The Ram Rebel Trx concept roared into the scene in 2016, immediately setting a new benchmark for off-road truck performance. This muscular machine, unveiled by Ram Trucks, isn’t just another pickup; it’s a statement – a declaration of dominance in the dirt. Engineered for high-speed desert running and extreme off-road adventures, the Ram Rebel TRX concept boasts a staggering 575 horsepower, making it the most powerful half-ton truck Ram had ever conceived. Imagine tearing across rugged landscapes at speeds exceeding 100 mph – the Rebel TRX concept makes this exhilarating vision a tangible reality.
Unleashing Unprecedented Power: The Heart of the Rebel TRX
At the core of the Ram Rebel TRX concept lies a powertrain marvel: a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. This potent powerplant churns out an earth-shattering 575 horsepower, establishing the Rebel TRX as the most powerful Ram 1500 variant ever created. This immense power is seamlessly managed by a TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission. To ensure optimal performance in high-speed off-road scenarios, engineers implemented specialized calibrations for the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, fine-tuning the system for the rigors of demanding terrains.
The Ram Rebel TRX concept leverages Ram’s advanced 4×4 Performance Control System, incorporating a BorgWarner 44-45 transfer case. This sophisticated system offers a range of driving modes to conquer diverse conditions: Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road, and Baja. These modes optimize vehicle settings for various environments, ensuring peak performance and driver control.
For robust off-road capability, the Rebel TRX concept utilizes a standard Ram 1500 front axle with an open differential, enhanced with custom CV half-shafts to accommodate the truck’s wider track. The spindles are strategically positioned forward, creating ample space within the fender wells for the imposing 37-inch tires. In the rear, a Dynatrac Pro 60 axle channels power through an electric, selectable locker to heavy-duty 35-spline, 1.5-inch axle shafts. This rear locker, available in all driving modes, ensures both rear wheels are locked for synchronized traction, distributing torque evenly and maximizing power delivery during full-throttle maneuvers in challenging conditions.
Engineering Excellence: Built for Extreme Terrain
The Ram Rebel TRX concept’s aggressive exterior design is a mere prelude to the engineering brilliance beneath its skin. The concept was meticulously crafted around demanding suspension and frame requirements. A key priority was to integrate as many standard Ram 1500 components as possible, ensuring proven durability and reliable functionality.
Remarkably, the high-strength steel frame structure of the Rebel TRX remains largely unchanged from a standard Ram 1500. This frame design inherently offers low-torsion characteristics, significantly enhancing durability, stability, and handling precision – crucial attributes for high-speed off-road performance. A substantial 40 percent increase in suspension travel, combined with the towering 37-inch tires, results in exceptional ground clearance. This combination empowers the TRX concept to confidently overcome substantial obstacles at high speeds, maintaining composure and control.
The front suspension system features custom-built upper and lower A-arms, meticulously engineered to optimize caster and camber angles throughout the suspension’s range of motion. This advanced design contributes to the impressive increase in both front and rear wheel travel, extending to over 13 inches – a significant leap from the standard 9 inches found in the Ram 1500. Managing the front suspension load are state-of-the-art, adjustable, performance coil-over shocks equipped with internal bypass technology. These advanced shocks deliver a smooth and controlled ride over smaller bumps, while effectively managing larger impacts by rapidly dissipating heat and maintaining consistent tire-to-ground contact, enhancing both comfort and handling.
The rear suspension system mirrors this commitment to off-road excellence. The Ram 1500’s class-leading link coil rear suspension system, sharing its fundamental design with high-performance desert racing trucks, forms the basis for the Rebel TRX’s rear setup. The frame’s mounting points for the five-link suspension remain unchanged, allowing for up to 13 inches of rear axle travel, compared to the standard Ram 1500’s 9.25 inches. New 2.5-inch bypass shocks utilize the factory upper and lower shock mounts. The standard rear coils are replaced with performance springs, positioned in the factory-specified locations.
To ensure formidable stopping power, especially crucial at high speeds, the Rebel TRX concept incorporates a factory hydraulic-boost compensation unit. This system enhances brake pedal feel and responsiveness during emergency braking situations. Baer brakes six-piston monoblock calipers, paired with massive 15-inch rotors, are installed at the front. The rear utilizes six-piston calipers with 14-inch rotors, providing consistent and reliable braking performance.
The choice of 37-inch tires further underscores the Rebel TRX concept’s off-road racing pedigree. Commonly employed in high-speed off-road truck racing, these tires offer superior height and durability. The Rebel TRX is equipped with 37-inch tall, 13.5-inch wide, 10-ply tires featuring aggressive treads, ensuring maximum traction and resilience. Adding to the off-road readiness are custom beadlock wheels from Mopar. Beadlock wheels provide enhanced tire security by clamping the tire’s bead to the rim, crucial for maintaining tire inflation and preventing slippage during extreme off-road maneuvers. Reflecting its go-anywhere spirit, the Rebel TRX carries two complete spare tire and wheel packages, with tools and a jack neatly stowed in custom, lockable storage compartments within the bed.
