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Ram Rebel TRX Concept Boasts 575 HP (More than Raptor)

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Ram Rebel TRX Concept Boasts 575 HP (More than Raptor)

PSST! Hey Raptor. You aren’t the fastest anymore. – Ram Rebel TRX

In a surprise announcement, Ram took the wraps off a new Rebel TRX Concept countering the off-road supremacy of the new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor. This new supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 truck will cause many diehard Raptor fans to do a double take.

This new Rebel TRX concept is so incredible, it is truly hard to know where to start besides the fact it can now lay claim to be the most powerful factory-engineered half-ton pickup ever. Now THAT is a Texas sized claim.

Ram Rebel TRX Concept Boasts 575 HP (More than Raptor)

100 MPH in a STOCK pickup on dirt?!?

The Rebel lays this claim after engineers took the already huge 6.2L V8 and put a supercharger on it pushing the truck to achieve 100 MPH when off-roading. In other words, it is mega sized and really, REALLY fast.

Handling this speed is a concern though since a standard half-ton truck would literally get torn to shreds. Ram engineers thought of this too and added an open differential and custom CV half-shafts to handle the wider track. Then, they moved the spindles forward to make room inside the wheel wells for the aggressive 10-ply 37-inch tires with 13.5″ of width and beadlock Mopar wheels.

That’s not all. In the rear, Ram engineers added a Dynatrac Pro 60 axle which spools power through an electric, selectable locker to 35-spline, 1.5″ axle shafts. This locker is available on each of the four different drive modes (Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-Road and Baja) to better help provide traction when tearing up the desert.

Going Fast is Fine, But How About Getting Over Rocks?

Ram Rebel TRX Concept Boasts 575 HP (More than Raptor)

You got obstacles to get over? I got you.
– 37 inch tires

Speed is one thing when tearing up the desert, climbing over rocks is another. Ram engineers also looked at this part of the truck and increased the suspension travel by 40 percent which along with those tires means the truck can speed right over obstacles.

It shouldn’t get beat up either with a new custom-built upper and lower A-arms along with changes to caster and camber angle during suspension cycling. Overall, the front- and rear-wheel travel is increased more than 13 inches over the standard 9 inches. Plus, the coil-over shocks with internal bypasses results in a fun, smooth ride all day.

Ram Rebel TRX Concept Boasts 575 HP (More than Raptor)

(drools)

The rear also gets new 2.5″ bypass shocks and the rear axle travel spans up to 13 inches now (more than the 9.25″ the stock truck provides).

What about the Rebel TRX Looks?

Ram Rebel TRX Concept Boasts 575 HP (More than Raptor)

This truck is so sexy looking!

Sure the modifications are impressive, but I can’t stop taking my eyes off of it. It looks so amazing and Ram says this is because it borrows the best of Rebel and Power Wagon to create a much more chiseled look.

With the Power Wagon-like grille, bold RAM lettering on the rear and a functional front hood scoop, it simple oozes awesome. Designers also went above and beyond adding custom touches and colors to the exterior.

On the inside, FCA’s designer Ryan Nagode for RAM, SRT and Fiat products, who I interviewed recently, had to have had a blast working on this truck. The suede seats have an accent mesh cloth along with suede inserts to grip clothing and dress up the styling. Plus, the front seat has embroidered logos and lateral support upper bolsters. Finally, every seat has a six-point harness to keep you from literally flying all over the place.

Ram Rebel TRX Concept Boasts 575 HP (More than Raptor)

Yep, that’s a custom release handle.

Throughout the truck, there are TRX badges everywhere including on a special-edition tool bag in the upper glove box.

Finally, all this fun is hard to describe, so Ram added a custom camera mount on the rear-view mirror.

Ram Rebel TRX Concept Boasts 575 HP (More than Raptor)

Suddenly riding shotgun isn’t a bad thing.

While this is just a concept, I love the thinking of the Ram team members. Now the big question: will they build it? Probably not, but they could build something like it.

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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