Today, Fiat Chryler revealed the much-rumored, long-awaited 2021 Ram TRX, which it calls the “quickest and most powerful mass-produced truck in the world,” as well as the vehicle that “cements Ram as North America’s off-road truck leader.” That’s obviously a direct shot at the Ford F-150 Raptor, but the 2021 Ram TRX is packing some serious firepower to back up those lofty claims.
For starters, there’s the TRX’s 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8, which produces a hefty 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Backed up by a high-torque-capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, the Ram TRX hits 0-60 miles-per-hour in 4.5 seconds, the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph, and is capable of a top speed of 118 mph.
On the outside, the TRX features some new bodywork courtesy of flared fenders, which makes it eight inches wider than a normal Ram and also makes room for a set of 35 inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain tires designed exclusively for the TRX. Those special tires are also available with 18 inch beadlock-ready wheels with accent color-matched rings.
Underneath, the Ram TRX rides on a modified frame, and sits two inches higher than the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup, giving it a ground clearance of 11.8 inches. It features five skid plates underneath – protecting the front fascia, front axle, transfer case, transmission pan, and fuel tank. The TRX also utilizes an all-new independent front suspension and specially-tuned Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks.
It’s quite clear that the 2021 Ram TRX is aiming directly at the Ford F-150 Raptor, but it’s unclear when we might see the next-gen version of the latter. We recently spied a prototype in advanced stages of development, which means that it’s possible that the vehicle will actually launch toward the end of the 2021 model year, but with very limited availability.
It’s also unknown what will power the third-generation F-150 Raptor, but rumors have persisted for some time now that Ford might once again offer the rugged off-roader with V8 power. If The Blue Oval is interested in going toe-to-toe with the Ram TRX, that would likely need to be either a supercharged version of the 5.0L Coyote V8, or the Mustang Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2L Predator V8, which already produces a TRX-beating 760 horsepower.
We’ll have much more on the Raptor’s new competition soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, F-150 Raptor news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Ram to Ford: Checkmate. Well done, Ram, well done! Ford- your move. Can’t wait to see the new Raptor!
You have implied that it is game over for Ford and yet you are interested in the new Raptor?
It is interesting that Ram has quoted performance numbers clearly aimed at street use, where most TRXs will reside. How does it perform off-road, where the Raptor already excels?
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ford pull a double whammy out of this, the Ftruck Raptor with the GT500 motor in its ultimate mode and the 3.5V6TT sitting upfront in the US version of the Ranger Raptor which with its smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic body could potentially show a clean set of wheels to both the RAM and big brother Raptor.
Hahaha that’s funnie A 702hp Ram TRX that can only mustard a top speed of 118mph, So what was the point of using the SuperChargered 6.2 liter again ??? Bring it to the Texas Mile my 02 F-150 Lightning is faster
It’s sad to see Dodge feel the need to put the 6.2 SuperChargered HellCat motor in everything but the Viper. At some point you devalue the models that has it by putting it in everything. Since customers want to here V8 sound in the Raptor give it to them the 5.0 SuperChargered motor with a ten speed transmission, AWD, FWD which can make more than 702hp with a smaller block and sound better. But wait there’s more since truck sales so great Ford should build a Single cab AWD/FWD, 5.2 SuperChargered 7speed transmission F150 Lightning check mate