The celebrated 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi “Hellcat” V8, which has found itself under the hood of the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and RAM 1500, is being extinguished next year, according to a press release from parent company Stellantis. The powerful combustion-only engine, which has been enhancing cars and trucks since 2015, can’t meet ever-tightening state and federal emissions mandates so a lower displacement engine will replace it.
As a final send-off for its flagship TRX pickup, which boasts a 702-hp variant of the V8, RAM has announced a new limited-edition variant. “The introduction of the Ram 1500 TRX ushered in a significant shift in off-road performance trucks with a halo effect that will last for years to come,” remarks Tim Kuniskis, Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “This current chapter in Ram’s high-performance trucks is coming to a close, but it’s not the end of TRX’s story. While we’ll have more news to come later, we’re proud to offer our loyal performance enthusiasts the very special TRX 6.2L Supercharged V8 – Final Edition.”
The RAM TRX Final Edition is a premium variant of the RAM TRX, introduced for the 2021 model year. A heavily upgraded full-size RAM 1500 pickup, the TRX is configured with a widebody kit, oversized adaptive suspension, and a full array of performance upgrades to complement its supercharged “Hellcat” V8. The new Final Edition model builds upon the standard TRX models with unique exterior colors and premium equipment.
New exterior hues include Delmonico Red, Night Edge Blue, and Harvest Sunrise. The new vibrant colors are bundled with Satin Titanium bead-lock capable wheels, a matching 6.2-liter hood badge, and a bed decal. The exclusive Final Edition equipment inside the cabin includes contrasting stitching, a Final Edition cluster splash screen, an ultra-premium center console badge (with the vehicle’s unique build number), a passenger-side badge, and unique Triaxle-suede door panel inserts. The trim is 4×4 weave matte carbon fiber, and the 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, digital rearview mirror, Head-Up Display, and 8-way power driver and passenger seats are standard. A full suite of safety and driver assistance equipment is also included.
In terms of performance, the RAM TRX Final Edition is rated at 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque — power that delivers a 0-60 mph sprint in about 4.0 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. Fuel economy isn’t something to worry about (remember, it was Dodge that claimed the 2015 Challenger SRT, with the same “Hellcat” V8, burned through 1.5 gallons of gasoline per minute when running at full throttle). Top speed is electronically limited to 118 mph — blame the off-road tires.
The Ram 1500 TRX 6.2L Supercharged V8 – Final Edition is available at a starting price of $117,625 (plus $1,995 destination). As RAM will begin building the 2024 model year truck soon, expect the Final Edition to be available starting in the fourth quarter of 2023 — and be gone shortly after that.
What does the future hold for the flagship RAM 1500? Expect Stellantis to fit its new twin-turbo 3.0-liter “Hurricane” inline-6 under the hood of the follow-up 2025 RAM TRX. It will be down on displacement and power, but its emissions can beat the new benchmarks. And for those holding out hope for an emissions-free model, an all-electric variant is also in the works.