Australian website says the 523kW TRX monster model is among variants of the new-gen Ram 1500 that’ll be on sale next year.

 RAM-BUNCTIOUS stomp is part of the scenario when New Zealand switches across to the latest generation of Fiat Chrysler’s giant pick-up truck – with confirmation that the TRX supercharged flagship is in the mix. 

The monster truck rival to the Ford F150 Raptor is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 – shared with the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – with an astonishing output of 523kW and 881Nm.

 Even though the TRX is bluff, massive and weighs 2.7 tonnes, Ram claims it’ll still hammer out the 0-100kmh dash in 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile (400m) run in 12.9 seconds at 174kmh. Top speed is rated at 189kmh. That makes it one of the world’s fastest production pick-ups.

Talk of the TRX being in the mix comes as production transition from the Ram 1500 offered brand-new to Kiwis now – the old DS generation model that still circulates Stateside, but as a ‘classic’ variant – to the latest ‘DT series’ RAM 1500 that introduced to America over a year ago is all but complete.  

The Melbourne facility where factory-fresh product is converted into right-hand-drive format for New Zealand and Australia is deep into re-jigging for the new model, which is far more advanced than the one Kiwis are enjoying – and still can. DS availability will continue, in a lower price slot than DT, which can be expected to deliver with a bigger sticker than the current range carries, a reflection of it being vastly more modern. Regardless, with DT comes a new opportunity that’s sure to create extra excitement.

According to Australia’s CarAdvice website, the TRX has been signed off for right-hook reconfiguration, initially as a limited production run from next year. Two are arriving within weeks for early tooling and engineering work.

The website says Ram Trucks Australia has advised its dealers to initially expect a limited run of 200 to 250 vehicles priced between $NZ189,000 and $NZ210,000 – making it the priciest Ram ever offered here, assuming it will be.

 New Zealand’s Ram distributor, Ateco, has yet to speak about the programme and whether it is involved. Given the interest in Ram here, however, it’s difficult to imagine why they wouldn’t want to be.