The Ram TRX surprises the experts with its 0-60 speed while out on the track. The 702-horsepower beast cracks the four second mark.
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Ram is starting to hold media events for its long-awaited 2021 Ram 1500 TRX and one statistic is startling. The 702-horsepower TRX has crushed competitors with its 0-60 mph acceleration. The Detroit News is reporting that the TRX did 0-60 in an incredible 3.9 seconds. The speed surprised even Ram which estimated that the TRX would do 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Ram TRX is the first production pickup to break the 4 second mark.
The truck, which some have called the “Beast,” did amazingly well off-road, clocking 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds. When it debuted, Ram executives promised that the TRX would smoke the competition, and they weren’t kidding. Truck fans have been waiting for this huge horsepower truck since the TRX was shown as a concept in 2016. Designed to challenge the Ford Raptor, Ram promising the 2021 Ram TRX would be the fastest and most powerful mass-produced truck on the market. The 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 delivers 702-horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque. The TRX’s frame uses high-strength steel to improve durability and stability both on and off-road. The HEMI V-8 is mated to an eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The TRX sits 2” higher than other Ram trucks.
During the August debut, Mike Koval of Ram said,
“The all-new 2021 Ram TRX sets the benchmark for extreme performance pickup trucks and solidifies Ram Truck’s position as the off-road truck leader,” said Mike Koval, Head of Ram Brand, FCA - North America. “Ram has a strong history of high-performance trucks and TRX adds to that while expanding the light-duty lineup with the segment’s best combination of performance, capability, luxury and technology.”
Fuel Economy Numbers Aren’t Great
The other numbers to surface out of the first media events should not surprise anyone. It takes a lot of premium gasoline to fuel a 702-horsepower rocket. The preliminary EPA estimated fuel economy numbers give the 2021 Ram TRX 10 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway. The combined fuel economy number would be 12 mpg. It brings to mind the old adage, “If you have to ask about the fuel economy, you can’t afford the vehicle.” I would guess that the numbers will not make or break anyone’s decision to buy the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX.
More Air Flow Translates to More Power
New fender flares make the body 8” wider and create an “hourglass” body, setting the TRX apart from other Rams. The TRX has a new dual-path air induction system to ensure the engine is always getting clean air through the front grille and hood scoop. The TRX has the largest air filter in the segment, with four times the dust trapping capacity compared to the closest competitor.
According to Ram, the TRX has an all-new suspension system with active damping. The design uses forged aluminum. The front suspension is independent and also has active damping. The five-link coil suspension is tuned to deliver the best combination of ride, handling and comfort no matter the road surface. The TRX has special Bilstein performance shocks to handle speeds greater than 100 mph. The TRX rides on 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain tires.
The 2021 Ram TRX will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Sticker price starts at $69,995 plus $1,650 destination fee, but if you add a lot of the different Mopar specialized parts like running boards, light bars and rock rails, it could cost thousands more. The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX should be available later this year.
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