2021 Ram 1500 TRX is one powerful truck with sports car speed

MANILA: Ram calls it the “apex predator of the truck world” and claims that it’s the “quickest, fastest, and most powerful mass-produced truck in the world.” Let’s see if the all-new 2021 Ram 1500 TRX lives up to the billing.

Under the hood is a 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 engine that sends 702 HP and 881 Nm of torque to a high-torque-capacity TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic that can send the truck from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is 190 kilometers per hour.

In order to get this monster engine a steady supply of clean and cool air regardless of road condition, engineers gave it a new, innovative dual-path induction system (one from the hood scoop and the other from the grille) that routes air to a 29-liter air box filter.

This truck is so powerful that Launch Control (manages tire slip while launching) and Jump Detection (uses wheel-speed and ride-height sensors and accelerometers to know if the truck is airborne) come standard.

Dynamic drive modes include Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, and Custom, while Off-road modes are Mud/Sand, Rock, and Baja.

Its body is composed of thicker, optimally shaped, strategically placed high-strength steel that uses low-torsion attributes to increase durability and stability. Sections of the frame are hydroformed for dimensional accuracy, reducing the need for welding, and the side rails are fully boxed. The front rails use high-strength steel and hydroformed sections to set a strong foundation to better handle the front suspension load. Galvanized frame components provide improved corrosion protection.

Ground clearance is 11.8 inches (300 mm) due in part to a 2-inch ride height increase when compared with the rest of the 1500 lineup, along with 35-inch tires. It comes with five skid plates to protect critical components, including the front axle, transfer case, transmission pan and fuel tank. A separate skid plate sits at the bottom of the front fascia, mitigating potential damage, and doubles as a belly pan. Approach angle is 30.2 degrees, breakover angle is 21.9 degrees, and departure angle is 23.5 degrees.

An all-new independent front suspension system with active damping uses high-strength aluminum to maintain overall strength and durability. It comes with a new front upper and lower control arms made of forged aluminum with special attention paid to the caster and camber angles during suspension cycling. The all-new rear suspension system comes with active damping and an exclusive five-link coil system. The frame’s hard points for the five-link suspension system differ when compared to a standard-issue 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 percent when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup.

New 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks use precision-machined, single-piece construction comprised of rigid aluminum to reduce and dissipate heat and continuously adjust damping forces for optimal body control and terrain isolation. The adaptive performance shocks feature robust corrosion protection with a durable finish and directional-machined cooling fins aligned with air flow for more effective cooling.

A new BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case enables passage through any off-road obstruction or weather condition. This modified transfer case features upgraded internals for improved strength and durability. Ram TRX features a low range of 2.64:1 for rock crawling and can be flat-towed while in neutral.

For stopping power versus that large engine, it uses the segment’s largest four-wheel disc brake system with a hydraulic compensation unit to enhance brake pedal feel and performance during emergency maneuvers. Up front are two-piston monoblock calipers clamping down on 15-inch inverted hat (outboard venting) rotors for improved cooling. The rear uses single piston calipers with 15-inch rotors to provide incredible stopping power.

Developed exclusively for the Ram TRX are 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain 325/65R/18 tires, featuring an aggressive tread and sidewall with D-load rating, are assigned the task.

The exterior brags of an acute “hourglass” body design that features composite flares and fender wells that have been stretched to cover the tires. LED clearance marker lights flank the front bumper and a new, aluminum hood features bright LED clearance lights that are integrated in the hood scoop.

It comes with a unique front grille, hood, skid plates, steel bumpers, and a bigger R-A-M badge that features a “flow-through” design that assists with airflow. All-black premium LED headlamps, including twin bi-functional projector headlamps, are standard. The new look is highlighted by oversized tow hooks, found at the front and rear of the truck, and integrated 5-inch dual exhaust ports.

The cabin comes with three interior options, including premium cloth and vinyl, premium wrapped leather and suede, or premium wrapped leather and suede with available red and carbon fiber accents. New front seats have enhanced upper bolster support and embroidered logos. It has a new SRT-signature flat-bottom steering wheel, with enhanced hand grips wrapped in leather with optional suede and carbon fiber accents and a new aluminum paddle shifters.

It has a console mounted performance floor shifter, which includes a cast metal main grip wrapped with semi-perforated leather, and an all-new Head-up Display unit that can show up to five different content areas at once, including Lane Departure, Lane Keep Assist, adaptive cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, current speed, current gear and speed limit.

Photos courtesy of Ram

Also read: 2020 Ram Heavy Duty Limited Black mixes luxury with 1,356 Nm of torque