Ram says the 1500 TRX will be “by far the quickest, fastest, most powerful truck in the world.” And at a glance, that doesn’t sound like hyperbole.
The Ram 1500 TRX — Pronounced “T-Rex” like the dinosaur — comes from the factory rocking a 702 horsepower 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 Engine. It boasts 0 to 60 times of 4.5 seconds; 0-100 mph in 10.5 seconds and can launch a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. That. Is. FAST!
This truck is going to make serious waves. And we can expect a novel to be written about them before they hit the market. But to whet your appetite, here are 10 things you should know before considering the fastest factory pickup truck hitting the market in 2021.
What is the Ram 1500 TRX Price?
The Ram 1500 TRX comes with a sticker-shock-inducing price starting at $69,999. It will be available by the end of 2020. Ram will also kick off the new model with a limited run of TRX Launch Edition truck. It will build 702 units in honor of 702 HP in Anvil Grey paint at a price of $88,570.
What kind of motor is in the Ram 1500 TRX?
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX sets the benchmark for extreme-performance pickup trucks with 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque courtesy of the legendary 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine. A new dual-path air induction system lets that monster breath a steady supply of cool, clean air through the front grille and functional hood scoop. To keep the air clean in dusty environments, it has the largest air filter in the segment and has dual filter elements.
The engine is built from a cast-iron block with a forged-steel crankshaft. It has a tuned dual-mass crankshaft damper, high-strength, forged-alloy pistons, and powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated piston pins.
Be prepared for a hit at the gas pump. While the Ram has not yet released MPG ratings, it requires 91 octane gasoline.
Can you jump the Ram 1500 TRX?
I feel weird even writing this, but according to Ram: Yes! The Ram 1500 TRX comes with a “Jump Detection.” This means it uses wheel-speed and ride-height sensors and accelerometers at each corner to identify when the vehicle is airborne and acts to prevent driveline-damaging power spikes. Acting in milliseconds, Jump Detection modifies engine speed and torque, gear selection, transfer case torque split, damping rates, and other powertrain and suspension components through the landing to deliver optimum performance.
What kind of shocks does the TRX have?
The TRX has a remarkable suspension. It rocks 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks. They have single-piece, rigid aluminum construction to reduce and dissipate heat and continuously adjust damping forces for optimal body control and terrain isolation. The adaptive performance shocks have directional, machined cooling fins aligned with airflow for more effective cooling.
The Ram-proprietary Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system aims to improve ride comfort, body-roll control, and handling. It does this through new shock tuning, hardpoints, and body mount strategy.
Underway, Dual Electronic Proportional Valves continuously adjust damping forces for independent control of compression and rebound damping. A nitrogen-charged remote reservoir uses a hot-formed, zero-leak tube closure to ensure maximum durability during extreme on- and off-road events.
Ram TRX uses stainless steel braided high-pressure hose to combat corrosion and abrasion while being able to resist up to 5,800 PSI. A high-strength, lightweight rock shield defends the piston rod against incoming rubble with a custom-molded escape path for debris.
In addition to a standard urethane jounce bumper, the internals of the Bilstein adaptive performance shock feature a Jounce Cut Off to create three zones for progressive bottom-out control during extreme compression events.
Does the TRX have a solid rear axle?
Yes, the TRX has a Dana 60 solid rear axle with a 3.55 ratio. It goes further than most trucks, with 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. It does not have a front locking differential but instead uses its ABS system to limit the front wheel slip.
How much clearance does the TRX have?
The Ram TRX has a ground clearance of 11.8 inches. That’s 2 inches higher compared with the rest of the 1500 lineup, along with 35-inch tires. The Ram TRX can ford up to 32 inches of water.
What’s the Ram 1500 TRX payload and towing capacity?
It has a maximum payload of 1,310 pounds and a towing capability of 8,100 pounds.
How fast is the Ram 1500 TRX?
It is insanely quick off the blocks! However, due to its all-terrain tires, Ram limited its top speed to 118 miles per hour.
What driving modes does the TRX have?
Ram integrated the Drive Mode selector into the dashboard above the transfer case switches. It has different modes of operation, indicated by a TRX pictogram for select environments: Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road and Baja. It also has a Launch Control button within reach of the driver, sitting to the right of the transfer case switches.
Does it have a Head-up Display?
Yes, the TRX’s Head-up Display unit can show up to five different content areas at once, including Lane Departure, Lane Keep Assist, adaptive cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, current speed, current gear, and speed limit. The Head-up Display is available on the TR2 Equipment Group and is a full-color unit accessible through the 12-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen.
Does the Ram TRX have an available manual transmission?
No, the TRX only ships with a high-torque-capacity TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission.
Can you option a winch from the factory on the TRX?
No, the Ram TRX does not come with a winch-compatible bumper. It’s almost certain that aftermarket manufacturers will build a bumper for this purpose very soon!
So, that should get you started. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the TRX, and we’ll try to get behind the wheel for an in-person review as soon as we can!
