The Hemi-fired TRX is no more, but Ram has all but resurrected the mother of all off-road pickups with the launch of the new 1500 RHO.
Mainly the engine. The RHO is powered by the new 3.0-litre Hurricane High Output (H/O) Straight-Six. With twin turbos, this is rated at 540hp (402kW) with 706Nm of torque. While that’s 120kW and 175Nm less than what the TRX offered, the straight six also removes around 70kg from the front axle. Consumption and emissions are said to be improved but still likely to be frightening. Price in the US starts at $US69,995, which is also around $25k cheaper than the TRX.
Read our review of the RAM TRX
Given the TRX was offered here in limited numbers, there’s a good bet this new performance model will find its way to New Zealand at some point too, after being re-manufactured for RHD in Australia.
It has an eight-speed auto for ‘quick, crisp gear changes during both normal and performance driving conditions’. There’s a ‘high-flow air induction system with a hood duct that drains water and filters out debris from reaching the engine’. It has a full-time active transfer case with modified internals and a low range of 2.64:1 for rock crawling.
The suspension is adapted from the TRX with active performance damping. These Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shockers have continuously adjustable damping. Ram says these have been tuned ‘to demonstrate optimum balance between on-road handling and class-leading off-road capability. Ride comfort, body roll control and handling are significantly improved with the proprietary Ram Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system, new shock tuning, hard points and body mount strategy’.
At the rear is a Dana 60 axle with full floating shafts and an electronic locking differential. The RHO rides on 35-inch tires. The rear suspension is designed to offer more axle articulation than standard 1500 models, and comes with coil springs. There is 300mm of ground clearance thanks to a 50mm ride height increase and those big tyres. Capability includes a towing capacity of 3800kg and a maximum payload of 690kg.
The RHO has composite flares as the truck is 200mm wider than the standard 1500, and has a 150mm wider track. Other unique RHO bits include the front grille, bonnet, skid plates and steel bumpers. Inside is a sports luxury theme while drive modes include; Auto, Tow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Snow, Sport and Baja. There’s a Launch Control button too, said to be ‘easily within reach of the driver’.
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