The meaning of FCA’s launch in the USA of the new Ram 1500 TRX is effectively summarized by what an authoritative North American magazine wrote: “ After the presentation of the Ram 1500 TRX 2021, the Ford F-150 Raptor does not seem so strong now. ”. The new sports model of the Ram range, which in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles portfolio includes commercial vehicles and all light trucks, a ‘central’ element of the business in North America, anticipates an unprecedented chassis that will be the basis of all the next 1500s, including those with less ‘rabid’ petrol engines and those with the V6 EcoDiesel much appreciated by US customers. And it is a strong sign, as were the latest Jeep innovations in response to the launch of the 4×4 Ford Bronco, of FCA’s ability to compete at the highest levels with the Blue Oval which, as is well known, holds precisely with F- 150, with the Raptor variant at the top for performance, leadership in the hard-fought and very profitable pick-up segment.
The all-new Ram 1500 TRX is now the benchmark: not only is it the fastest, fastest and most powerful production light truck in the world thanks to the 702hp HEMI 6.2 V8 supercharged engine but it has been conceived and designed to handle the conditions more difficult to drive, even off-road, with total safety and thus surpassing any other pick-up on the market. The new frame (which was also visually one of the protagonists of the virtual presentation event) uses to a large extent high-strength steel which improves resistance to torsion while increasing durability and stability. This ultra-modern side member structure – which FCA will also be using for new Jeep models – houses a completely new suspension system that incorporates upper and lower wishbones in forged aluminum at the front designed to optimize caster and camber angles. At the rear, as users in this segment like, is a solid Dana 60 rigid axle with floating hubs and electronically locking differential to increase off-road performance. The new high-performance Bilstein Black Hawk shock absorbers stand out in the TRX, offering fast reaction times, unbeatable damping and maximum heat dissipation even when traveling over rough terrain at speeds above 160 km / h.
This aspect, together with the oversizing of the brakes and other control and safety elements, was underlined in the presentation, because Ram 1500 TRX achieves unimaginable performance for a pick-up, thanks to the supercharged HEMI 6.2 V8 engine that delivers 702 Hp: the shot from 0 to 100 is done in 4.5 seconds and 0 to 160 in 10.5 seconds, with a top speed of 190 km / h. The very generous torque (880 Nm) is managed by the eight-speed TorqueFlite 8HP95 automatic transmission which offers fast and precise shifting in both normal driving conditions and in pursuit of maximum performance. The Ram 1500 TRX uses software optimized for the five dynamic modes Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow and Custom to which are added – separately three dynamic off-road modes Mud / Sand, Rock and Baja. The latter is a novelty as it intervenes on the four-wheel drive, on the steering, on the stability control and on the suspension to ensure maximum performance in the desert and allow the Ram 1500 TRX to tackle undulating surfaces and sand in complete safety and at high speed. .
Built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Michigan, FCA’s new sports pickup is offered starting at $ 71,690 with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2020. As announced by Mike Koval head of Ram brand, FCA – North America during the presentation, the marketing will be preceded by the launch of a limited series of only 702 units (such as engine power) at the top of the TRX range. “ The Ram team is as enthusiastic about the brand new Ram 1500 TRX 2021 as our customers are – reiterated Mike Koval – Many of those customers have asked for something special, even above the features already present in the TRX ”. This Launch Edition – which will cost $ 90,265 – is visually distinguished by the exclusive Anvil Gray paintwork and a special badge on the center console, as well as additional specific equipment.
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