The launch of the all-new RAM TRX in Australia has prompted RAM Trucks Australia to claim it offers the biggest and best range of American pick-up trucks in the country and across the Tasman in New Zealand.
Priced from $199,950 RRP, the RAM TRX is a powerful new halo model in the expanding portfolio of RAM Trucks Australia.
It arrives with a 6.2-litre supercharged HEMI V8 delivering 523kW at 6,100rpm with 882NM of torque, a maximum speed of 190km/h and takeoff of 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Paired with this is the TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission.
New on the vehicle is a dual-path air induction system that delivers maximum output and feeds a steady supply of cool, clean air to the engine through the front grille and functional hood scoop.
With the largest air filter in the segment, it uses dual filter elements and is designed for extreme, dusty environments with four times the dust trapping capacity of its closest competitor according to RAM Trucks Australia.
Its functional hood scoop is responsible, according to the OEM, for 50 per cent of air entering the 6.2-litre supercharged HEMI V8 engine while the other 50 per cent enters through the grille.
TRX uses a Dana 60 rear axle with a 3.55 ratio featuring full-floating hubs and axle-hop damper for improved traction and axle control on rough surfaces. An electronic locking rear differential is standard for increased performance off-road.
Also new is a unique suspension system with active damping, inspired by desert off-road racers. The system incorporates forged aluminium front upper and lower control arms with special attention to caster and camber angles during suspension cycling.
A new independent front suspension system with active damping uses high-strength aluminium to maintain overall strength and durability.
“The TRX sets new benchmarks for extreme performance trucks and confirms the Australian market as a true success story for RAM Trucks,” said Neville Crichton, Chairman of the Ateco Group, owners of RAM Trucks Australia.
“From nothing seven years ago to more than 13,000 happy owners now and the largest, most diverse full-size pick-up truck range on offer, what RAM Trucks Australia has achieved is impressive,” he said.
Designed exclusively for TRX, new front and rear 2.6-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks are designed to provide fast reaction time, improved damping and excellent heat dissipation for traversing harsh terrain at high speeds.
No matter the road surface, RAM has tuned the five-link coil suspension to enhance ride, handling and comfort.
The RAM 1500 TRX comes with a new Baja drive mode that calibrates four-wheel-drive and steering systems, stability control, paddle shifters and suspension for ultimate desert performance, delivering maximum capability on undulating, loose surfaces.
Numerous active and passive safety and security features are available such as ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and six air bags, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Ready Alert Braking and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus.
On the outside an integrated composite fender flares add body width and feature all-new steel box outers, creating an hourglass body.
The interior is the most spacious in the segment and includes new luxurious authentic premium materials and hand-wrapped leather instrument panels throughout. A reimagined centre console with maximum storage includes a new performance-oriented floor shifter, wireless charging dock and five USBs, including Type A and C ports.
Uconnect 5C NAV with a class-exclusive portrait 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen comes as standard equipment.
A new flat-bottom steering wheel as well as new aluminium paddle shifters stretch above and below the steering wheel spokes are highlights.
The only option will be a full-length panoramic sunroof, at an additional $10,000 RRP.
“When we first started this brand in Australia people said it couldn’t be done,” said Jeff Barber, National Manager, RAM Trucks Australia.
“Our robust planning, development, remanufacturing, and testing programme in conjunction with our local and global partners at Stellantis’ RAM Trucks International has produced a range of vehicles which have successfully built-up strong demand for full-size pick-up trucks in Australia and New Zealand.”