Raise a glass to the epic Ram TRX, the fastest and most powerful V8 pick-up on the planet

The Ram TRX – powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 (523kW/882Nm) which delivers a real-world 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds despite weighing close to three tonnes – is heading to the car park in the sky.

Although the electric Ford F-150 Lightning has quicker acceleration, the Ram TRX was the high point in terms of outright performance for V8 petrol-powered US pick-ups – and now it marks the end of an era.

The Ram TRX combined epic supercharged V8 grunt with heightened off-road ability – whereas the Ford F-150 Lightning is effectively a luxury SUV with a ute tray on the back.

Due to its might and breadth of capability, the Ram TRX is almost certain to become a future classic.

The Ram 1500 V8 range is about to be replaced by an updated model with six-cylinder power, and even the flagship of the fleet – the iconic Ram TRX – has succumbed to global pressure to downsize engines.

The updated Ram 1500’s imminent switch to six-cylinder power – which is expected to arrive in Australia early next year after going on sale in the US later this year – will leave the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (6.2-litre petrol) and 2500 (6.6-litre diesel) as the only V8s in the US pick-up segment in Australia.

The Ford F-150 sold here has twin-turbo V6 petrol power, and the Toyota Tundra will have twin-turbo V6 petrol power paired to a hybrid system when it goes on sale locally next year after an extended trial of 300 vehicles in the hands of VIP customers.

To commemorate the end of an era – and after about 750 sales here of the regular RAM TRX over the past two years – Ram Trucks Australia has introduced the Ram TRX Final Edition.

Out of 4000 Ram TRX Final Editions to be built in the US, just 130 examples are coming to Australia, priced from $249,950 plus on-road costs – about $20,000 dearer than the standard model (of which only 30 remain in stock nationally).

The Ram 1500 Final Edition is only available in three new and unique colours (apologies to fans of black, grey, silver or white): Delmonico Red, Night Edge Blue and Harvest Sunrise (whatever that means, but here are the colours below).

There is no extra power (and frankly, it doesn’t need it) but it does get a list of other goodies.

Special features for the Ram TRX Final Edition:

• Satin Titanium bead-lock capable wheels with a matching 6.2-litre hood badge and ute bed decal;
• Patina stitching on the dashboard, seats and an embroidered TRX logo on the seat back;
• TRX Final Edition instrument cluster screen;
• Premium centre console badge showcasing the build number;
• Passenger-side TRX dashboard badge in Satin Titanium finish;
• Triaxle-suede door panel inserts;
• 4×4 weave matte carbon-fibre on the instrument panel, doors, console and steering wheel.

RAM TRX standard equipment:

• High-torque-capacity TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission;
• Dual-path air induction system delivers a steady supply of air to the engine through the front grille and functional hood scoop;
• Largest air filter in the segment uses dual filter elements and is designed for extreme, dusty environments with four times the dust trapping capacity of its closest competitor (says Ram);
• Full-time active transfer case features upgraded internals for improved strength, durability
• Unique suspension system with active damping, inspired by desert off-road racers, incorporates forged aluminium front upper and lower control arms with special attention to caster and camber angles during suspension movement;
• Independent front suspension system with active damping uses high-strength aluminium to maintain overall strength and durability;
• Dana 60 solid rear axle with a 3.55 ratio featuring full-floating hubs and axle-hop damper for improved traction and axle control on rough surfaces;
• Electronic locking rear differential for increased performance off-road;
• Front and rear 2.6-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks provide fast reaction time, improved damping and heat dissipation to better handle harsh terrain at high speeds;
• Integrated composite fender flares add body width and feature all-new steel box outers;
• RAM TRX-specific transfer case switches are integrated into the dashboard along with Drive Mode selector and Launch Control;
• Uconnect 5C NAV 12-inch infotainment touchscreen;
• 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system;
• Baja drive mode calibrates four-wheel-drive and steering systems, stability control, paddle shifters and suspension for ultimate performance driving.