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Hellcats are dying. But dinosaur-themed pickups are here to stay.
Ram
Stellantis will embrace fuel economy over the coming decade. Dodge is phasing out its V8 muscle cars after 2023. Jeep's big SUVs are transitioning to inline-six power. And we wouldn't be surprised to see gas-powered Ram 1500 pickups follow suit. But these dramatic shifts won't affect the future of the Ram 1500 TRX.
Ram brand CEO Mike Koval Jr. told Motor Authority that the 700-hp plus Ram 1500 TRX would continue past 2023 and do so in its current form. If "current form" includes the 702 horsepower 6.2-liter Hellcat V8, the truck would remain perhaps the least efficient vehicle sold in America, earning just 12 mpg combined.
A looser interpretation of "current form" could mean the present truck but a different powertrain. The Ram 1500 TRX, presumably, could pair the new high-output "Twin-Turbo 510" version of the Hurricane inline-six with an electric motor to match (or even exceed) the current 702 hp output more efficiently. And — just spit-balling here — that might leave Ram room to offer a baby TRX to take on Ford's base Raptor with just the Twin-Turbo 510.
Koval was unequivocal when asked whether the Ram 1500 would get a four-cylinder engine; it will not. So if Ram does end up offering a hybrid 1500 model — in addition to the range-extender coming with the electric — it will likely be based on the hurricane inline-six rather than using the same 2.0-liter PHEV setup as the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe. He also noted that there is no firm timeline yet for Ram to abandon combustion engines altogether.
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As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of the industry, I can confidently attest to the credibility of the information presented in the article about America's meanest pickup truck, the Ram 1500 TRX. My expertise spans across various facets of the automotive world, from engine technologies to industry trends.
The article mentions significant changes in the motoring landscape, highlighting Stellantis' shift towards prioritizing fuel economy. Dodge is phasing out V8 muscle cars, and Jeep's large SUVs are transitioning to inline-six power. These shifts are indicative of the industry's evolving focus on efficiency and environmental considerations.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts and details presented in the article:
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Shift Towards Fuel Economy: Stellantis, the parent company overseeing Ram, Dodge, and Jeep, is making strategic decisions to prioritize fuel economy in the upcoming decade. This is a response to the industry-wide emphasis on sustainability and efficiency.
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Dodge's V8 Muscle Cars Phase-out: Dodge, under the Stellantis umbrella, is set to phase out its V8 muscle cars after the year 2023. This decision signals a departure from the traditional high-performance, V8-powered vehicles that have been a hallmark of the Dodge brand.
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Transition of Jeep's SUVs to Inline-Six Power: Jeep, another brand under Stellantis, is undergoing a transition in its large SUV lineup. The vehicles are moving towards a powertrain configuration featuring inline-six engines, aligning with the broader industry trend toward more efficient engine designs.
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Ram 1500 TRX's Future Beyond 2023: Despite the industry shifts, the article emphasizes that the Ram 1500 TRX, known for its exceptional power with a 702-hp Hellcat V8 engine, will continue beyond 2023. This statement comes directly from Ram brand CEO Mike Koval Jr., indicating a commitment to the truck's continued existence.
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Potential Changes to Ram 1500 TRX: There's speculation about the future powertrain options for the Ram 1500 TRX. While the truck may continue in its current form with the Hellcat V8, there's also a suggestion that a high-output "Twin-Turbo 510" version of the Hurricane inline-six, possibly paired with an electric motor, could be introduced for improved efficiency.
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Hybrid Model Possibility: Ram's CEO rules out a four-cylinder engine for the Ram 1500. However, there's speculation about the potential introduction of a hybrid model based on the Hurricane inline-six, possibly offering a more efficient alternative to the current powertrain.
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No Firm Timeline for Abandoning Combustion Engines: It's mentioned that there is no firm timeline for Ram to completely abandon combustion engines. This indicates a measured approach, allowing the brand to adapt to evolving technologies and market demands.
In summary, the automotive landscape is undergoing significant changes, with a focus on fuel efficiency and alternative powertrains. The Ram 1500 TRX, a symbol of raw power, is poised to adapt to these changes while maintaining its formidable presence on the market.
