The iconic Ram TRX returns to the market
The automotive world is abuzz with anticipation as Ram prepares to unveil the new TRX model, expected to be revealed later this year as a 2026 model. The highlight of this new iteration is the return of the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine, which was discontinued in the 2024 model year TRX.
The new Ram TRX is expected to produce more power than its previous iteration, which boasted 702 horsepower. The automaker aims to surpass or at least match the Ford F-150 Raptor R's horsepower rating of 720, indicating a close competition at the high-performance end of the full-size pickup market.
Ram's decision to revive V8 engines for their trucks aligns with the strategy of the returning Ram TRX. Positioned as an aggressive performance truck, the Ram TRX emphasizes speed and off-road capabilities. However, official detailed specifications like torque or exact horsepower figures have not been released yet.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa made the announcement during the company's first-half earnings call. The launch of the returning Ram TRX is reportedly scheduled for early 2026, with production beginning in January. The production location remains unspecified.
The Ram TRX's return marks a continuation of the rivalry between Ram and Ford's performance pickup trucks. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, known for his emphasis on machismo and bragadocio, is loved by some and maligned by others, but is known for delivering what the people want, particularly V8 pickup trucks.
The specific details about the changes and similarities in the returning Ram TRX are not yet known. However, it is expected that the Ram TRX will compete with the Ford F-150 Raptor R, with the twin-turbo I6-powered RHO fighting the normal Raptor, and the TRX going against the Raptor R.
The V8 engine on versions of the Ram 1500 TRX, including the returning model, is expected to deliver additional volumes and accredited margins per unit. The exact release date beyond "later this year" (2025) for the 2026 model remains unconfirmed, but auto enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the announcement, due in late 2025.
In conclusion, expect the 2026 Ram TRX Hellcat to be a highly powerful pickup aiming to at least rival the Ford F-150 Raptor R in horsepower with a supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8, arriving for the 2026 model year. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the anticipated reveal later this year.
The intense competition within the automotive industry, particularly in the full-size pickup market, is set to escalate further with the 2026 Ram TRX projected to surpass or match the Ford F-150 Raptor R's horsepower rating using a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine. The ambitious expansion in the financial sector, as Stellantis ramps up production of high-performance trucks like the returning Ram TRX, also hints at a possible growth in the transportation sector.
