Meet Ram 1500 TRX, a powerhouse of a pickup truck

For a decade now, the Ford F-150 Raptor has really had no rivals on the market: the smaller-sized Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a closer match to the Ford Ranger Raptor, while the Ram Rebel TRX Concept from four years ago never went into production. Things change now with the introduction of the power-packed Ram 1500 TRX – no longer a “Rebel”, but otherwise superior to its prototype.

For those who forgot, let us remind that the TRX Concept featured a 583hp (435kW) 6.2-liter Hemi V8 under the hood. The production vehicle comes supercharged to all of 712 hp (531 kW) and 881 Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque. A ZF-series eight-speed auto transmission sends the power to the wheels. This puts the Ford F-150 Raptor’s EcoBoost 3.5 V6 to shame, as the latter churns out 456 hp (340 kW) and 691 Nm (510 lb-ft).

Notable technical improvements include reinforced frame, updated transfer case, and an added electronic diff lock on the rear axle. The shock absorbers are now Bilstein Black Hawk e2, and the springs are also different. At 330mm (around 13”) suspension travel, the new shocks offer over 40% more damping compared to the old ones. The ride height gains another 50mm (2”) and now amounts to 300mm (around 12”).

The wheelspan is 150mm (6”) wider than that of the regular Ram 1500. The body is 200mm (7.8”) broader as well, partly due to the larger fender flares housing Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65 R18 tires measuring 35 inches across. The tire model has been specifically developed for the new TRX, the vendor reports. The brake discs are also largest-in-class at 381mm (14.9”).

The newcomer needs 4.5 seconds to launch 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) and hits 161 km/h (100 mph) in 10.5 seconds. It covers a quarter of a mile in 12.9 seconds and maxes out at 190 km/h (118 mph). It can traverse water as high as 813mm (2’8”) and tow trailers weighing up to 3.6 metric tons (around 8,000 lbs). The truck itself can haul up to 594 kg (1,310 lbs).

Regarding the exterior, the body kit, the darkened lighting and the black radiator grille stay unchanged from the main production model. TRS-specific additions include a large air intake on the hood, a normal gear lever instead of the knob, a squared-off steering wheel with an aluminum paddle shifter underneath, and optional red stitching and carbon fiber details. Launch control also makes it into the equipment list.

The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is available to pre-order in the United States starting from 70,000 USD plus delivery fees. The Ford F-150 Raptor begins lower at 53,500 USD. Actual shipments should begin towards the end of the year.