Move over Ford Raptor, there’s a new king of Jurassic Park. As expected, the newly-unveiled 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is a true Raptor killer, and now the most powerful pickup truck in the world. With 702 horsepower and SRT’s 6.2L infamous Hellcat V8 engine lurking beneath the hood, the TRX roars to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds.
That’s an extra 252 ponies more than the Raptor—a figure so high it will surely send Ford engineers back to the drawing board. With its supercharged V8, the TRX races through the quarter mile in only 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. That’s well into fabled muscle car territory in a full-size truck with an 8,100-lb. towing capacity.
TRX’s Off-Road Architecture
Though its straight-line speed is nothing short of thrilling, the 4x4 TRX’s true calling card is its off-road prowess. The TRX features a completely redesigned frame that shares only 25 percent of its components with a regular Ram 1500.
So what does that mean, exactly? For starters, it indicates that Ram engineers cut no corners amid the development of the TRX and truly built a pickup capable of being crowned the new king of the off-road truck segment. Ram could have simply installed the Hellcat engine, a lift-kit, name brand off-road shocks, and a nice set of wheels with aggressive all-terrain tires and called it good. But that’s certainly not the case here.
The TRX’s groundbreaking partial-hydroformed frame is built using thicker high-strength steel and features fully boxed side rails for additional stability and durability. This enables the TRX to better absorb jumps and bumps when blasting through trails, sand dunes and other challenging off-road terrain at high speeds. Even the highest quality dampers and springs can only absorb so much, so it’s vital for serious off-roading trucks like the TRX to have the strongest frame possible.
TRX Suspension and Technology
Speaking of dampers, the TRX suspension provides an incredible 13 inches of wheel travel and utilizes Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks that adjust to the terrain automatically. However, the driver will also have the choice to control them through the TRX’s series of selectable driving modes.
One of the TRX’s coolest off-road features is its Jump Detection system that recognizes when the TRX is airborne and adjusts its systems and electronic dampers for a smooth landing. The only thing missing is a pair of pterodactyl wings for the TRX to truly soar above its competition.
A Dana 60 rear axle, locking rear-differential, and BorgWarner 48-13 transfer case ensure the TRX’s standard four-wheel drive delivers peak performance and durability. Grip is further enhanced by 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler All Territory tires developed exclusively for the TRX. They’re speed rated up to 118 mph and provide 11.8 inches of ground clearance.
This allows for an incredible 32 inches of water fording capability as well, so if you get tired of jumping sand dunes, captaining the truck across shallow streams and rivers present another intriguing option.
TRX Styling and Interior
The TRX certainly doesn’t disappoint in the styling department either. Composite fender flares showcase the TRX’s six-inch wider track and eight extra inches of width over the standard Ram 1500. The hood features functional heat extractors and an aggressive hood scoop adorned with LED lighting.
The interior is equally impressive—with available leather and suede seating with ruby red accents. A console-mounted unit replaces the Ram 1500’s standard rotary dial shifter and the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission can be controlled manually via paddle shifters on the TRX’s flat-bottom steering wheel. A massive 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard equipment, and the TRX also will feature Ram’s first ever head-up display.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX Pricing Revealed
Orders for the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX will open on August 18, 2020 and the vehicle configurator will go live on Ram’s website. The TRX’s starting MSRP is $71,690, but 702 fully-loaded Launch Edition models will also be offered in exclusive Anvil Gray paint for $90,265.
What Is The Release Date For The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX?
Drivers who are excited to get their hands on this exciting truck will have to wait a little longer to get behind the wheel. The exact release date for the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is yet to be announced, but production will begin at Fiat Chrysler’s Michigan factory in October 2020. Hopefully this powerful pickup will go on sale before the end of the year.
This is just the start for Dodge, as they are also expected to release a 2021 Dodge Durango SRT with a similarly-powerful V8 Hellcat engine. Stay tuned for announcements about the Ram 1500 TRX and all of the exciting Dodge vehicles on the horizon.
