The Raptor-fighting Ram 1500 TRX is almost ready to go on sale, if the latest photo leaks are any indication. The Fast Lane Truck (TFL) was the first outlet to show the pictures.
The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX was allegedly set to be shown in the flesh for the first time at this year’s North America International Auto Show, originally set for the first week of June in Detroit. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed that auto show to 2021, the truck’s debut date is less certain.
The prototype model featured a number of elements that will likely translate to the new truck.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
TFL got the photos via an anonymous message. Two of them show the exterior and four show the interior. Combined with camouflaged prototype photos that were distributed last week, we end up with a pretty good idea of what to expect from the model.
Here’s what we know.
You can see TFL’s video featuring the leaked photos here:
LEAKED: See Under The Hood and Inside the Ram 1500 TRX in These New Images!
www.youtube.com
The Ram Rebel TRX and Ford Raptor will be about the same size.
Media and enthusiasts have dubbed the truck a Raptor-flghter. This starts with the base of the model. The Raptor is based on the Ford F-150. Similarly, the Ram Rebel TRX is based on the Ram 1500. The two trucks are likely to be nearly the same size.
It will likely be powered by FCA’s Hellcat engine.
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Traditionally tuned, the powerful 6.2-liter V8 boasts over 700 horsepower and nearly 700 pound-feet of torque and is currently featured under the hood of select Dodge Challenger and Charger models, which more than what you’ll find offered in most Ferraris and Lamborghinis. In the Dodge Challenger Demon, the same engine was tuned to get 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. In the Challenger Demon, the model could sprint nearly as quick as a Bugatti Veyron.
The truck probably won’t be fuel efficient.
According to EPA estimates, the 6.2-liter V8 in the Challenger delivers 16 mpg combined. In the Charger, it gets 15 mpg combined and in the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk just 13 mpg combined. That being said, expect the Rebel TRX to be thirsty.
It’s worth noting that the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor’s turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is nearly as inefficient, getting an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined.
It’s called the Rebel TRX for a reason and that has some equipment and features implications.
As is, the Ram 1500 Rebel is a mid-grade model in the truck’s lineup. It comes standard with a long list of equipment and available features including an electronic-locking differential, 3.92 axle ratio, 8.4-inch infotainment touch screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, 8-speaker sound system, and a rearview camera with gridlines. It’s pretty safe to assume that the Rebel TRX will come standard with most of the equipment listed for the Rebel, possibly offering many of the elements only available as part of add-on packages like keyless entry and power-adjustable pedals as standard.
Expect it to have Ram Power Wagon-like parts.
If the Rebel TRX is to be a true Raptor-fighter, it needs to be incredibly proficient off-road. Having the type of equipment on its body that comes with the Ram Power Wagon would be a big step in the right direction.
The Power Wagon comes standard with a unique Articulink suspension, front/rear Bilstein shocks (Power Wagon tuned), hill-descent control, Tru-Lok front/rear axles, tow hooks, fuel tank skid plate, transfer case skid plate, front electronic 12,000-pound winch, fog lamps, front disconnecting stabilizer bar, and rear wheel well liners.
The truck will have a factory lift.
Almost all the spy photos released so far have the truck shown with a lift, similar to how the Ram Power Wagon is lifted. It appears to ride on wheels less than 18-inches.
There will be Easter eggs.
FCA is notorious for hiding unique design elements inside and outside their vehicle. These hidden elements make for a bit of fun for enthusiasts but Ram might have the most fun yet. According to the leaked photos, there’s the image of a truck alongside two dinosaurs, a tynansaurus rex chasing a velociraptor. While that sneaky nudge in Ford’s direction offers a bit of fun, it also shows what appears to be a crew cab, 5’7″ box model of the Ram truck model. In the words of Dr. Watson, “A clue!” It possibly is.
The interior of the truck is pretty luxe.
The leaked photos show that the interior of the truck is well-appointed, not that we’d expect anything less from a modern Ram 1500 model. The seats appear to be two-tone leather (black and red, in keeping with Ram 1500 Rebel heritage) with perforated inserts.
There’s a traditional shifter with a leather boot instead of the rotary shifter that FCA has become so fond of having. The photo shows that the shifter has manual shifting capability, which off-roading enthusiasts would find particularly helpful.
On the center stack there’s two USB and two USB-C ports as well as an AUX outlet. There are also auxiliary control buttons.
The Ram Rebel TRX will have trailering capability.
The leaked photos reveal trailer brake controls and a trailer steering control on the center stack. The towing capacity of the Ram 1500 is 6,280 to 7,730 pounds. The Rebel TRX will likely not have less capability than that.
Pricing
Pricing for the Ram Rebel TRX has not yet been released, and it likely won’t be until right before the truck goes on sale. If it’s a 2022 model year truck, expect sales to start in early to mid-2021.
