2021 Ram 1500 TRX water fording (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Now that the dust has settled on the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, we went over the materials again and wanted to call attention to a few details you might have missed the first time around.Â
From power to pricing, here are some of the more curious facts about this Raptor-crushing monster.
Anyone who is familiar with the SRT-branded Dodge and Jeep vehicles, is likely familiar with the launch control button, which lets you get the RPMs revved up and ready for a super-fast from-a-stop acceleration.Â
2021 Ram 1500 TRX transfer case switches and drive modes — including launch control. (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Makes total sense when you’re talking about a muscle car. We’ve even tested it in a couple of the SRT SUVs and it’s a barrel of fun. But in a pickup truck? As a from-the-factory feature? That’s a new one.Â
But we love the idea and can’t wait to test it.Â
The base price, as we discussed in our reveal article, is $69,995, excluding the $1,695 destination fee. It’s only available as a 4X4 crew cab with the short box. But there are some equipment groups in addition to package options that will send the price soaring. Starting with the equipment groups, you’re looking at the following:
Playing around with the build configurator, if you start with the Launch Edition, it automatically adds Level 2 Group. Then adding every other available option (excluding telematics subscriptions), your net price, including destination, will be $96,935.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX front 3/4 (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
The good news/bad news is Ram committed to only making 702 Launch Editions (we see what you did there, Ram. Well done.), and they’re already sold out. So, if you were going to spec out an available model with the Level 2 Group plus every other available option – you’re looking at $92,500.
The Ram TRX will be equipped with the same 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 engine we see in the Dodge Hellcat and Jeep Trackhawk models. But you’ll notice the horsepower – though more than 700 – isn’t the same. Those models deliver 717 and 707 horsepower, respectively.
So, why does TRX get the short shrift at 702 horsepower?
According to the folks at Ram, the engine has been significantly modified for desert-racing applications. Not to mention the fact Dodge has created a significant amount of brand equity with the Hellcat name, so it just can’t be the same.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX under hood air box (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Another interesting note about performance: The top speed is 118 mph. We thought that was kind of weird for anything with a 702-horsepower engine. So we went back to the folks at Ram and got a couple of answers.
The official line is the limitation is because it has a dual-air intake for enhanced off-road performance. However, via Facebook communications, David Elshoff, head of Ram Brand Communications, commented it was limited by the tires’ max speed rating.
All that being said, the Ram TRX has some fantastic stats, including a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds.Â
2021 Ram 1500 TRX rear 3/4 in motion (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Those familiar with high-performance engines understand that there are usually premium fuel requirements to reap the most possible horsepower. The entire SRT lineup requires premium fuel. So, when we skimmed the Ram TRX spec sheet we weren’t surprised to see the 91-octane requirement.Â
But you might be because this is new to the Ram lineup. The base Rams take regular fuel (87 octane), and even the Rams with the 5.7-liter V-8 take midgrade fuel (89 octane).
Sometimes premium fuel is simply recommended, but it’s also worth noting the 91 octane for the Ram TRX is not a recommendation, it’s a requirement.Â
2021 Ram 1500 TRX front head-on in motion (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
With the launch of the Ram 1500 TRX, we’re seeing something different than what’s currently out there with more power, more technology and, well, more stuff.
So, we aren’t surprised by the higher price tag and premium fuel. The only real surprise in our book was the launch control. That’s just cool.
What’s truly exciting though is what comes next. Now that Ram has thrown down the gauntlet, who will pick it up?
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Raptor fighter? 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is big, powerful and awesome