US customers love trucks so it is no wonder that manufacturers release special edition models from time to time and even high performance versions of them. Both Ram and Ford released in the past high performance trucks which even though did not appeal to everyone, they did sell quite well. The last high performance Ram was the Dodge branded SRT 1500 which used the same V10 engine as in the Viper.
Since 2006 when that model was discontinued many people hoped to get a new high performance version but last year in October, Ram’s CEO stated that at this point they are not working on such a truck.
2017 RAM 1500 SRT Hellcat – Powertrain
The engine will likely be mated to an 8 speed automatic gearbox similar to that on the Challenger and it will only be offered as a rear wheel drive model. Four wheel drive is a slim possibility but it is unlikely considering that the four wheel drive system couldn’t handle so much power.
This engine will likely allow the Ram 1500 Hellcat to get from 0 to 60 MPH in around 4 seconds and it should be able to get to a limited top speed of around 150 MPH. In order to allow it to do so, Ram will not only give it a new engine but the chassis will receive a lot of attention as well.
This will be more rigid due to the new construction of the new model and on top of that, it will get a dedicated sport suspension system which will be lower than usual, much bigger brakes, light alloy wheels with high performance tires as well as a limited slip differential.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2-liter V-8; supercharged |
| Transmission | eight-speed auto |
| Horsepower @ RPM | 707 |
| Torque @ RPM | 650 |
| 0-60 time | 4.0 sec. (Est.) |
| Max Speed | 155 mph (Est.) |
Exterior
The exterior will not remain the same either. In fact, the 2017 Ram 1500 SRT Hellcat will most definitely receive an all new body kit which will make it more stable at high speeds as well as it will allow it to differentiate itself from the rest of the Ram line.
The front end will get new headlights with wrap-around LED daytime running lights similar to those on the Charger, the grille could get a honeycomb effect and the front bumper will receive a splitter. The wheel arches will also be widened to allow the installation of the much wider tires.
Interior
The interior on the other hand will be based on that of the new Ram but it will also get some new features such as a standard head-up display, more supportive seats, a new steering wheel as well as carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin and contrast stitching on the seats and dashboard.
2017 RAM 1500 SRT Hellcat – Release date & Price
However, due to the way he described the situation it seems that there is still hope for a 2017 Ram 1500 SRT Hellcat and especially now when the current model of the truck is approaching its end of life. The new model which is expected to be released at the start of 2017 will likely also be offered for a limited amount of time with the Hellcat badge but there are not many details available about it.
It seems though that the price will be around $15,000 higher than that of the usual top end model so we do expect the Hellcat version to start at little over $55,000 which would make it not only the cheapest high performance truck on the market.
