Next-Gen Ram 1500 TRX Mule Spied in Detroit, Doesn't Sound Like a V8-Powered Super Truck

The vehicle features a widebody design and camouflage at both ends, suggesting that it might be indeed packing the underpinnings and powertrain of the upcoming Ram 1500 TRX. But rather disappointingly, it does not sound like it packs a V8 anymore under the hood.

Embedded at the bottom of the page, the clip, which is only half a minute long, shows the test mule casually cruising the streets of Detroit. Subsequently, the driver steps on the gas as they take a left turn, and that's when you can hear the engine. Mind you, it does not sound bad at all, but it certainly lacks the sonorous theme of a V8.

If anything, it kind of sounds like a twin-turbocharged straight-six Bimmer, which brings us to the next leg of the story. There have been several rumors about the possible engine powering the next-gen Ram 1500 TRX, and they revolve around a six-banger. More precisely, it would be the Hurricane mill, which is currently good for 510 horsepower (517 ps/380 kW).

That doesn't sound bad at all, right? Especially when factoring in that this is a workhorse. However, the current 1500 TRX enjoys 702 hp (712 ps/524 kW) from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8. This allows it to sprint to sixty mph (97 kph) in 4.5 seconds and to deal with the quarter-mile in less than 13 seconds. Thus, some 200 hp less would certainly leave its mark on the performance.

Hopefully, the Stellantis-owned truck brand will be able to squeeze more power out of the alleged straight-six, and partial electrification could be the key. This would also make the supertruck futureproof and would allow it to target a whole new audience. After all, the entire automotive industry is heading towards a zero-emission future, and a hybridized 1500 TRX might be a great way to pave the road for a potential electric pickup with sporty credentials.

Guess we'll have to wait and see what lies under the hood of the successor to the mighty 1500 TRX, which was recently sent off with a special edition model. Aptly dubbed the Final Edition, it retains the supercharged V8 in the same configuration, so it is equally fast to the regular variants. It brings some additional goodies to make it more appealing and costs a lot of money in our market. Available in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Ram 1500 TRX Final Edition kicks off at $117,625, excluding the $1,995 destination charge or some $32,000 more expensive than the regular TRX.