[stein_325i]

Looks pretty cool, and some good competition to the Raptor.

https://www.motor1.com/news/439456/2021-ram-trx/

Back in 2016, Ram showed off the Rebel TRX concept, a design exercise that featured the recently introduced Hellcat supercharged V8 and an upgraded suspension. The company stopped short of confirming it would build a Ford F-150 Raptor rival inspired by the concept, but nevertheless, here we are four years later watching the reveal of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX.


Based on the company's current half-ton pickup, the TRX gets a long list of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades that finally give Ram a legitimate high-speed rival to the heretofore-unchallenged Ford Raptor. Due at dealers early next year, the TRX will start at $69,995, available in a crew cab/short bed body style.

Overview

Ram calls the 2021 TRX "the apex predator of the truck world," and it's hard to argue with that hyperbole given the truck's hard bits. FCA's legendary Hellcat 6.2-liter V8 makes the jump to a body-on-frame vehicle in the TRX, which boasts 702 horsepower (523 kilowatts) and 650 pound-feet (881 newton-meters) in this application. That makes it the least powerful member of the Hellcat family – Ram says the longer intake and exhaust paths sap power somewhat – but it's still the meanest engine in any pickup (excluding tuner specials like the Hennessey Maximus).


Ram didn't drop a Hellcat in and call it good, though. Engineers also beefed up the standard 1500 pickup's frame for the TRX, infusing it with higher-strength steel and strategically thicker, heavier rails. The company claims the frame carries over only 25 percent from the base 1500, giving the TRX greater torsional rigidity and strength. Ram wouldn't cop to a specific number, but representatives did say that it'd be able to handle repeated jumps and off-road abuse without breaking "unlike some of [the TRX's] competitors," an apparent reference to viral videos of the Raptor's frame snapping in the middle after inadvisably high jumps.

A high-performance ZF eight-speed transmission, shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, routes the Hellcat's power to all four wheels through a part-time four-wheel drive system. The transfer case gets an upgraded chain, pinion, bearings, and clutches to cope with the prodigious torque, and a Dana 60 solid rear axle comes equipped with an electronic-locking rear differential for lurid powerslides and good desert performance.

Price

The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX will start at $69,995, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The company will also offer a 702-unit limited run of the TRX Launch Edition, which comes fully loaded with beadlock-capable wheels, Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio, a panoramic roof, and unique Anvil Gray paint – a bed-mounted sport bar and spare tire you see here are probably Mopar accessories. The Launch Edition will demand $90,315 plus destination, and it's likely the most expensive Ram 1500 variant on offer.


For comparison, the Ford F-150 Raptor starts at $53,455 in SuperCab form or $56,440 for the SuperCrew. That's quite a bit cheaper, although the 450-hp (336-kW) Ford is significantly down on power.

In addition to the Hellcat V8's 702 hp and 650 lb-ft, the Ram TRX boasts a two-path air intake, with half coming through a ram air inlet in the grille and the other half via a massive functional hood scoop. The company says that its off-road monster can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds and 100 mph in 10.5 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 118 mph. And if you're counting, each of those numbers represents class superlatives. For a crazier pickup, you'd have to go to the aftermarket.

A 6.0-inch-wider track provides more stability at high speeds, with composite fenders increasing overall width by 8.0 inches relative to the Ram 1500. A 0.8-inch-longer wheelbase makes more room for massive 325/65R18 tires that measure 35 inches tall.

Those tires were developed exclusively for the Ram TRX. The Goodyear Wrangler Territory rubber found under the high-performance pickup offers exceptional performance in wet, dusty, and muddy terrain, thanks in part to robust side lugs in the tread pattern. These 13-inch-wide tires should also offer plenty of floatation in sand and snow, helping the TRX stay on top of the dust rather than sunken into it.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX Exterior Tires
All four corners boast Bilstein Blackhawk E2 adaptive shock absorbers, which can vary between 22 pounds and 1 ton of damping force. Remote reservoirs for the nitrogen-charged shocks help improve performance and reduce fade in high-speed desert driving or high-impact off-roading. The rear suspension was redesigned with unique-to-TRX hard mounting points to provide a better ride and more durability off-road without compromising bed space.

