RAM 1500 TRX order book opens in Oz

The order books have opened for the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX in Australia, where customers are now able to lodge their expression of interest for the 500kW-plus supercharged V8 monster truck through the US brand’s official factory-backed partner, RAM Trucks Australia.

Some buyers are reportedly already slamming down deposits at dealerships without pricing yet being announced for the RAM 1500 TRX, which is expected to start from about $180,000.

First deliveries are earmarked for late this year, but only limited supplies are anticipated given the huge demand for the TRX in the US, where the entire 702-unit allocation of RAM 1500 TRX Launch Editions sold out in less than three hours in August 2020.

Aussie buyers can register their interest for the world’s fastest and most powerful pick-up via the RAM Trucks Australia website.

In its notice on the site, the local importer – which is part of Neville Crichton’s Ateco Group empire that handles distribution for Maserati, LDV and, from April 1, Renault – said: “As the only Fiat Chrysler Automobiles authorised importer and remanufacturer of right-hand drive RAM Trucks in Australia we’re working closely with our colleagues in the US to bring the TRX to Australia in 2021.

“Express your interest now so we can keep you in the loop when more information becomes available. Exciting times!”

RAM Trucks Australia’s 2021 RAM 1500 TRX will be converted to right-hand drive by Melbourne-based Walkinshaw Group, which has developed the new RHD DT-series RAM 1500 and will soon begin volume alongside the existing DS-series RAM.

Other independent conversion operations are also preparing to get in on the TRX act, such as Brisbane’s SCD Remanufactured Vehicles (previously SCD American Vehicles), which already produces the DT RAM 1500 with full-volume manufacturer approval and is promoting the TRX on its website.

Created to rival the Ford F-150 Raptor, the RAM 1500 TRX is powered by the same supercharged 6.2-litre V8 as the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and, as carsales has reported, could be one of the last big-bore iron-block blown bent-eights from FCA as it moves to electric powertrains with future models.

The big TRX 1500 ute musters 522kW of power and 868Nm of torque, driving all four wheels through and eight-speed automatic transmission. With the aid of launch control, the TRX can hit 60mph (97km/h) in just 4.5 seconds and top out at a limited 190km/h.

As well as being more powerful, quicker and faster than the Ford F-150 Raptor – for now at least, as there’s a blown V8-powered warrior coming in the new generation – the TRX was also developed to beat the Blue Oval’s high-performance full-size pick-up off-road.

On this front, the engineering team has given the TRX a huge array of updates over the standard DT RAM 1500 on which it’s based.

In no particular order, these include widespread ladder-frame chassis strengthening, Bilstein Blackhawk E2 active dampers, manually-locking Dana 60 rear axle, 150mm-wide front/rear track, 300mm ground clearance, ultra-wide 18-inch wheels with bespoke Goodyear 35-inch all-terrain tyres, and huge 381mm front disc brakes clamped by twin-piston monobloc callipers.

Interior highlights include SRT-style sports seats, unique instrumentation and a 19-speaker premium sound system.