cars news 10: Ram Rebel TRX Concept Is a 575-HP Off-Road Monster

Although most of the big news this week is coming from the Paris auto show, Ram took the opportunity to use the 2016 State Fair of Texas to introduce one of its newest creations, the Ram Rebel TRX Concept. Based on the Ram 1500, it is the most powerful half-ton truck Ram has ever produced, and is capable of high-speed off-road runs at over 100 mph. Perhaps it’s also a hint at an upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor fighter from FCA’s truck division.

Under the hood is a 575-hp 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission optimized for off-road performance. The powertrain sounds familiar because it’s essentially a detuned version of the same engine found on the Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat. Ram’s 4×4 Performance Control System comes standard along with a 44-45 Borg Warner transfer case. The front suspension is the same as in the Ram 1500 and features an open differential and CV half-shafts specifically made to handle the Rebel TRX Concept’s wider track. Out in the rear, there’s a link coil setup with a Dynatrac 60 axle, 1.5-inch axle shafts, and an electric selectable locker to 35-spline that spreads the torque load and maximizes traction when performing full throttle maneuvers. The rear axle travel span has also been increased to 13 inches in the Rebel TRX Concept compared to the standard truck’s 9.25 inches. Ram has also added new 2.5-inch bypass shocks along with factory-spec upper and lower mounts and performance springs in the rear.

Ram Rebel TRX concept rear three quarter 02

Ram Rebel TRX concept rear three quarter

Braking performance is provided by Baer six-piston monoblock calipers with 15-inch front and 14-inch rear rotors. To improve ground clearance, the Rebel TRX Concept gets a 40-percent suspension travel increase, and 37-inch tires that are 13.5 inches wide and feature a 10-ply design. Beadlock wheels have also been added to the Rebel TRX Concept for improved tire-holding strength.

Judging by its looks alone, the Ram Rebel TRX Concept is a proper off-roading rig with styling cues taken from the Ram 1500 Rebel and the larger, more powerful Power Wagon. Cues such as the blacked out grille with black and red Ram lettering in the center give it an aggressive appearance when viewed head-on. The Rebel TRX Concept’s hood design is similar to Ram’s heavy duty trucks so that there’s enough clearance for the supercharger to fit. Poking out of the truck’s sides are large exhaust tips measuring about five inches wide, and they are integrated into the lower panels. Out back, the tailgate features a large Ram badge finished in Matte black. The rear bumper also features an integrated skid plate and tow hooks. Inside the bed are two full-size spare tires and a lockable storage box in between them where the tools are located.

Ram has given the cabin an off-road racer-theme, featuring suede upholstery with mesh cloth accents on the seats, red contrast stitching, all-weather floor mats, a floor finished with black rubber coating, and six-point harnesses on all four seats that can be anchored onto a sport bar. FCA’s Uconnect infotainment system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen is also present and is complemented by a 7-inch display in between the gauges. Other unique interior features include a custom camera mount on the rearview mirror.

Source: FCA