Friday, 28 October 2022 13:55

Fastest, most powerful Ram

Written by Mark Daniel

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Ram 1500 TRX

RAM distributor Ateco has always made the point that they sell trucks that eat Utes for breakfast.

The relationship with RAM Trucks in the USA began back in 2013, leading to the point where RAM Trucks Australia became is the world’s only RAMauthorised manufacturer of right-hand drive RAM trucks. All RAM Trucks Australia vehicles are international-spec vehicles, uniquely coded for the Australasian market and the Australian build process, which from nothing seven years ago has now delivered more than 13,000 units to end users.

The New Zealand range starts with the RAM 1500 Express Crew and Warlock models in the original DS variant, followed by the 1500 Laramie and 1500 Limited in the recently launched DT model range, and the Heavy Duty 2500 Laramie® and Heavy Duty 3500 Laramie.

The latest Halo model to hit NZ’s shores and dubbed the baddest full-sized pick-up truck is the TRX, that bears no resemblance to the Honda farm quad that displays a similar designation. While one offers 518cc, the other takes that to the power 12, with a V8 motor of 6.2 litres and an eye-watering output of 532kW (715hp) with 882Nm torque.

The supercharged Hemi V8 of the TRX might also give the loyal farm dog a little to pant about too, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a 190km/h top speed – sure to make Shep mumble “bugger”.

Other stand-outs include a high-torquecapacity TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers quick, crisp gear changes during normal and performance driving, a new, innovative dual-path air induction system to deliver maximum output and a new, unique suspension system with active damping, incorporating forged aluminium front upper and lower control arms with special attention to caster and camber angles during suspension cycling.

Five-link coil suspension is tuned to deliver the best combination of ride, handling and comfort in all conditions, incorporating new front and rear 2.6-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shock absorbers.

A new Baja drive mode calibrates fourwheel- drive and steering systems, stability control, paddle shifters and suspension for ultimate desert performance, delivering maximum capability on undulating, loose surfaces.

Numerous active and passive safety and security features, including ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and six air bags, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Ready Alert Braking and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All- Terrain 35-inch tires, developed exclusively for Ram TRX, are said to achieve unmatched levels of wear resistance, traction, and reduced road noise.

Whilst maximum load and towing capacities are yet to be released, pricing is not for the fainthearted, with a MSRP from $249,990.

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