Just when we were getting used to the idea that the automotive future would sound like a broken smoothie blender and that big V8s were the stuff of history textbooks, Ram did something wonderful. Something completely irrational. After two years of silence, they opened the doors of Jurassic Park and let the beast off the chain. The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX is back and, honestly, the Raptor R needs to start shaking.
In a world where manufacturers compete to create the most aerodynamic battery-powered “soap box,” Ram 1500 SRT TRX returns as the raised middle ground of conventionality. Stellantis' SRT division (Street and Racing Technology) has returned to what it does best: taking something big and putting an even bigger engine in it.
The result? A semi-truck, which not only reclaimed the crown of the most powerful production gasoline “half-ton” pickup, but did so with a smile, while its main rival, Ford Raptor R, save the economics lesson.
Heart of the Beast: More Air, More Fire
Under the hood, you won't find a battery pack or hybrid assist. Thank goodness. It houses a reworked 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that now produces a monstrous 580 kW (777 hp). For those of you who don't follow the ongoing testosterone battle: that's 57 more "horses" than before and, more importantly, more than the Ford Raptor R, which "stops" at 720 hp (537 kW).
Torque? Sure. 922 Nm (680 lb-ft) of torque will literally make the ground move beneath you. Engineers borrowed hardware from the legendary Hellcat blocks, improved the air intake system by 18 percent, and squeezed every last atom of power out of the engine. The 2.4-liter compressor (twin-screw supercharger) now breathes through a dual-intake system that draws air through both the grille and that huge hole in the hood.
This isn't just an engine; it's an engineering declaration of independence.
All of this is coupled to an upgraded TorqueFlite 8HP95 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. The result on the tarmac? This house on wheels accelerates from 0 to 96 km/h (0-60 mph) in an absurd 3.5 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 190 km/h (118 mph), which is probably smart, considering we're talking about a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick.
Suspension: Ready for the apocalypse
Where TRX What really sets it apart from muscle cars that are designed for straight lines is its chassis. This is not a car for posing in front of the opera (although it would look great there), this is a dune-crushing machine.
It's equipped with second-generation Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers that work with Active Terrain Dynamics. You get 33 cm (13 inches) of suspension travel up front and an incredible 35.5 cm (14 inches) at the rear. All of this is supported by a Dana 60 rear axle with electronic differential lock. Ground clearance is 30 cm (11.8 inches).
There are six driving modes to choose from: Auto, Sport, Snow, Tow, Mud, and Baja. The latter is probably the one you'll want to use when you're running away from responsibility. And ironically, despite its brutality, the TRX offers hands-free highway driving (Level 2+). Yes, you read that right. A car built for jumping hills can gently steer you down the highway while you... well, probably eat a sandwich.
Interior: Luxury in the mud
If you thought the interior was spartan, you'd be wrong. Ram has redefined luxury in a pickup truck in recent years. The new TRX features Natura Plus leather, perforated suede, real carbon fiber accents, and—beware—red seat belts.
It is technologically better equipped than NASA's control center:
- 36.8 cm (14.5-inch) touchscreen with Uconnect 5.
- 31.2 cm (12.3-inch) digital gauges.
- 25.4 cm (10-inch) head-up display (HUD).
- A 19-speaker Harman Kardon system, because sometimes the sound of a compressor just isn't enough.
- Visually, it stays true to its nature – it’s 15 cm (6 inches) wider than the regular Rebel model, sits on 18-inch wheels and huge 89-centimeter (35-inch) Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires.
Conclusion: Irrational love
2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX is an anachronism in the best sense of the word. It's like that friend who's a little too loud at a party but everyone loves him because he makes the atmosphere. With a starting price of 99,995 $ (about €91,500 before taxes and duties), it's actually cheaper than a Ford Raptor R by more than ten grand.
Is it environmentally friendly? Not even close. Is it necessary? Absolutely not. Do you want it? If you have at least a drop of gasoline in your veins instead of chamomile tea, the answer is a resounding YES. The Ram TRX is not just a car; it is proof that in motoring there is still passion, humor and that childish desire to be the biggest and loudest in the sandbox. And in a world that is becoming increasingly sterile, that is worth every penny.
