The long-awaited Ram 1500 TRX made its debut on Monday, the brand’s answer to the Ford F-150 Raptor. For the first time since the Raptor’s debut a decade ago, it has a serious challenger, one that Ram calls the “apex predator,” in an obvious rub against Ford’s vaunted truck. The new truck debuts this fall and comes with the same 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine powering various Dodge Hellcat models.
Ram’s debut was held online, yet another concession to the COVID-19 pandemic that’s turned the world upside down this year. Nevertheless, manufacturers are moving ahead with new and specialty models, realizing that the pandemic will eventually end and customers will continue to crave what’s offered.
The TRX’s engine is rated 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine powering the Raptor delivers 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Ram utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission to route power to the wheels and that’s the same one found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The Raptor has a 10-speed automatic.
Ram claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and 0-100 mph in 10.5 seconds. The current Raptor has a 5.1-second 0-60 mph time. We may see some improvement for the Ford when the all-new 2021 F-150 debuts this fall. That said, the Raptor typically doesn’t arrive until months after a new F-150 debuts.
rear differential is standard for increased performance off-road.
Based on the same layout at the Rebel, trucks outfitted with a TR Equipment Group welcome passengers with premium cloth and vinyl accents featuring black and Dark Ruby Red surfaces.
Opting for the TR1 or TR2 Equipment Group provides an interior based on the Ram 1500 Limited and features an all-black color scheme with leather and suede to give TRX a unique appearance.
Heated and ventilated premium Natura Plus leather with perforated suede accents
cover the front bucket and rear bench seats.
The TR1 and TR2 Equipment Groups come standard with medium Greystone stitching and Graphite Metallic accents. The TR2 Equipment Group offers TRX red stitching
and carbon fiber accents as an available option.
Notably, the TRX has three special off-road modes – Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja. Like the on-road modes, the off-road drive modes control several systems, including the four-wheel-drive system, throttle response, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension and steering.
Other attributes include an 8,100-pound towing capacity and a 1,310-pound payload rating.
Ram says the TRX has an approach angle of 30.2 degrees, a breakover angle of 21.9 degrees,
and a departure angle of 23.5 degrees.
Ram 1500 TRX Launch Edition
Ram says the TRX will cost $70,000 plus a $1,690 destination charge. With various upgrades and add-ons included, we’re likely to see some versions top $100,000, an almost unimaginable amount for a pickup truck. Likely, the limited Launch Edition model (702 compies) will set the pace with its special paint scheme, unique red and brushed-aluminum center console badge identifying it as a special, limited-edition TRX model, and a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, among other features. The Launch Edition arrives this fall.
See Also — King of all Trucks: Ford F-150 Raptor
Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.