The new Ram 1500 TRX has arrived and the it is bent on showing how worthy of a competitor it is to the F-150 Raptor.
Also known as the “T. rex” in the automotive circle, the new-for-2021 model was built to go head to head with Ford’s representative in the segment. As Ram’s head Mike Koval put it, “T. rex destroys raptors,” a reference to the Jurassic era.
But what makes the automaker so confident of the new vehicle?
For one, the pickup is powered by a supercharged Hellcat V-8 that delivers up to 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It also has upgraded features that would make it a beast on the off-road.
Some of the most notable inclusions are flared fenders that have grown to measure 8.0 inches wide, higher ground clearance at 11.8 inches, a track width of 6 inches, tougher suspension, and a reinforced frame. The TRX pickup also gets its front axle moved forward by a bit to give the vehicle more than 13 inches of suspension travel.
Customers will also enjoy adaptive Bilstein remote-reservoir dampers with varying rates thanks to the three accelerometers equipped in the truck, as well as a ride-height sensor in every corner. The Dana 60 trim level, however, gets to keep the vehicle’s coil-spring suspension with an electronically locking differential, although the front axle will have to rely on the brakes for the same limited-slip function as other models.
Additionally, the new Ram 1500 TRX features a launch control with a dedicated button on the dashboard for easier activation. The automaker said the truck can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and 108 mph in 12.9 seconds, making it the quickest pickup in the market.
The speed, though, is far from stellar at 118 mph with the 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain tires. But what the model lacks in speed, it seems to make up for in power with an 8,100-lb tow rating and 1,310 lbs of payload capacity.
All units of the Ram 1500 TRX for 2021 will be built with a short-bed and crew-cab. It has a starting price of $71,690 ($13,555 more than the entry-level crew-cab Raptor), while a full-spec version of the vehicle will go up to around $90,000.
The pickup is expected to go on sale before the end of the year.
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