6.2L Hemi Supercharged V8 Engine with 702 HP Fuels This Truck
Without a doubt, the Ram 1500 TRX is one of the dominant players in the high-performance pickup truck arena, alongside the Ford F-150 Raptor R. However, the team at O’Neil Rally School decided to put the truck to the test and see if it could perform well in unfamiliar snowy conditions. They captured the results in a time attack run, which was shared on their YouTube channel.After reviewing the video, it is clear that the Ram 1500 TRX is no stranger to tackling challenging terrains. With its impressive power and advanced features, it was able to conquer the snowy track with ease. The driver displayed excellent control and precision, navigating through the corners and obstacles effortlessly.Despite not being specifically designed for off-road winter driving, the TRX still proved to be a formidable contender. Its heavy-duty suspension and all-terrain tires allowed it to maintain stability and traction in the slippery conditions, while its powerful engine and responsive transmission ensured a smooth and efficient performance.Of course, being a high-performance vehicle, the TRX does come with a hefty price tag. But the team at O’Neil Rally School believes that its capabilities in winter conditions make it a worthwhile investment for those who live in colder regions or enjoy driving in the snow.
The standout feature of the TRX series is its impressive 6.2-liter Hemi supercharged V8 engine, boasting a staggering 702 horsepower. While it may reign supreme on the drag strip, conquering snowy terrain in rallies requires more than sheer power. It calls for a well-built suspension and appropriate tire configurations to ensure proper traction. However, during the winter test, the truck struggled to find its footing.
The driver described his experience of driving the Ram TRX as “like ballet dancing with a giant bull.” The sheer weight of 7,000 pounds made navigating through slippery conditions even more difficult. To add to the challenge, the driver was unable to turn off the ABS (anti-locking braking system), which would have allowed for more control over braking during the time attack.
The group successfully disabled the ABS system on the front wheels by removing the fuse, resulting in the Ram TRX being switched to 4WD Low mode to avoid front wheel-locking. Despite having to use ordinary all-season Goodyear tires, the truck was still able to complete a speedy lap, although it would have performed better with specialized winter tires designed for such tasks.
After completing the challenging 1.25-mile icy course, the 2023 Ram TRX recorded a lap time of 2:25.16, placing it in fifth position on the winter leaderboard at the rally school. While a top five finish may seem respectable, it falls short by about seven seconds compared to the Ford Bronco Badlands. Surprisingly, its corporate SUV counterpart, the Dodge Durango, equipped with the same engine, delivered an impressive lap time of 2:14.97, coming close to beating the Subaru WRX, a well-known off-road vehicle. However, the Ski-Doo MXZ, a snowmobile, still reigns as the overall leader, which comes as no surprise given its intended use in snowy terrain.
The days of the V8-powered Ram TRX are dwindling, as it is set to be replaced by the 1500 HRO featuring a Hurricane inline-six engine. This upgrade will also bring about changes in the suspension system, making us eager for the moment when Team O’Neil will have the chance to test drive and push the limits of the new model once again.
