Auburn Hills, Mich. – Ram, recognized as America’s leader in off-road trucks, has introduced a groundbreaking concept vehicle: the Ram Rebel Trx concept. This machine is engineered for high-speed off-road dominance, boasting 575 horsepower and marking it as the most potent half-ton truck ever conceived by the company. Imagine conquering rugged terrains at speeds exceeding 100 mph – this is the experience the Ram Rebel TRX concept promises, powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 engine.
“Ram Truck is excited to present the Ram Rebel TRX concept at the 2016 State Fair of Texas, alongside other product announcements. This concept is a direct response to enthusiasts and firmly establishes Ram Truck’s position at the forefront of off-road pickup innovation,” stated Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – Global. “With its formidable 575 supercharged horsepower and a suspension system meticulously designed for relentless punishment, the Rebel TRX concept is built to devour the most challenging landscapes at speeds over 100 miles per hour, leaving everything else in its dust.”
Unleashing Unrivaled Power: The Powertrain
At the heart of the Ram Rebel TRX concept lies an exceptional powertrain. A 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI engine, generating a staggering 575 horsepower, sets a new benchmark for power in a Ram 1500. This formidable engine is paired with the TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring customized calibrations for the engine, transmission, and drivetrain to optimize performance for high-speed off-road driving scenarios.
The Ram Rebel TRX concept utilizes Ram’s advanced 4×4 Performance Control System, incorporating a BorgWarner 44-45 transfer case. This system offers versatile driving modes, including Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road, and Baja, allowing drivers to tailor the truck’s performance to various conditions.
For robust off-road capability, the concept employs a standard Ram 1500 front axle with an open differential and bespoke CV half-shafts, accommodating the vehicle’s wider track. The spindles are strategically positioned forward, creating ample space within the fender wells for the aggressive 37-inch tires. In the rear, a Dynatrac Pro 60 axle channels power through an electric, selectable locker to 35-spline, 1.5-inch axle shafts. The locker, functional in all driving modes, ensures both rear wheels are locked for maximum traction, distributing torque evenly and optimizing power delivery during demanding, full-throttle maneuvers.
Engineered for Off-Road Supremacy
The Ram Rebel TRX boasts an exterior design that exudes aggressive intent, but its true prowess is rooted in its engineering. The concept’s development centered on stringent suspension and frame requirements, while also prioritizing the integration of proven systems from the standard Ram 1500 to ensure durability and reliability.
The high-strength steel frame of the Ram Rebel TRX concept remains largely unchanged from the standard Ram 1500, leveraging its inherent low-torsion characteristics that enhance durability, stability, and precise handling. A significant 40 percent increase in suspension travel, combined with 37-inch tires, contributes to exceptional ground clearance, enabling the TRX concept to confidently overcome obstacles at high speeds.
The front suspension features custom-built upper and lower A-arms, meticulously engineered with optimized caster and camber angles throughout the suspension cycle. This enhancement results in over 13 inches of wheel travel at both the front and rear, a substantial increase from the standard 9 inches. State-of-the-art, adjustable, performance coil-over shocks with internal bypass manage front-end load, delivering a smooth ride over minor bumps while effectively absorbing and dissipating heat from larger impacts, minimizing the effect on occupants and maintaining consistent tire contact.
The rear suspension of the Ram 1500, known for its best-in-class link coil design, shares fundamental architecture with high-performance desert racing trucks. The frame mounting points for the five-link system are retained, allowing for up to 13 inches of rear axle travel, compared to the standard Ram 1500’s 9.25 inches. New 2.5-inch bypass shocks utilize factory upper and lower shock mounts, and performance springs replace the standard rear coils in the factory-specified positions.
To ensure exceptional stopping power, the factory hydraulic-boost compensation unit enhances brake pedal feel and performance during emergency braking. Baer brakes six-piston monoblock calipers paired with 15-inch rotors are installed at the front, while the rear utilizes six-piston calipers with 14-inch rotors.
Reflecting the standards of high-speed off-road truck racing, the Rebel TRX is equipped with 37-inch tires, chosen for their height and durability. These tires, measuring 37 inches in height and 13.5 inches in width, feature aggressive treads, a 10-ply construction, and are mounted on custom beadlock wheels from Mopar. Beadlock wheels provide superior tire retention by clamping the tire’s outer edge to the rim, crucial for extreme off-road conditions. The Rebel TRX concept also carries two full spare tire and wheel sets, with tools and a jack stored in custom, lockable compartments within the bed between the wheels.
