Stellantis has announced the highly anticipated return of the Ram 1500 SRT TRX, a V-8-powered pickup truck, set to become available in late 2026 with a price starting around $100,000. Originally produced from 2021 to 2024, the TRX was discontinued as Stellantis shifted its focus away from V-8 engines amidst increasing federal emissions regulations. However, with a change in regulatory climate and a new U.S. sales strategy, the automaker is reviving this powerful model.
The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter “Hellcat” engine, providing an impressive 777 horsepower and 680 foot-pounds of torque. The manufacturer is promoting it as the “fastest and most powerful production gas pickup truck in the world,” capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, expressed enthusiasm for the TRX’s return during a recent media event, indicating the significant impact it could have on brand visibility.
Despite its relatively low sales figures in previous years due to its hefty price tag, the TRX has served as a “halo” model for Ram, enhancing the overall brand image and potentially driving sales for other vehicles in the lineup. The truck’s comeback is part of a broader revitalization plan for Stellantis under Kuniskis, who has promised more than 25 announcements in the coming year. This includes initiatives in NASCAR, reviving Hemi V-8 engines, and the controversial decision to cancel a long-planned battery-electric version of the 1500 truck.
Additionally, Ram announced a new 6.7-liter Cummins high-output turbo diesel engine for its 2027 Ram Power Wagon heavy-duty truck, producing 430 horsepower and an impressive 1,075 foot-pounds of torque. This demonstrates a clear shift back towards powerful combustion engines, contrasting with Stellantis’ previous intentions to phase them out.
The change in strategy comes as the previous regulations on fuel economy have softened, allowing the automaker more leeway to pursue high-performance models like the TRX. Kuniskis acknowledged that he would have followed this path regardless of the regulatory environment, emphasizing a renewed commitment to V-8 engines.
This revival occurs amid declining sales across the Stellantis brand, which ranked sixth in U.S. sales, down from fourth place under former CEO Carlos Tavares’s leadership. Reports show that Stellantis’ sales have declined by 6% compared to the previous year, with expectations of finishing with 1.25 million U.S. sales, down 4.4% from 2024. Kuniskis, who manages all U.S. brands for Stellantis, indicated that both the Ram and Jeep brands are positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities despite a forecast for flat or declining overall auto sales in the upcoming year.
Jeep is also engaging in a turnaround strategy, led by CEO Bob Broderdorf, who aims to revitalize the brand after years of declining sales since its peak in 2018. The “Jeep reset” plan focuses on repositioning pricing, models, and standard features, emphasizing a streamlined product lineup that better highlights what makes Jeep vehicles unique. Upcoming models include a new Cherokee midsize SUV and an all-electric Recon inspired by the brand’s legendary Wrangler.
As both Stellantis and Jeep forge ahead with their respective comeback strategies, industry analysts and leaders alike are optimistic yet cautious about the future, emphasizing a need to capture market share amidst a competitive landscape.
