The Ford Raptor is one of the biggest and baddest factory off-roaders out there. However, now RAM is taking a direct shot at the Blue Oval with its entry into the OEM off-road market. Cue the TRX.
Announced during FIAT Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) “Capital Markets Day” presentation, the RAM TRX is based around a concept vehicle of the same name from 2014. That concept came with a 6.2-liter V8 sporting a supercharger — yes, just like the one you’ll find in the SRT Hellcat.
That concept model also had a whole host of off-road goodies, including meaty tires and long travel suspension. The forthcoming production version of the TRX is still a bit of a mystery. However, we expect it to stay fairly close to the concept at least in terms of suspension and off-road accessories. Crucially though, instead of just 525hp from the concept, the production-spec could bring all 707 of the Hellcat’s horses to the party.
If this happens, the Raptor and its 450hp 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 would seem dull by comparison. The meaning of name TRX (pronounced T-Rex) isn’t lost on us either. Anyone who’s a fan of the Jurassic Park films knows that at the end of the day, the T-Rex would always jump in to put the Raptors in their place.
With trucks like the TRX and Raptor though the real test comes once they leave the pavement behind. While 707hp is good for bombing across the desert, depending on tire selection it could find issues when it comes to the trail riding.
Unfortunately, the TRX isn’t exactly production-ready yet. FCA was presenting a five-year plan, and it’s looking like a 2022 model year truck.
In less invigorating RAM news, FCA will also develop a new mid-size pickup for the brand. A new heavy duty truck is due in 2019 too, along with an updated version of the RAM ProMaster City small commercial van.
