FCA Confirms 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Debut for August 17th

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Ram has issued a succinct press release on the status of its answer to the Ford Raptor. The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is now officially set to debut next Monday, ready to dazzle you with the volume of dirt it can kick up when asked.

Sadly, that’s about all we can tell you. Despite the concept (pictured) coming equipped with a healthy 6.2-liter V8 belching out nearly 600 horsepower way back in 2016, everyone and their mother now claims the production TRX will come with a Hellcat motor to ensure Ford is shamed into submission. While that’s hardly the only metric one could use to measure the total value of an off-road pickup, most seem to think it’s a good place to start.

Considering Fiat Chrysler’s track record with vehicles, its unfathomable to think Ram would install anything that doesn’t at least match the output of Ford’s 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. But that sets a benchmark of 450 hp and 510 lb-ft — something the brand could easily accomplish without having to roust the Hellcat.

However, FCA seems to be celebrating the end of an era and is trying to slot its mightiest motors into as many products as it can before emissions regulations catch up to it (or its new partner says to stop being so damn brash). Dodge is throwing the Hellcat into the Durango for one year onl y and continues pushing the envelope for what’s sane with the Charger and Challenger. A 700-horsepower pickup would hardly be surprising.

[Image: FCA]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • PrincipalDan PrincipalDan on Aug 12, 2020

    I really hope Stellantis doesn't slap a lid on the fun. It will show a fundamental misunderstanding of the American market. Kind of like in the 80s when an American working for Toyota asked the Japanese executives about a V8. He was told: "What do you need a V8 for when we can build a 6 that will make the same power?" Eventually and before the LS400 was built, they came around.

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    • Highdesertcat Highdesertcat on Aug 12, 2020

      @ajla The Japanese are all about efficiency and effectiveness. But for many American males the automotive psyche is "the biggest, brawniest V8." Or better yet, the V12 Packard. My dad's hobby was dragracing and he and my uncle doted on a rail powered by a MOPAR 426 HEMI on Nitromethane. He told me when I was 12 years old, "There's nothing like an American V8." Times have changed because today I sure favor that magnificent Toyota Tundra all-aluminum 32-valve DOHC 5.7-liter (348 cubic inch) V8. The finest V8s I have ever owned in three vehicles - bar none.

  • DenverMike DenverMike on Aug 12, 2020

    There's no real reason to be 15 years behind Ford or anything pickup related and BOF trucks. They're platforms licensed print money. If they're so worried about CAFE/CARB, why all the V8 cars, certified gas guzzlers and Devil cars? CAFE/CARB has been laughable for decades anyway. With big-ticket autos, you sprinkle some coins on them and go away. Yes like panhandlers.

  • B-BodyBuick84 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport of course, a 7 seater, 2.4 turbo-diesel I4 BOF SUV with Super-Select 4WD, centre and rear locking diffs standard of course.
  • Corey Lewis Think how dated this 80s design was by 1995!
  • Tassos Jong-iL Communist America Rises!
  • Merc190 A CB7 Accord with the 5 cylinder
  • MRF 95 T-Bird Daihatsu Copen- A fun Kei sized roadster. Equipped with a 660cc three, a five speed manual and a retractable roof it’s all you need. Subaru Levorg wagon-because not everyone needs a lifted Outback.
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