1500

Make
Ram
Segment
Sports Car

Sometimes you just have to be at the right place at the right time. Case in point: a member of the Chicagoland Petrolheads and Car Spotters Facebook group who, over the week, happened to spot a couple of Ram prototype pickup trucks near Interstate 294 North. What could they be? One of them could be the highly anticipated Hellcat-powered Ram TRX. The 707 or so horsepower ultimate Ram pickup truck, which we've previously confirmed is on the way, is not only going to be ridiculously powerful but is expected to give the Ford F-150 Raptor a run for its money.

However, the Ram TRX will need more than just the right engine with lots of horsepower to successfully take on the segment leader in extreme off-roading. Expect for the Ram TRX to also feature numerous suspension upgrades and plenty of heavy-duty components.

The second Ram test mule shown is clearly smaller than the Ram 1500, so it's a very reasonable guess to assume it's the also upcoming reborn Dakota. This mid-size pickup truck, expected to ride on a modified version of the Jeep Gladiator platform, is expected to arrive fairly soon as well. It will compete, of course, directly against the Ford Ranger.

Unfortunately, specific details remain relatively scarce, but it's possible it'll be powered by the same turbo-four used by Jeep. Another possibility is the 3.6-liter V6 with the eTorque hybrid assist.

Again, nothing has been confirmed at this time. Ram had an excellent sales year in 2019, taking the number two sales spot behind Ford. GM will soon respond to this with the also upcoming refreshed 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 corporate cousins. Both are expected to feature an independent rear suspension and improved interiors.

But the real treat coming up from Ram is the TRX and its Hellcat V8. These images clearly show the mighty truck is getting even closer to becoming a reality.