Is Ram Planning to Add Hybrid Technology to its Next 1500 TRX supertruck?

• Hybrid technology could boost the performance of the new straight-six engine.

• The two versions of the new Hurricane engine will be integrated into the Ram 1500.

• It’s clear that a second generation TRX is in the cards.

Ram recently announced a Final Edition of its Ram 1500 TRX supertruck. The Final Edition marks the end of the supercharged HEMI V8 under the hood of the full-size pickup. But that doesn’t mean Ram is abandoning the idea of selling a truck capable of withstanding the worst offroad driving conditions.

At least, that’s what emerges from these spy photos spotted on the Internet, which show a Ram 1500 TRX camouflaged at both ends, suggesting a mid-cycle overhaul for the super off-road truck. As the American magazine Road & Track discovered with these photos, the manufacturer is clearly working on a new generation of the famous truck, especially since the spied vehicle proudly sports its widened fenders, raised suspension, and set of off-road wheels and tires.

In fact, at the unveiling of this latest version of the Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 TRX, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis indicated that the TRX name would survive despite the retirement of the famous 702 hp, 650 ft-lb V8.

Here’s where it gets interesting, since it’s clear that the new in-line 6-cylinder engine, also known as the Hurricane, is part of the engineers’ plans for the Ram 1500 of the next few years. Of course, Ram is also working on an electric version of the same truck, but until the 100% electric model is widely adopted, the manufacturer must continue to market this highly lucrative model for Stellantis.

And the integration of the two power levels of the new 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder is what awaits consumers accustomed to Ram products. The regular version develops 400 hp and 450 ft-lb of torque, while the more powerful version delivers 510 hp and 500 ft-lb of torque.

It remains to be seen whether the engineers will be able to squeeze more power out of this new block, which is fed by a pair of turbochargers. Moreover, the option of adding a battery and electric motor should not be ruled out at this time. More and more, the automotive industry is turning to hybrid technology to enhance the performance of one or more models. And hybridization could certainly support the American company’s new twin-turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder engine. Mind you, this is pure speculation for now.

With all the passion in the Stellantis Group’s divisions – particularly those of the former Chrysler Group – it wouldn’t be surprising if the next Ram 1500 TRX were more muscular (under the hood) than its V8-engined predecessor. We can’t wait to read the next chapter of this TRX story.