Ram 1500 TRX comeback solidifies

HAS NVES and the Hormuz crisis killed the Aussie appetite for egregiously powerful, super-expensive hyper-utes?

According to Ram Trucks Australia, the answer is a firm and loud ‘NO’.

Though it’s yet to officially confirm a local conversion programme, Ram Trucks Australia is bullish on the return of the Ram 1500 TRX to our shores.

Speaking at the local launch of its new entry point, the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition, Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson Joshua Dowling says the new-generation TRX – now officially dubbed the 1500 SRT TRX – only has a few engineering milestones standing between it and the brand’s Australian showrooms.

“What we can tell you is that the TRX is more likely to come to Australia than not, but we still have a number of engineering gateways to go through,” said Mr Dowling.

“Unlike the grey import market, as a factory-backed operation, Ram Trucks Australia has very stringent standards when it comes to engineering and remanufacturing.

“Our vehicles are made to factory quality standards, and in order to be thorough, that process takes time.

“We ask our TRX fans to please be patient, and we hope to have some good news to share with you very shortly, and we hope you won’t be waiting too long.”

As for a timeline for the 1500 SRT TRX’s arrival, that’s hard to pin down.

A late-2026 arrival isn’t outside of the realm of possibility, but with the US order books having only opened earlier this week, North American demand may get in the way of an Aussie allocation arriving before the year is out.

A 2027 launch feels more likely, which would put Ram further behind the eight-ball when it comes to NVES penalties for what will be its dirtiest model.

Accordingly, the price tag isn’t expected to land anywhere close to the $249,950 plus on-road costs that the previous-gen 1500 TRX Final Edition wore back in 2024, its last year on sale.

Over in the ‘States, the Ram 1500 SRT TRX is positioned at a US$99,995 + ORC ($A145,052).

For their spend, TRX owners will be buying the most potent off-road ute on the planet.

Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre petrol V8 producing a 579kW/922Nm wallop, the hulking 1500 SRT TRX muscles its way to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds – a full second in front of the last 1500 TRX to be sold here.

“We already have a strong customer order bank for the TRX – and that’s before we have even confirmed the TRX is coming, and before we have announced price,” added Mr Dowling.

“We want to say loud and clear to our TRX fans – we hear you, and we are doing everything possible to get the TRX back into our showrooms.”

However, those willing to wait a little longer may be able to get their hands on an even faster ute.

Mr Dowling confirmed that Ram Trucks Australia is assembling a business case for the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee, a street-oriented performance pickup that can, in its most powerful configuration, rip to triple-digit speed a tenth of a second faster than the TRX.

Built on the shorter-wheelbase Quad Cab body style, the 1500 Rumble Bee will be available in North America with three engine options – a 5.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 295kW and 556Nm, a 6.4-litre V8 with 350kW and 617Nm, or the mighty 6.2-litre supercharged V8 of the TRX in the flagship 1500 Rumble Bee SRT.

Ram Trucks Australia has yet to determine which powertrain it wants to bring here.

“The recently announced Ram 1500 Rumble Bee muscle truck is also on our wish list,” said Mr Dowling.

“If it were to come to Australia it would come after the TRX because of the engineering work required, but if everything goes our way, it won’t be far behind.

“Australia has a deep history with high-performance utes, and we know a Ram 1500 Rumble Bee will be right at home down-under.”