The 702-horsepower Monster is Engineered to Handle the Most Punishing Conditions With Extreme Capability
Story & Photos Provided by: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
The all-new 2021 Ram 1500 TRX expands the light-duty lineup. Rated at 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine powers the Ram TRX to a top speed of 118 mph and delivers top output for extended driving sessions without degradation in performance. Combined with a high-torque-capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, the Ram TRX delivers a new level of performance: 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph.
Benefitting from up to 32 inches of water fording, up to 8,100 pounds towing, and a maximum payload capacity of 1,310 pounds, the Ram TRX is 8 inches wider when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup. To help compensate for a 6-inch increase in track width, composite flares and fender wells stretch to cover aggressive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain tires on a 9-inch wide wheel. The front axle was shifted 20 millimeters forward to further accommodate the 35-inch tires, available with 18-inch beadlock-ready wheels with accent color-matched rings.
A new, innovative dual-path air induction system ensures the engine receives a steady supply of clean, cool air regardless of inbound dirt and debris. The hood scoop is responsible for 50 percent of air entering the engine while the other 50 percent enters through the grille. Design elements, like the functional hood scoop, are complemented by secondary details, such as the functional air curtain just outboard of the headlamps, relieving high-pressure zones at the front corners, and allowing air to pass through the fenders.
TRX buyers can choose an optional full-length rock rail for added body/sill protection or traditional off-road powder-coated aluminum running boards. Optional body-side and hood graphics are available as a pair or separately.
All-black premium LED headlamps, including twin bi-functional projector headlamps, and premium LED taillamps are standard. The bezels allow for the Blind-spot Monitoring function to see around the extended box outers. Three interior options include premium cloth and vinyl, premium wrapped leather and suede, or premium wrapped leather and suede with available red and carbon fiber accents.
Ram TRX features new front seats with enhanced upper bolster support and embroidered logos. New aluminum paddle shifters stretch above and below the steering wheel spokes, allowing the driver to choose the proper gear with their fingertips. The Drive Mode selector has been integrated into the dashboard above the transfer case switches and offers different modes of operation.
An all-new Head-up Display unit can show up to five different content areas at once, including Lane Departure, Lane Keep Assist, adaptive cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, current speed, current gear, and speed limit. Available on the TR2 Equipment Group and is a full-color unit accessible through the 12-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen.
The robust TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission monitors inputs, such as engine torque gradients, throttle kick-down, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, detection of friction, downshifts, and road grade.
Launch Control is standard and gives the driver consistent straight-line acceleration. Wheel speed sensors watch for driveline-damaging wheel hop at launch and, in milliseconds, provide inputs to the powertrain control module to modify the engine torque to regain full grip. Jump Detection uses wheel-speed and ride-height sensors and accelerometers at each corner to prevent driveline-damaging power spikes.
Performance-tuned software is used to pre-configure and distinguish five dynamic modes – Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, and Custom – enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that ideally meets their requirements and ambient conditions. Custom mode allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance.
The Ram TRX boasts a ground clearance of 11.8 inches. To protect critical components, including the front axle, transfer case, transmission pan, and fuel tank, TRX employs five skid plates. Heavy-duty gauge steel rock sliders are an available option.
The use of lightweight, high-strength aluminum closures, including the hood and tailgate, helps reduce weight and boost fuel economy. Also uses aluminum engine mounts, front axle center section, front suspension, and transmission cross-members, front upper and lower control arms, front skid plate, transmission skid plate, and steering system gear.
The all-new independent front suspension system features upgraded components to provide more performance and improved endurance. An all-new rear suspension system increases travel to more than 13 inches from the standard 9 inches without reducing cargo area in the bed.
New 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks use precision-machined, single-piece construction comprised of rigid aluminum to reduce and dissipate heat and continuously adjust damping forces for optimal body control and terrain isolation. Ride comfort, body roll control, and handling are significantly improved with the Ram-proprietary Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system, new shock tuning, hard points, and body mount strategy. A new BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case enables passage through any off-road obstruction or weather condition.
Ram TRX relies on a four-wheel disc brake system and a hydraulic compensation unit to enhance brake pedal feel and performance. Up front are two-piston monoblock calipers clamping down on 15-inch inverted hat (outboard venting) rotors for improved cooling. The rear uses single-piston calipers with 15-inch rotors to provide incredible stopping power. An electronic parking brake holds the truck steady when applied and is standard.
An array of innovative features combined with the award-winning fourth-generation Uconnect 4C NAV 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen is standard and allows for even more customization. Other features include SiriusXM with 360L, Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora, and personal device integration. An audiophile-quality audio system includes a class-exclusive 900-watt premium Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and 10-inch subwoofer.
The Performance Pages app provides access to real-time vehicle performance information, including timers (such as 0-60 mph elapsed time), g-force, gauges, and engine performance. This data can be downloaded to a USB stick or web.
Off-Road Pages show ride height, the transfer case’s position, the pitch and roll of the vehicle, and accessory gauges. The app is accessible through the 7-inch TFT cluster or Uconnect display.
As part of the available 360-degree Surround View Camera system, a forward-facing off-road camera allows obstructions ahead on the trail to be easily seen. An available digital rearview mirror option replaces the traditional rearview mirror with a 9.2-inch-wide LCD monitor and can be turned off to revert back to a traditional reflective mirror.
The Ram TRX offers more than 100 available active and passive safety and security features. Standard features include ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation, and six standard airbags. Available features include Blind-spot Monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Ready Alert Braking, and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus.
The 2021 Ram TRX is backed with a five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. The standard three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for the Ram TRX, from the body to the electrical system.
