Rumors Surround Upcoming Ram Trucks as Test Mules Spotted
The world of trucks is rife with speculation, and currently, the buzz centers around Ram’s potential new offerings. Although previous discussions hinted at a Ram truck designed to rival the Ford Raptor, nothing concrete has emerged from the Fiat-Chrysler brand as we move into the new decade. However, recent sightings of two Ram test vehicles near Chicago suggest that a Hellcat-powered version, possibly the TRX, may be on the horizon, along with an unexpected competitor for the Ford Ranger that could revive the Dakota nameplate.
A member of the Chicagoland Petrolheads and Car Spotters Facebook group shared a series of photos on Saturday, capturing these test mules from a passerby’s perspective. The aggressive stance of the full-size pickups is unmistakable, and while the specifics of what lies beneath their black camouflage remain uncertain, the combination of large tires and smaller wheels points to an off-road emphasis, enhanced by a high suspension setup. Previous mentions of the TRX have been scarce, but given FCA’s history with supercharged engines, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a 707-horsepower Hemi under the hood.
To genuinely compete with the Raptor, the TRX will need more than just raw horsepower. A robust suspension system is critical for off-road performance, and Ford’s Raptor is equipped with top-quality Fox internal bypass shocks. It’s possible Ram could adopt similar components, but factors like weight also play a crucial role.
As for the smaller Ram prototype, which appears to have a notably shorter wheelbase, one theory suggests the automaker is eyeing the highly competitive mid-size truck market. Ford and Chevrolet have a strong foothold in this segment, and with brands like Nissan demonstrating enduring interest, there’s potential for a new player. Currently, details about Ram’s offerings in this class are sparse, as the company lacks compact engines in its lineup. It might consider borrowing the turbo-four engine from Jeep or the 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque hybrid technology, but these are purely speculative at this stage.
Some observers have even suggested that this could be a test mule for a Jeep Wagoneer powertrain, given that the model is expected to share the Ram 1500 platform, making this a viable explanation.
The Drive has reached out to Ram for insights on these trucks, which were spotted near Interstate 294 North. It’s common for automakers like FCA to conduct tests in off-road parks in that vicinity, so it’s plausible that these prototypes were returning to Detroit following a series of 4×4 trials.
We will provide updates as soon as we receive a response from the automaker.
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