New front and rear springs join the dampers to provide 11.8 inches of ground clearance – in fact, the rear springs are the tallest on any non-commercial vehicle sold in the US. Ram also says to plan for 13.0 inches of front and 14.0 inches of rear suspension travel, just edging out the Raptor's 13.0 inches and 13.9 inches of travel and 11.5 inches of ground clearance. Both Ford and Ram should be able to handle standing water depths of 32 inches without damaging vital components.


In sum, it all sounds very promising. It must be said, however, that whatever suspension specs Ram promises compare very closely to the Ford Raptor and its trick Fox Live Valve adaptive dampers. When the TRX's superlative power isn't a factor, it will have to distinguish itself through its stronger frame and intangibles not easily laid out on a spec sheet.

Interior

If you're building a performance truck's cabin, there are few better places to start than the Ram 1500. The TRX improves on its basic sibling with abundant contrast-color stitching, several different trim and option packages, and a console-mounted shifter that replaces the rotary dryer dial. Our opinions on that last part are split; the dial opens up plenty of storage room in the console, but the shift lever should be more intuitive, and it befits the Ram TRX's sporting intentions.

The base TR Equipment Group will pick up where the Ram 1500 Rebel leaves off, with cloth and vinyl seating with dark red accents. The TR1 and TR2 channel the Ram Limited with all-black leather and suede upholstery, as well as ventilated front seats. Both come with grey stitching and metal-tone interior accents, though the TR2 offers red stitching and carbon-fiber trim as an option.

Like other SRT-enhanced models, the Ram 1500 TRX gets a thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel, and large aluminum paddle shifters make manual gear changes easier and more convenient, even with the steering wheel turned. A head-up display is available with the TR2 equipment group, a first for the Ram brand that might make its way to higher-trim 1500 pickups in the next model year.

In addition to the head-up display, the TRX offers an optional rear camera mirror. The 1500 family's first transfer case mode selector also gets settings for Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-Road and Baja; launch control (on a Ram!) makes an appearance as well. There are also drive modes for sand and rocks, helping provide ideal throttle response no matter the terrain.


As one might expect of a Raptor-fighting off-road pickup, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX also features jump detection. Using wheel speed sensors, ride height sensors, and accelerometers, the truck can tell when it's airborne, preventing harmful power spikes in the driveline and preparing for re-entry with optimized gear selection, torque split, and damping rates. Those variable shock absorbers are likely invaluable here, working to provide smoother, more stable landings.

If, for some reason, an obstacle exceeds the TRX's ground clearance or suspension travel limits, five underbody skid plates protect the front axle, transfer case, fuel tank, and transmission pan. Another skid plate up front looks good and provides more protection for the truck's belly.

Towing & Payload

The 2021 TRX has a maximum towing rating of 8,100 pounds and can haul up to 1,310 pounds of payload. That compares well to the Ford F-150 Raptor, which can tow 8,000 pounds and haul 1,200 pounds.

The Ram 1500 TRX will also offer Trailer Reverse Steer Control. Unlike Ford's similar Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Ram's solution can automatically sense the trailer length, so the driver doesn't need to add a funky sticker to the trailer tongue or input trailer lengths and profiles. Ram says it will be much more user-friendly.

Fuel Economy

The Ram 1500 TRX hasn't been rated by the EPA for fuel economy yet, but we aren't expecting much. We'd expect a fuel economy rating of 12 miles per gallon city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined, using both the 2020 Ram 1500 Hemi and the 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat as reference points.


Release Date

Built at Ram's Sterling Heights, Michigan, assembly facility, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX will appear on dealer order forms starting August 18. The company says to expect the first deliveries of the hot pickup by the end of the year.

[heavyD^2]

I'm not a pickup truck guy so I never get excited about vehicles like this but the styling of this truck definitely caught my eye. Looks nice and aggressive.

[King Rudi]

Not a truck guy, or a Dodge guy; but I dig this.

[See5]

The amount of tech they loaded into this thing is on par with any sport sedan of the same price IMO.

[detroitm2]

Seen a couple of these cruising around my area. Nice lookin truck.

[stein_325i]

Its definitely going to be a good seller for Ram, and may definitely hurt Raptor sales especially for those who've been wanting a V8 Raptor. The big question is, where is GM? They're missing out on the Bronco and Wrangler market and now the High-Performance Truck market too.

