Hellcat Ram Production Slated for September, Pointing to Detroit Debut

Back in October 2019, a press release from FCA discussing the 10-year history of the Ram Truck brand stated that “as part of the Company’s recently unveiled five-year plan, the Ram Rebel TRX concept has been approved for production”. That was the first official word on the production plans for the Hellcat-powered pickup and since then, the company hasn’t had anything to say about the supercharged super-truck.

The one almost-official reference was the Drive for Design contest poster last month, which shows a bright yellow Ram 1500 from the modern generation with TRX Rebel styling. There have also been spy shots showing what is believed to be a Ram TRX Rebel test subject and rumors that the high performance pickup would debut in June in Detroit, but the company hasn’t had anything else to say about plans for the Hellcat truck since last October.

Fortunately, a few different contacts within FCA have provided me with some details that make that Detroit debut far more likely.

Hellcat Ram Production
First off, the contact explained that production of the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX Rebel is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2020. Those plans could change between now and then, but with the plan to start production in September of 2020, it confirms that the TRX Rebel will be a 2021 model year vehicle. Some were hoping for the package to be offered for 2020, which would make it available sooner, but those hopes are seemingly dashed.

If production begins in September, the first units should reach dealerships before the end of the year, although the bulk of the first orders will likely be delivered in 2021. This truck will have a variety of new components, so buyers should expect a lengthy quality control process slowing down deliveries a bit.

Debut Possibilities
A September start of production for the Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 also narrows down the options for the big debut. This truck is a very big deal, so the odds are good that it will be introduced with plenty of fanfare at a major auto show. The remaining major auto shows this year include New York in April, Detroit in June and Los Angeles in November, but November is obviously too late, so it has to be either New York or Detroit.

Motor Authority reported recently that the Durango SRT Hellcat will debut in New York and while that was unofficial, it seems unlikely that FCA would debut two big, supercharged performance machines at the same show. That points to the Detroit show, which marks the move from January to June. With the event being held in June, it is expected that the warmer weather will allow automakers to hold some events outside. A 700+ horsepower Ram truck storming over a temporary off-road course in Downtown Detroit would make for a memorable debut at the new, warm North American International Auto Show.

We will have a better look FCA’s future high performance plans once we get to the New York show next month, but in the meantime, we know that the Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 TRX Rebel will begin production in September and the first units could reach owners before the end of 2020.

Patrick Rall is a professional writer and photographer with a passion for all things automotive. Patrick has been sharing his automotive expertise in automotive journalism from Detroit for more than a decade covering the Big Three. Having grown up in his father’s performance shop, he spent extensive time at the oval track and drag strip – both driving and wrenching on various types of vehicles. In addition to working as a writer, Patrick previously worked as an automotive technician before moving on to a business office position with a chain of dealerships, and this broad spectrum of experience in the industry allows him to offer a unique look on the automotive world. Follow Patrick on Youtube and Twitter.