Ever since the Ram Rebel TRX Concept made its debut at the Texas State Fair back in 2016, Ram fans have been chomping at the bit for a chance to buy one of the HELLCAT-powered beasts. Our friend Charles (that_guy_from_br), went so far as to team up with the guys over at America’s Most Wanted 4×4 to build his own version of the truck, which we had a chance to drive earlier this year.
Our sister site 5thGenRams.com, first announced back in February 2018, that the TRX would indeed go into production according to our sources. On June 1st, 2018, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) officially announced that the truck was heading for production, as part of the company’s 5-year plan. Our sources also told us, that the new Ram off-roader would be offered in two flavors, a TR model with a new 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI HELLCAT V8-powered TRX.
Last February, we were told that the new 7.0-liter 426 HEMI program was shelved and effectively killing the TR version of the truck, while the HELLCAT-powered TRX continued development. Since then, a number of heavily camouflaged TRX prototypes have been caught testing, but possibly the most exciting bit of TRX news is a phone call we received the other day.
Dealerships are now being informed of their TRX allocations for production starting in the September/October timeframe. For those that have been waiting, now would be an excellent time to call your local dealer to see if they have allocation available.
Here Is What We Know So Far:
While the Rebel TRX Concept was rated at 575 horsepower, we have been told that the TRX will put out at least 707 horsepower from its HELLCAT powerplant. The engine will likely be mated with the ZF-sourced 8HP95 8-speed automatic transmission found in the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. It will feature a full-time four-wheel-drive (4×4) system, with 4-Auto, 4-HI, and 4-LO models, as well as have selectable drive modes, as well as launch control. Our friends at TFLTruck.com, have shown us the new shifter and gauge cluster in a series of recently leaked photos.
While we don’t know a lot about the suspension setup, we do that the TRX will feature a lift and a much wider track than the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup. Spy photos have shown us mysterious blue-painted coil springs on the most recent prototypes running around Metro Detroit.
Inside, the TRX will get a center console-mounted shifter (a first for the 5th-generation Ram pickup), with large aluminum paddle shifters (more than likely sourced from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Performance SUV) mounted to a new leather and Alcantara wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. Under the 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, there will be six large buttons more than likely to control different vehicle functions. The front seats will be more heavily bolstered than what is on the current Rebel pickup and will feature the TRX logo in the center.
The exterior has been changed quite a bit as well. An all-new unique hood with a sizeable front scoop and heat extractors flanked on both sides helps cool the massive HELLCAT engine. Similar “6.2 Supercharged” badging that was found on the hood of the Rebel TRX Concept will find its way to the production truck. There is also a unique grille design, which will likely feature a new flow-through RAM text emblem, previewed on the Ram 1500 OTG Concept from last year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. Three marker lights required by federal for the TRX’s extra width will be located inside the hood scoop, as you can see in the spy photo below (Ford’s F-150 Raptor has them located in the grille).
All-new fenders are quite a bit wider than the standard Rebel model, and headlights will be those found on the new 2020 Ram 1500 Limited Black models. Scoops between the headlight and widened front fenders are also carry over details found on the concept that will make it into production. The front bumper will also be unique to the new TRX model, as it has to be extended to fit the additional width of the truck.
Around the side of the truck, there will also be an all-new fender flare design for the TRX and new vents behind the widened front fenders in front of the doors. Widened box sides with additional vents beside the taillamps also give the rear of the truck a unique appearance. Aggressive 18-inch “snowflake” styled wheels wrapped in aggressive 35-inch Goodyear off-road rubber give the TRX a powerful stance.
Behind the TRX, you can expect different exhaust tips with new rear-mounted tow hooks mounted under the rear bumper and inside of each exhaust tip. The TRX will wear the big RAM text across the tailgate like the Rebel model. But we do not know if the new multifunction tailgate will be available on the TRX. The 2021 Ram 1500 Rebel TRX also will feature an all-new LED third brake light, which looks like it may contain a rear mount camera for the bed.
While initially scheduled to debut at the now-canceled North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), we expect that Ram might be showing off the truck at the company’s “What’s New” event to the press, usually scheduled for the end of June. Stay tuned to MoparInsiders and 5thGenRams for the latest news on the upcoming 2021 Ram 1500 Rebel TRX.
