at 702 horsepower, 650 lb.-ft. of torque
0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.5 seconds; 0-100 mph in 10.5 seconds
-Quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph
-Top speed of 118 mph
-High-torque-capacity TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission delivers quick, crisp gear changes during both normal and performance driving conditions
-New, innovative dual-path air induction system delivers maximum output and feeds a steady supply of cool, clean air to the engine through the front grille and functional hood scoop
-Largest air filter in the segment uses dual filter elements and is designed for extreme, dusty environments with four times the dust trapping capacity when compared to the closest competitor
-Full-time active transfer case features upgraded internals for improved strength, durability
-All-new, unique suspension system with active damping, inspired by desert off-road racers, incorporates forged aluminum front upper and lower control arms with special attention to caster and camber angles during suspension cycling
-New independent front suspension system with active damping uses high-strength aluminum to maintain overall strength and durability
-TRX uses a Dana 60 solid rear axle with a 3.55 ratio featuring full-floating hubs and axle-hop damper for improved traction and axle control on rough surfaces. An electronic locking rear differential is standard for increased performance off-road
-Designed exclusively for TRX, new front and rear 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks provide fast reaction time, unbeatable damping and improved heat dissipation for traversing harsh terrain at speeds greater than 100 mph
-Five-link coil suspension is tuned to deliver the best combination of ride, handling and comfort no matter the road surface
-Wheel travel is greater than 13 inches at all four corners, an increase of more than 40 percent compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup
-All-new face of Ram includes modern Ram’s head logo and “R-A-M” badge with flow-through lettering
-Functional hood scoop is responsible for 50 percent of air entering the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine while the other 50 percent enters through the grille
-New integrated composite fender flares add 8 inches of body width and feature all-new steel box outers, creating a striking “hourglass” body
-New LED clearance lamps are cleverly integrated into the hood scoop and front bumper flares, amplifying the new aesthetic of the truck
-Full LED Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) includes twin bi-functional projector headlamps, fog lamps and taillamps with up to 15 degrees of direction control with steering input
-Most spacious interior in the segment offers new, authentic premium materials, colors and textures, including hand-wrapped leather instrument panels for unexpected luxury throughout
-All-new 2021 Ram TRX features three interior options, including premium cloth and vinyl, premium wrapped leather and suede, or premium wrapped leather and suede with available red and carbon fiber accents
-New flat-bottom steering wheel offers enhanced hand grips wrapped in leather with optional suede and carbon fiber accents. New aluminum paddle shifters stretch above and below the steering wheel spokes
-Reimagined center console with maximum storage includes a new performance-oriented floor shifter, wireless charging dock and five USBs, including Type A and C ports
-Custom specifications plate on the console lid lists which engine is under the hood, the type of supercharger Ram TRX uses, boost output, horsepower and the vehicle-specific -Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
-Ram TRX-specific transfer case switches are integrated into the dashboard along with -Drive Mode selector and Launch Control
-Uconnect 4C NAV 12-inch touchscreen is standard equipment and includes SiriusXM 360L with Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora, which offers a custom listening experience through a 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
-All-new Head-up Display unit makes its FCA vehicle debut and can show up to five different content areas at once
-TRX touts the first FCA application of Drive Modes and Off-Road Pages with the Uconnect 4C NAV 12-inch touchscreen
-New Baja drive mode calibrates four-wheel-drive and steering systems, stability control, paddle shifters and suspension for ultimate desert performance, delivering maximum capability on undulating, loose surfaces
-Available digital rearview mirror replaces the traditional rearview mirror with a 9.2-inch-wide LCD monitor
-Trailer Reverse Steer Control is an available standalone option on Ram TRX and uses a dial to point the trailer in the desired direction while the system controls the steering wheel
-More than 100 active and passive safety and security features, including ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and six air bags. Available features include Blind-spot Monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Ready Alert Braking and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, available
-All-new 18-by-9-inch aluminum wheels are available in both standard and a beadlock-capable option
-Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain 35-inch tires, developed exclusively for Ram TRX, achieve unmatched levels of wear resistance, traction and reduced road noise
-Ram TRX offers the largest front brakes in the segment at 15 inches
-Ram TRX has a maximum payload of 1,310 pounds and maximum trailer tow of 8,100 pounds
-Ram TRX features a 2-inch ride height increase over Ram 1500, enabling 11.8 inches of ground clearance and capability of up to 32 inches of water fording
-All-new 2021 Ram TRX underwent rigorous testing in extreme environments across the continental United States to handle the most punishing conditions with extreme confidence, capability and durability
Ram says that the TRX will be offered with both performance and off-road packages. It will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Watch GM-Trucks.com for more information on pricing and delivery estimates in the coming weeks.