Title: Ram’s Next Performance Truck: A New Era of Power?
Introduction
Ram has been making waves in the performance truck segment with its powerful 1500 TRX, equipped with a monstrous V8 engine. However, recent spy footage suggests that Ram might be moving away from the V8 powertrain for its next iteration. As parent company Stellantis focuses more on electrification, this shift in strategy is not surprising. In this article, we explore the potential changes coming to Ram’s performance truck lineup and what enthusiasts can expect.
The End of an Era
The 1500 TRX, with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing an impressive 702 horsepower, has been a game-changer in the performance truck market. But as Dodge Charger and Challenger models are being phased out and Stellantis emphasizes electrification, it was only a matter of time before Ram bid farewell to this formidable engine.
A Glimpse of the Future
A recent video obtained by Road & Track showcases a test mule of a widebody Ram 1500, featuring an aggressive design as it navigates the streets of Detroit. While the video doesn’t reveal much, it does provide some clues about the future of Ram’s performance trucks.
A Change in Sound
One noticeable aspect in the video is the sound emanating from the truck. It appears that Ram has no intentions of using a V8 engine for its next performance truck. While this may disappoint some TRX fans, the engine note during acceleration doesn’t sound too bad. In fact, it might even evoke hints of a BMW, aligning with the rumors circulating about a new powerplant.
The Rise of the Inline-Six
Speculation suggests that the successor to the TRX could be powered by a six-cylinder engine, similar to the standard Ford F-150 Raptor. Specifically, rumors point towards the potential use of Stellantis’ Hurricane inline-six engine. This engine is already capable of generating an impressive 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the standard F-150 Raptor’s power output.
Closing the Power Gap
While the Hurricane inline-six engine offers impressive performance, enthusiasts are curious to see if Ram can extract even more power from it. The outgoing TRX and the upcoming Raptor R boast 700 horsepower, setting a high bar for Ram’s next performance truck. It remains to be seen if Ram can push the limits of the inline-six engine to match or surpass these power figures.
Conclusion
Ram’s decision to move away from the V8 engine for its next performance truck marks a significant shift in strategy. As Stellantis focuses on electrification, it’s not surprising to see this change. While some TRX fans may be disappointed, the potential use of the Hurricane inline-six engine offers exciting possibilities. With its already impressive power output, Ram has the opportunity to close the power gap with its competitors and deliver a performance truck that combines power and efficiency. Enthusiasts eagerly await further updates from Ram as they embark on this new era of power.