Sam Krahn 
Back in 2016, Ram released the insane Rebel TRX concept. It seemed crazy to stuff the Hellcat V8 with over 500 hp into a pickup truck (in this application), but a recipe for awesomeness nonetheless. The concept also looked surprisingly production ready, and everyone thought we’d see the production model soon after. But fans had to patently wait for years for the truck to be revealed as the 2021 Ram TRX we have now, with 702 supercharged horses.
Senior Brand Manager Carl Lally explained to MC&T on why it took so long to go prom concept to reality, and why the TRX was never applied to the previous generation Ram 1500, which we now have as the Ram Classic. The answer was simple: they wanted to get it right.
“Back in ‘16 it was a concept, and we wanted to see exactly what the appetite was for a truck like this. Obviously it was very positive,” said Lally. At the time, however, the current DT generation Ram 1500 was in development, and the engineers knew what a massive step on it was from the previous generation. It seems like they wanted the 2021 Ram TRX to be the best possible Ram, and that meant waiting for the next generation.
“We were in the midst of developing the all-new (DT) Ram 1500 for the 2019 model year already at that point in time. Rather than rush to market and drop an engine in a truck, we wanted to take our time to make sure we get it right, from top to bottom,” said Lally.
The Ram TRX is not only the fastest and most off-road capable truck in the lineup, but also has the same luxury levels as the top of the line Limited model. This is everything Ram could throw at a truck, and it shows in the final product.
It’s such a game changer, Ford is being forced to respond in a big way: rumors all but confirm the Mustang Shelby GT500’s Predator V8 is going in the next generation Raptor. It’s not too often that manufacturers go back on their decision to downsize an engine for a vehicle, but the TRX made Ford do just that.