[bucketfoot]

Would never buy an FCA vehicle, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a nice looking truck.

[Conissah]

LAWD HAMMERCY this thing is gorgeous. 10/10 would buy.

[Burrcold]

That's a monster...truck. Love it. Although I would have zero use for a pickup, but cool nonetheless.

[GOLFFRR]

that interior looks awesome

[spazzyfry123]

I have a feeling people are going to go ga-ga for this. Ton of coin, but people lose their minds when they see 700+ HP

Crazy to think you can get power like that with a bumper to bumper warranty for <$100k... IN A TRUCK

[LOW4LYF]

700hp for 70k?

Take my money!

[Carnut12]

I love it, I currently have a Ram Limited as my DD, I’m thinking about ordering one.

[Germanauto]

Bad ass. Surprised it took them this long to launch a super truck.

[fastboatster]

don't know what Dodge puts into their designers/engineers' water or office coffee machines but it's a very potent stuff)) I like what Dodge has been doing for the past few years a lot. Bold designs, lots of power for the money

[eluded]

It's all good till cybertruck

[AlexFL]

Love it! Would definitely take it over the Raptor. TRX stands for T. Rex aka the “super raptor”

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Bad ass. Surprised it took them this long to launch a super truck.

This isn't their first, years ago they also sold a Ram SRT10! The question really is where is GM?

[Housekeeping]

I saw three of these testing at Silver Lake Dunes in Michigan two weeks ago. They also brought a Raptor there. All three RAMS were wrapped in camouflage. The sound of the engines were amazing, the superchargers giving away what was under hood. They were awesome. There is a sand drag strip there and it totally blew away the Raptor time after time. They almost seemed Baja like in manner. Very cool!

[Conissah]

Originally Posted by jstein55

This isn't their first, years ago they also sold a Ram SRT10! The question really is where is GM?

Sleeping. I got into a discussion about this with some buddies. GM is missing 2 huge markets currently, the Jeep/Bronco market (b/c the Blazer was a flop), and the performance truck category. The Raptor sells like hot cakes because it was the only one in the market. Now that the TRX is here, it will definitely poach a ton of sales. GM could definitely bring something cool to the table if they ZR2-ified the Silverado/Sierra. They already have a supercharged V8, ZL1 motor, that would likely fit into the engine bay. Throw that in there, the 8 speed auto, and some of the DSSV shocks on a full size, would be a great addition to the (now) 2 offerings.

What I feel the truck market is also missing is a "performance" oriented mid size truck. If they made a ZR2 with more power, or even a V8, I'm betting it would sell great as well. Lower price, smaller truck (easier for trails), still great towing, etc. THAT would be sweet.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Conissah

Sleeping. I got into a discussion about this with some buddies. GM is missing 2 huge markets currently, the Jeep/Bronco market (b/c the Blazer was a flop), and the performance truck category. The Raptor sells like hot cakes because it was the only one in the market. Now that the TRX is here, it will definitely poach a ton of sales. GM could definitely bring something cool to the table if they ZR2-ified the Silverado/Sierra. They already have a supercharged V8, ZL1 motor, that would likely fit into the engine bay. Throw that in there, the 8 speed auto, and some of the DSSV shocks on a full size, would be a great addition to the (now) 2 offerings.

What I feel the truck market is also missing is a "performance" oriented mid size truck. If they made a ZR2 with more power, or even a V8, I'm betting it would sell great as well. Lower price, smaller truck (easier for trails), still great towing, etc. THAT would be sweet.

Exactly, GM's been sleeping at the wheel. All they have is the Corvette and Camaro, and even still the Camaro is in a losing fight with the Mustang.

[spazzyfry123]

I hold no brand allegiance, but I just have no interest in GM products anymore unfortunately. My company car is a 2020 Chevrolet that I picked up with 11 miles on it a few weeks ago. Probably have around 900 miles on it currently. From the moment I drove off the lot, I had two rattling interior panels. I have four or five rattling panels today. I'd say even if Chevy came out with something ZR-2 or whatever, I don't think I could be bothered to raise an eyebrow.

This Ram, though... I would never be a buyer; it just doesn't make sense for me and I'd rather use that money for something else (TrackHawk??), but the cool factor is there. I dig it.