The new Ram Rebel TRX concept truck really stole the headlines of the 2016 State Fair of Texas this year, because this off-road beast looks like it could actually finally offer a true rival to the Ford F-150 Raptor, and it’s actually a truck, at least for the most part, we could see being built.
Here are five key things to know about the Rebel TRX.
1. 575 hp Supercharged HEMI V8
The Ram Rebel TRX is about as close to a Hellcat truck we’ve seen to date. At the heart of the off-road concept truck is a 6.2-liter supercharger HEMI V8 engine rated to produce 575 horsepower. Ram says the Rebel TRX is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph off of the highway, meaning this truck has the power and suspension performance to actually handle those speeds nearing the Trophy Truck speed range.
2. King Bypass Shocks
Speaking of tackling the off-rod terrain, Ram says the Rebel TRX offers a 40 percent increase in suspension travel up front, thanks to its custom upper and lower controls arms and 2.5 King front and rear bypass shocks. The front wheel travel for the concept truck is 13 inches, which is 4 inches more than the stock Ram 1500 Rebel
3. Five-Link Rear Suspension
For the rear, Ram relies on its five-link rear suspension design (also used on the Power Wagon) to increase rear-wheel travel from 9.25 inches of travel to 13 inches. The King 2.5-inch-diameter remote-reservoir shocks help soak up the bumps for the TRX, and the standard rear coils are swapped for more high-performance springs that still sit in the factory spring location.
4. 37-Inch Toyo Tires
Ram was able to stuff 37-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires in the wheel wells of the Rebel TRX, thanks to the suspension lift and the use of high-clearance fender flares. The mud-terrain tires are 37 inches tall and 13.5 inches in width to provide the truck with additional lift, and the 10-ply tire is also tough enough to withstand serious off-road abuse. Ram fits the Toyo tires on custom Mopar beadlock wheels.
5. Dynatrac Pro 60 Rear Axle
The Rebel TRX is certainly a looker on the surface, but poking a head under the truck proves the truck offers a lot of serious upgrades to actually make the truck perform. Out back, Ram employs a hefty Dynatrac Pro 60 rear axle, which features 35-spline 1.5-inch axle shafts to added durability. The rear axle also houses a selectable locker when additional traction is needed.
6. Side-Exit Exhaust Ports
It’s hard to miss the very cool 5-inch side-exit exhaust ports on the Rebel TRX concept, which helps quickly exit spent exhaust gases from the supercharged HEMI engine. What’s extra cool about the exhaust ports is they are actually integrated into full-length rock rails that help offer additional protection off of the highway.