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Ram 1500 TRX poised for a V8 comeback
The Ram 1500 TRX may have slipped from the headlines for a while, but Stellantis has confirmed the performance pickup will return with a V8 — and that announcement has reignited interest among truck fans. CEO Antonio Filosa told investors earlier this year that a V8 on models like the Ram 1500 TRX will help drive additional volumes, putting an end to months of speculation about the model's future.
Production details are still sparse, but industry chatter and internal hints point to a potential restart as early as January 2026, likely at the Sterling Heights facility in Michigan where Ram 1500 variants and several Jeep models are assembled.
Why the TRX matters in the market
The TRX sits in a niche for buyers who want full-size truck capability combined with supercar-level straight-line performance. Its return would bolster Ram’s portfolio against rivals in the high-performance truck segment and support brand momentum in North America and other markets where muscle trucks remain popular.
Instagram build: a tuned TRX that looks ready for battle
A standout modified TRX shared by @diamondautosport on Instagram showcases what tuners are doing with the platform while the factory model prepares its comeback. This particular truck leans into off-road and aggressive styling cues without obvious signs of engine modification.
Key visual and hardware upgrades include:
- Heavy-duty steel front bumper with integrated auxiliary lights
- TRX badging swapped in place of the standard RAM grille emblem
- Matching steel rear bumper and exposed aftermarket exhaust tips
- Lift kit and oversized off-road tires wrapped around new wheels
- Satin green wrap, red accent details and several blacked-out elements
- Dark tinted windows to keep the cabin private
If no power upgrades were mentioned by the tuner, the truck likely retains the factory 6.2-liter supercharged V8’s output, but its chassis and exterior modifications clearly prioritize durability and trail capability.
Stock TRX performance at a glance
- Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V8
- Power: 702 hp (524 kW)
- Torque: 650 lb-ft (approx. 883 Nm)
- 0–60 mph: about 4.5 seconds
- Quarter mile: under 13 seconds
Those figures underline why the TRX attracts both performance-minded and off-road buyers — it blends brute force with pickup practicality.
Context and comparison
While Ram prepares the TRX's return, the segment remains competitive. Rival high-performance trucks and off-road-focused models from other manufacturers continue to evolve, which may explain Stellantis’ emphasis on reinstating a V8 to sustain appeal and sales. For tuners and aftermarket houses, the TRX platform offers fertile ground for suspension, protection, and cosmetic upgrades even when the engine remains stock.
Highlights:
- Factory V8 confirmation from Stellantis leadership.
- Potential production restart in early 2026 at Sterling Heights.
- Tuned example shows trend toward heavy-duty bumpers, lifts, and aggressive tires.
Whether as a factory-backed V8 performance pickup or a heavily modified off-road rig, the Ram 1500 TRX is set to return to the conversation — and builders like Diamond Auto Sport are already showing how far that platform can be pushed visually and mechanically.
Source: autoevolution
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