Design that Roars: Aggressive Aesthetics and Functional Features
The Ram Rebel TRX concept’s design language clearly draws inspiration from the popular Rebel and Power Wagon models, yet it carves its own distinct, more chiseled and aggressive identity. The grille, a commanding focal point, proudly displays “RAM” in bold, body-matching black and red letters, reminiscent of the Power Wagon. However, the Rebel TRX grille is not just about aesthetics; its scooped design is functional, providing increased airflow to cool the supercharged engine. Composite flares extend the wheel arches, accommodating the six-inch increase in track width and providing designers with a canvas for signature styling cues. A robust lower brush guard, forged in steel, stands ready to withstand punishing impacts.
To accommodate the roots-style blower atop the HEMI engine, the Rebel TRX utilizes a hood design borrowed from the taller Ram Heavy Duty models. The raised fender height contributes to the truck’s muscular stance. From above, the Rebel TRX reveals striking hour-glass body lines, tapering inward at the doors before flaring out again at the rear, creating generous space for the rear tires to tuck neatly within the wells. The side profile is dominated by massive five-inch, side-exit exhaust ports integrated into full-length rock rails, offering both visual impact and added body and sill protection. At the rear, a large “Ram” badge in Matte Black, adopted from the Rebel, adorns the tailgate. A custom rear steel bumper, complete with an integrated skid plate and tow hooks, mirrors the robust functionality of the front end.
Inside the Rebel TRX concept, the design prioritizes performance and occupant security. Suede with accent mesh cloth inserts covers the front bucket seats and rear bench, providing enhanced grip and comfort. The front seats feature pronounced lateral support upper bolsters with embroidered logos. All four seating positions are equipped with six-point harnesses, firmly securing occupants during aggressive off-road driving. An open upper glove box with elastic straps securely holds a TRX-branded bag containing color-matched tools. The driver-focused cockpit features a seven-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) display cluster showcasing unique muddy tracks and TRX badge graphics, mirrored on the 8.4 Uconnect screen. A custom camera mount is positioned at the rear-view mirror, ready to capture every off-road conquest. The center console echoes the instrument panel design, incorporating a new polystable shifter trimmed in black suede and Header Red stitching. Designers further enhanced the interior with Rebel TRX armrests featuring solid Header Red accent stitching and suede-wrapped upper bolsters. Nylon-strap door pulls are embroidered with “Release.” A black anodized sport bar, spanning from B-pillar to B-pillar, provides secure anchor points for the six-point harnesses while allowing for maximum seat travel. The Rebel TRX interior replaces carpet with a black rubberized coating, complemented by black all-weather mats from Mopar, minimizing foot slippage in demanding driving scenarios.
The Ram Rebel TRX concept leaves no doubt about its mission: to be a 575-horsepower off-road machine capable of conquering vast distances of challenging terrain with breathtaking speed. It embodies Ram’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of truck performance and solidifying its position as the leader in off-road pickups.
Ram Brand: A Legacy of Truck Leadership
Ram Truck has solidified its position as America’s off-road truck leader through a commitment to innovation and performance. The brand offers a comprehensive lineup of pickups and commercial vehicles, including the Ram 1500, 2500/3500 Heavy Duty, 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab, and ProMaster vans. Looking ahead to 2025, Ram is set to enhance its Light-Duty and Heavy Duty lineups, introducing new products in the rapidly expanding Sport Truck segment. Ram boasts the most diverse range of off-road performance trucks in its history, including the new Ram 1500 RHO, delivering unparalleled horsepower per dollar in the off-road pickup category. In the commercial sector, Ram is launching the 2025 Chassis Cab line, incorporating improvements designed to benefit customers and upfitters. Ram Professional is also evolving its approach, focusing on commercial offerings, specialized B2B expertise, and dedicated sales and service support to drive growth in this critical segment.
Ram consistently outperforms its rivals, setting benchmarks in key areas for truck buyers: segment-first 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with the Cummins Turbo Diesel, the most luxurious Ram 1500 Tungsten, best-in-class ride and handling, and the most off-road capable full-size pickup with the Ram Power Wagon. Through continuous product innovation, service enhancements, and electrified offerings, Ram is strengthening its market competitiveness and growth while maintaining pricing power. As part of Stellantis Pro One commercial vehicle organization, Ram offers a global product range, from the Ram 700 compact pickup to the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab and ProMaster vans. Ram is a key brand within the Stellantis portfolio, a leading global automaker and mobility provider.
