Ram has introduced the production model of the
Rebel TRX concept. Billed as
the fastest and most powerful mass production pickup, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
features a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 702 hp and 880 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to an upgraded
eight-speed automatic transmission and an off-road focused four-wheel drive
system. This setup enables the truck to
post some remarkable performance figures as the TRX hits 96 km/h in
4.5 seconds and can run the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 174 km/h. Given enough room, the model will eventually
hit a top speed of 190 km/h.
The engine is just part of the
story as the Ram 1500 TRX is an off-road beast that features a host of other
upgrades. That’s clear from the outside
as the model has 18-inch wheels that are wrapped in 35-inch Goodyear Territory
all-terrain tires which were specially designed for the TRX. To accommodate the
massive tires, the high-performance pickup has been equipped with wider fenders
and extended flares. Thanks to these
changes, the TRX is 8 inches (203 mm) wider than the rest of the 1500 lineup.
Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg as the truck has a unique grille
with massive “RAM” lettering. It’s
flanked by slender LED headlights which feature functional air curtains at the
outside edges.
Elsewhere, there’s a heavy duty steel
front bumper and a skid plate. Designers
also gave the truck a lightweight aluminum hood with a functional scoop
featuring integrated LED clearance lights.
The latter are echoed by small clearance lights on the bumper. The
unique styling continues further back as the TRX has wider rear fenders, LED
taillights and a steel bumper with cutouts for the dual exhaust system which
has tips that measure 5 inches (127 mm) in diameter. Other highlights tow hooks, large “RAM”
badging on the tailgate, and clearance lights between the tailgate and bumper.
If that wasn’t hardcore enough, Ram will offer an assortment of accessories
including full-length rock rails, powder-coated aluminum running boards and a
bed-mounted spare tire carrier. Customers can also purchase body-side graphics and hood decals.
While the exterior is pretty menacing, the
cabin embraces luxury and comfort. There
are three different interior trims and the base group echoes the Ram 1500
Rebel. It features cloth and vinyl
accents as well as black and dark ruby red surfaces. Customers can also upgrade
to the TR1 or TR2 Equipment Group which provides an interior based on the Ram
1500 Limited. They’re far more luxurious
as they have heated / ventilated Natura Plus leather front seats with
perforated suede accents. Other
highlights include greystone contrast stitching and graphite metallic accents.
The front seats are unique to the TRX and they feature enhanced bolstering as
well as embroidery on the backrests.
Designers also installed a new flat-bottom steering wheel with aluminum
paddle shifters.
One of the biggest interior changes is an
all-new center console which has a “performance floor shifter” that replaces
the rotary knob normally found on the dashboard. Besides the shifter, the console has covered
cup holders, a wireless smartphone charger and metallic accents. The rotary
shifter’s slot has been filled by new switchgear including a Drive Mode
selector which provides easy access to the Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-Road and Baja
modes. There’s also a four-wheel drive
selector and a Launch Control button with a graphic of a Christmas tree. Other
highlights include an all-new head-up display, a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment
system and a custom specifications plate on the center console lid. The latter lists the VIN, engine, and
supercharger type as well as the boost output and horsepower rating.
Since the Ram 1500 TRX was designed to
provide “uncompromising performance in the harshest environments,” it features
a dual-path air induction system that channels air into a 7.6 gallon (29 liter)
box which filters out dirt, sand, debris and water. To ensure all this junk is kept out of the engine,
the truck has two heavy-duty air filters that provide 198.4 square inches of
surface area. Ram says that is “four
times the dust trapping capacity” as its closest competitor. That’s far from
the only off-road touch as the truck rides on a reinforced frame that has
“strategically placed high-strength steel that uses low-torsion attributes to
increase durability and stability.” The
model also has a 2-inch (51 mm) lift which provides 300 mm of
ground clearance.
Besides the lift, the truck has an all-new
independent front suspension with active damping technology. Ram says it has new upper and lower control
arms that are made from forged aluminum, and have been designed to provide
additional wheel travel. The rear suspension is also new and it features active
damping as well as an exclusive five-link coil system for “incredible ride
characteristics and durability.” It
allows the Dana 60 rear axle to travel up to 13 inches (330 mm) and Ram notes
overall rear-wheel travel is up “more than 40 percent when compared to the rest
of the Ram 1500 lineup.” The company went on to say the rear springs are the
“largest ever applied on a non-commercial production vehicle.” They allow for a
maximum payload of 594 kg and a towing capability of 3674 kg.
Speaking of the suspension, the TRX uses 63 mm Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks which
“continuously adjust damping forces for optimal body control and terrain
isolation.” The truck also boasts an
Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system, modified hard points as
well as a unique body mount strategy. Furthermore, the truck has been equipped
with a BorgWarner full-time active transfer case that “enables passage through
any off-road obstruction or weather condition.” Ram says it has upgraded
internals for improved strength and durability as well as a 2.64:1 low range
for rock crawling. Speaking of off-roading, the truck has approach, departure
and breakover angles of 30.2, 23.5 and 21.9 degrees, respectively. It can also
ford up to 813 mm of water.
Since the truck is likely to catch some
air, Ram developed a Jump Detection system which uses wheel-speed and
ride-height sensors as well as accelerometers to detect when the model is
airborne. When this occurs, the system
works within milliseconds to modify “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.” It also helps to prevent “driveline-damaging”
power spikes.
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX will go into
production later this year and pricing starts at US$ 69,995 excluding a US$ 1,695
destination charge.