Design that Commands Attention
While drawing inspiration from the popular Rebel and Power Wagon models in its lines and color palette, the Ram Rebel TRX presents a more sculpted and aggressive aesthetic. The grille, reminiscent of the Power Wagon, prominently features “RAM” in bold, body-matching black and red letters. The scooped grille is not merely for show; it’s a functional element designed to provide enhanced airflow to cool the supercharged engine. Composite flares extend to accommodate the six-inch increase in track width, offering designers an opportunity to further refine the truck’s signature style. A robust steel lower brush guard is engineered to withstand rigorous “rock knock” testing.
To accommodate the roots-style blower atop the HEMI engine, the Rebel TRX incorporates a hood design borrowed from the taller Ram Heavy Duty models. The raised fender height creates a powerful, muscular stance. From above, bright LED clearance lights and pronounced hour-glass body lines are visible, tapering towards the doors before flaring out again at the rear, allowing the rear tires to tuck neatly within the wells. The side profile highlights massive five-inch side-exit exhaust ports integrated into full-length rock rails, providing both body and sill protection. At the rear, a large “Ram” badge in Matte Black, adopted from the Rebel, dominates the tailgate. A custom rear steel bumper with an integrated skid plate and tow hooks mirrors the capability-focused design of the front end.
Inside the Ram Rebel TRX concept, seating is paramount for high-speed off-road adventures. The interior design team selected suede with accent mesh cloth inserts for the rear bench and front bucket seats. Suede inserts provide exceptional grip, keeping occupants secure. The front seats feature enhanced lateral support upper bolsters with embroidered logos. All four seats are equipped with six-point harnesses, further securing occupants in place. An open upper glove box with elastic straps houses a durable TRX-labeled bag containing color-matched tools.
A seven-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) display cluster features unique muddy tracks and TRX badge graphics, echoed on the 8.4 Uconnect screen. A custom camera mount is positioned at the rear-view mirror for capturing the TRX’s exploits. The center console mirrors the instrument panel’s design and includes a new polystable shifter trimmed in black suede with Header Red stitching. Designers re-trimmed the Rebel TRX armrests with solid Header Red accent stitching and wrapped the upper bolster in suede for arm support. Nylon-strap door pulls are embroidered with “Release.” A sport bar coated in black anodized paint spans from B-pillar to B-pillar, providing anchor points for the six-point harnesses while allowing maximum seat travel. The Rebel TRX interior replaces carpet with a black rubberized coating, and black all-weather mats from Mopar enhance foot grip, crucial for precise pedal control.
The Ram Rebel TRX concept unequivocally declares its mission: a 575-horsepower off-road machine capable of conquering vast desert landscapes in an instant.
The Ram Brand Legacy
Ram offers a comprehensive lineup of pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, including the Ram 1500, 2500/3500 Heavy Duty, 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab, and ProMaster vans.
The Ram Light-Duty and Heavy Duty pickups are set for significant enhancements in 2025, introducing new products in the rapidly expanding Sport Trucks segment. Ram boasts the most diverse range of off-road performance trucks in its history, including the new Ram 1500 RHO, offering unparalleled horsepower per dollar in the off-road performance pickup category.
In the commercial sector, Ram is launching the updated 2025 Chassis Cab line, focused on improvements for customers and upfitters. Ram Professional is making considerable strides in process, execution, and resources, emphasizing commercial offerings, dedicated B2B expertise, and enhanced sales and service support, critical for growth in this segment.
Ram continues to outperform competitors, consistently setting benchmarks for truck buyers:
- Segment-first: 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel
- Most luxurious: Ram 1500 Tungsten with air suspension, 24-way massage seats, and 540 horsepower
- Ram 1500 and Heavy Duty: Best ride and handling with five-link solid rear axle and available segment-exclusive active-level air suspension
- Ram 1500 RHO: Best off-road performance per dollar
- Ram ProMaster: Most cargo space in a traditional full-size cargo van
- Ram Power Wagon: Most off-road capable full-size pickup
Ram is committed to enhancing market competitiveness and growth while maintaining pricing power through innovative products, services, and electrified solutions. As part of Stellantis Pro One commercial vehicle organization, Ram offers a broad global product range, from the Ram 700 compact pickup to the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab and ProMaster vans. Ram is a key brand within Stellantis, a leading global automaker and mobility provider. For further details on Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.
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