2021 Ram 1500 TRX Arrives With 702 HP, Wants To Make The Raptor Go Extinct

Nearly four years after Ram unveiled the Rebel TRX concept, the company has introduced the production model.

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 (523 kW / 712 PS) and 650 lb-ft (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 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and can run the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph (174 km/h).  Given enough room, the model will eventually hit a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).

Also Read: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Sports An Evolutionary Design, Adopts An All-New Suspension

Of course, 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.

A Sporty But Upscale Interior

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.

Designed To Handle Tough Terrain

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 11.8 inches (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 1,310 lbs (594 kg) and a towing capability of 8,100 lbs (3674 kg).

Speaking of the suspension, the TRX uses 2.5 inch (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 32 inches (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 $69,995 excluding a $1,695 destination charge.