There are some things in the world that we don’t understand the reason for their existence, but we’re glad that they exist. Something about them just doesn’t make sense but we understand that it’s okay. Because if we want everything around us to make sense, many of the things that we enjoy today, wouldn’t have existed. And, so it is with the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX.
It is a 702 bhp pickup truck, claimed to be the quickest, fastest and most powerful mass-produced truck in the world. Why does it exist? Well, it exists for the same reason the 457 hp F-150 Raptor or the 720 hp Durango SRT Hellcat exists. So, let’s have a look.
To begin with, the Ram TRX is 8-inch wider compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup, thanks to composite flares and a 6-inch increase in track width. Normally, the truck features wheels that are 8-inches wide, but the TRX design team had to accommodate 9-inch ones. The front axle was shifted 20 mm forward to accommodate the 35-inch Goodyear Territory All-Terrain tires that were exclusively designed for TRX. They can be wrapped around 18-inch beadlock-ready wheels with accent color-matched rings.
TRX Launch Edition
Other exterior highlights include a massive, functional hood scoop; functional air curtain just outboard of the headlights; and unique front grille, R-A-M badges and skid plates. In fact, there are a total of 5 skid plates to protect critical components, including the front axle, transfer case, transmission pan and the fuel tank.
TRX Launch Edition
Smoked-effect LED projector headlights and LED taillights are standard. The Launch Edition gets a special exterior paint called ‘Anvil Gray’.
TRX Launch Edition
The box outers in the TRX are wider than that of the traditional Ram 1500. A bed-mounted spare tire carrier is available in addition to the standard full-size spare tire that sits underneath the bed — between the rear axle and trailer hitch.
And, of course, there’s a specific suspension setup at the rear. Ram says that the frame’s hardpoints for the five-link suspension system differ when compared to a standard Ram 1500 and allow the Dana 60 rear axle to travel up to 13-inches. Overall, rear-wheel travel is increased to more than 13-inches from the standard 9-inches, or more than 40% when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup.
ZoneControl JCO (Jounce Cut Off) stages
Also exclusive for the TRX are the new front and rear 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks, which feature a Jounce Cut Off to create three zones for progressive bottom-out control during extreme compression events. The illustration above might help you understand better.
The Ram TRX boasts a ground clearance of 11.8-inches; and approach, breakover and departure angles of 30.2 degrees, 21.9 degrees and 23.5 degrees, respectively. Other off-roading credentials include a new BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case featuring a low range of 2.64:1 for rock crawling.
For the cabin, the buyers can choose from three options with materials including premium cloth & vinyl, premium wrapped leather & suede, or premium wrapped leather & suede with available red and carbon fibre accents.
The Drive Mode selector has been integrated into the dashboard, just above the transfer case switches. There are three off-road modes: Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja. Also, notice the Launch Control button on the right of the transfer case switches.
In case you’re wondering, the central touchscreen measures 12-inches. It displays Drive Modes and Off-road Performance Pages too.
Moving on to the business end of the story then, the 6.2-litre supercharged HEMI V8 engine pumps out 523.5 kW (712 metric hp/702 bhp) and 881 Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque, and is paired with the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. A 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) acceleration is claimed to happen in 4.5 seconds while the top speed is 118 mph (190 km/h), should such things interest you. The supertruck gobbles up a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph (174 km/h).
The TRX’s 29-litre air box filters out dirt, sand, debris and water before getting anywhere near the engine. The air box is mounted on top of the engine for easy access for cleaning purposes.
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Launch Edition (Anvil Gray) is limited to 702 units. Production will start later this year at FCA’s Sterling Heights (Michigan) Assembly Plant.
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