The long-awaited 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is 20 aimed at the Ford F-150 Raptor, but some would argue that these two performance trucks are not direct competitors. One solid argument would be the price gap of $ 16,540 when comparing the base versions, because the Ram is much more expensive, even reaching six figures in fully loaded form. Then there is a big difference in power, considering the TRX has an extra torque of 252 hp and 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) over the fast pickup of Blue Oval.
This raises a valid question – Will Ram come out with a lesser 1500 TRX sans the Hellcat engine for a lower asking price to fully compete the Raptor? Automobile Magazine posed that question to company officials and they did not necessarily rule out this possibility, saying “not by introduction.” This somewhat vague answer leaves the door a bit open for a more accessible variant, that is BIN speculation could go by the name TRX Sport.
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There are arguments for and against a TRX without the bonkers 702 horsepower supercharged V8. A naturally aspirated version would indeed bring the asking price lower, but at the same time there is a risk that it could dilute what TRX stands for.
On the other hand, Ram has poured a significant amount of money into the ultimate 1500 and is certainly interested in the return of the truck. Offering a “lite” version with a more down-to-earth engine that was already offered in other FCA products is attracting more buyers. Hence, it would help the company to better spread the development costs of what is otherwise an expensive and niche product.
There’s also the F-150 Raptor to think about as Ford completes the new set. A sharp rumor pointed to the return of the V8, namely a supercharged 5.2-liter of the Shelby Mustang GT500 good for 700 horses. That would take you straight to the TRX, but a recent spy video of the new Raptor seemed to have a V6 soundtrack.
In either case, we’ll just have to wait and see if Ram will launch a dewatered TRX and / or if Ford has plans for an amped-up F-150 Raptor. One thing is for sure – the muscle cars of the 1990s are back with more power and bigger off-road chops.
