Ram 1500 TRX is a pick-up on steroids

RAM Trucks has given its 1500 pick-up a serious shot in the arm with the reveal of the TRX, a Ford F-150 Raptor rival that takes performance in the full-size pick-up segment to new heights.

The company’s local arm has expressed its interest in the TRX, which would offer Australian buyers a unique proposition with unmatched power and performance for the segment.

GoAuto has been told conversations between Ram Trucks Australia and its international counterpart are “progressing well”, however no firm timeline has been announced for a local arrival.

The headline act of the 1500 TRX is its 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 engine, tuned to produce a fearsome 523kW/880Nm, placing it among the most powerful vehicles on sale in Australia – none of which take the shape of an off-road pick-up.

With power delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, the big hauler is able to rocket from standstill to 60mph (97km/h) in just 4.5 seconds, on to 100mph (161km/h) in 10.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 190km/h.

Five drive modes are available – Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow and Custom – to go with three off-road modes (Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja), while launch control is also available.

The 6.2-litre supercharged unit represents a significant bump over the 5.7-litre aspirated V8 in the current local 1500, which produces 291kW/556Nm.

In order to achieve its massive outputs, the 1500 TRX uses a new dual-path air induction system that splits air 50:50 between a new, aggressive-looking hood scoop and the traditional front grille.

Air is channelled to a 29-litre air box that filters out dirt, sand, debris and water, with a filtering capacity that Ram claims is unrivalled in the segment and allows for constant and plentiful air flow to maintain optimal power delivery and reliability.

Along with the angry-looking hood scoop, the TRX features a number of other visual enhancements including a larger, flow-through Ram grille badge, functional air curtains outside the LED headlights, bulky fender flares and five-inch dual exhaust tips.

The body of the TRX has been widened by eight inches compared to the regular 1500 with a six-inch wider track, while the front axle has been shifted 20mm forward.

Changes to the body have been made to accommodate the chunky 35-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tyres, which are available with 18-inch beadlock wheels.

Buyers are also able to option full-length rock rails or powder-coated aluminium running boards, while side and hood graphics are also available for purchase.

Ram has engineered the TRX to be capable in the rough stuff, with a thicker steel frame, five separate skid plates, two-inch suspension lift, a new independent front suspension system with active damping, beefier control arms and upgraded components, and a new five-link coil rear suspension system with a Dana 60 rear axle.

Maximum payload is rated at 594kg, with a maximum braked towing capacity of 3674kg.

A low-range transfer case with a 2.64:1 drive ratio and a rear locking differential aid off-road performance.

Inside, the TRX is available with three different upholstery options including cloth/vinyl, leather/suede, and leather/suede with red and carbon-fibre accents.

New front seats offer enhanced bolster support and embroidered logos, while an SRT flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters add a sporty flair.

Infotainment comes from a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen system, complemented by a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster display and 900W, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Ram says over 100 advanced safety and security features are available on the TRX, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, surround-view monitor and six airbags.

A full suite of Mopar performance parts will also be available.

More details on the 1500 TRX and its availability for Australia will become clearer in the future.