Dinosaur’s might have gone extinct over 65 million years ago, but the modern automotive industry has been creating its own Jurassic Park. Dodge just joined the show with the new Dodge RAM 1500 TRX, pronounced Tee Rex. Or should we call it simply the RAM Truck 1500 TRX? It all started a little over 10 years ago when Ford creating the F-150 Raptor. A high performance, higher off the ground model from Ford’s best selling pickup truck. The first generation had a supercharged V8, but as downsizing became a trendy thing, Ford decided to downgrade the second generation to a turbocharged V6. Other manufacturers promised to compete and finally there’s a rival. The new Dodge RAM 1500 TRX. And I think it just might have ended the game. Text: Mickael B. © Pictures: Dodge ©
Cummins, MOPAR, Hemi, Rebel. Names that forged the reputation of the RAM 1500
If you’re not familiar with the Dodge RAM, well, here are a few facts. One Dodge out of three sold in the United States is a RAM. It’s often been the close second best selling pick-up truck in America, losing it not by much to the king, the F-150. It made its whole reputation through farmers who used them to cattle. It made a whole engine, the Cummins diesel, become a cult icon.
Responding to the Raptor, Dodge launched in 2015 on the fourth generation RAM the Rebel trim which offered some of the looks and off-road performance of a Raptor. Although it had a higher ride height and larger tires, it was still no match for the Ford. With a fourth generation launched in 2009 and starting to age, Dodge launched the fifth generation RAM in 2018 and Heavy Duty in 2019 at the North American International Autoshow in their hometown, Detroit (our coverage of the event here).
Standard RAM + Hellcat = Dodge RAM 1500 TRX
What recipe could beat the Ford F-150 Raptor? This must have been the questions Dodge’s engineers have asked themselves for years. And when they finally had the green light from Fiat Chrysler Automotive’s (or Stellantis now) board, they knew. First, just pick your most powerful series production engine, and throw it in. Second, add ground clearance and suspension travel for better offroad capabilities.
Third, put some solid electronics to control all this new power and offer ultimate capabilities on and off the tracks. Fourth, add some terrific looks, with a big black menacing grille, big scoops to feed all the necessary air to the Hellcat’s supercharger, led headlamps, and a wide bodykit. Finally, fine tune the beast with a wide range of accessories and options, and you end up with a Ford F-150 Raptor killer. The Dodge RAM 1500 TRX or the Tyrannosaurus Rex just reminded everyone who’s the king of Jurassic Park.
T. Rex eats Raptor. End. Of. The. Game.
Proof that the TRX just murdered the Raptor? Apart from the real prehistorical evidence of the dinosaur era, you just have to look to Ford’s response, which came hours after the Dodge 1500 RAM TRX launch. They announced the V8 would be back in a high performance version of the Raptor. Most likely will they fit the Shelby GT500 supercharged V8 in there, but who cares now?
Dodge just beat Ford at their own game – finally – and it’s refreshing to see a company that sticked to the old school mindset. Screw downsizing, screw aluminum chassis and body, let’s stick to what makes a great pickup. C-channel steel chassis, and big, powerful V8s. I already really liked the RAM, but now, I love it. Best part is, the RAM TRX isn’t expensive. Pricing starts at 70’000 $. Well done Dodge, and thank you for annihilating the pickup world. Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re looking at the ultimate pickup truck, look no further. The Dodge RAM 1500 TRX is it.
For more information on the Dodge RAM TRX, click the link here.
