Ram offers some of the most powerful trucks available in today’s automotive market. Ram trucks have been workhorses since their conception in the early ’80s, which still rings true today. Years of progress, advancing automotive technologies, and skilled engineering have come together to create the most reliable, functional, and powerful Ram trucks to date with the release of the 2021 Ram truck lineup.
Ram’s Origins
The first-generation Dodge Ram was introduced in 1981 and produced until 1993. This first conception of the Dodge Ram was a big boxy truck with a distinctive large cross-shaped grille. This body style was rugged and built to work hard. There weren’t many creature comforts to speak of, but if you needed a tough truck that could get the job done, this was it.
These first-generation Dodge Rams had three available powertrains dispersed between the half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton models. First was a 3.7-liter slant-6 with 95 horsepower. The second was a 5.2-liter V-8 with 140 horsepower. The third was a 5.9-liter V-8 with 170 horsepower. Though these trucks’ horsepower ratings are nil compared to today’s Ram trucks, it was plenty of power for the time.
When electronic fuel injection was introduced in 1988 and 1989, it was a game-changer for Dodge Ram as a few of its existing engines were updated and new engines were created. As a result of this advance in mechanical engineering, the soon-to-be-famous Cummins Turbodiesel engine was built in 1989. This breakthrough engine was a 5.9-liter inline-6 with 160 horsepower and an impressive, even by today’s standards, 400 pound-feet of torque. Ram truck predecessors have a long-standing as one of the toughest and most capable trucks on the road, and this fact persists to this day.
The Split
In 2009, Dodge and Ram parted ways. Though many Dodge enthusiasts were concerned about the decision, their concern was misplaced, as both companies have thrived ever since. Dodge began to focus on cars while Ram shifted all its resources to improve upon an already remarkable truck line. Ram trucks have evolved into more than just a workhorse, with interiors and suspension options that rival luxury SUVs — but don’t let that fool you into thinking for one second that Ram has abandoned its roots.
Ram continues to produce trucks that are more than capable of getting the job done; they just look good and keep you comfortable while they do it. Modern engineering has pushed the limits of what a truck can do, and Ram leads the way with innovation, technology, and brute strength. No other lineup of trucks have as diverse of a lineup as Ram does, and Ram shows no signs of slowing down.
Did Someone Say ‘Power’?
You might think it would be a bold move to put “power” in the name of a truck, but not so bold that Ram hasn’t done it. The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is a shining example of what makes Ram trucks so powerful. This truck is undeniably more than meets the eye with an impressive spec-sheet that is sure to have most truck lovers drooling at first sight.
The Power Wagon is a beast on- and off-road with an imposing ground clearance of 14.2 inches. Other available features of the Power Wagon that will have your tongue wagging are Bilstein shocks, a winch, and 33-inch off-road tires. The heart of this truck is a 6.4-liter gas V-8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. Not only is the Power Wagon an excellent four-wheel-drive off-road truck, but it also tows up to 10,350 pounds, seats up to six passengers (five comfortably), and provides a smooth on-road ride.
The Popular Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is of the most popular trucks ever, and rightfully so with its engine options, interior comforts, and performance chops. The 2021 Ram 1500 carries on the Ram legacy with a distinct modern exterior design, the smoothest ride of any truck, and unparalleled performance across the board. The Ram 1500’s power comes from one of its four available engines.
First is a 3.6-liter V-6 with eTorque. This V-6 has 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The second is a 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel with 280 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The third is a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. You can add the available eTorque system to the 5.7-liter V-8 for added towing capacity. The fourth is a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 with 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
Ram Goes Heavy-Duty
Ram heavy-duty trucks such as the 2021 Ram 3500 is of the most capable trucks for towing. Where else can you find over 1,000 pound-feet of torque for hauling your toys? The monster behind this magnificent 1,075 pound-feet of torque is a 6.7-liter high output Cummins turbodiesel 16 engine with 430 horsepower. When the Ram 3500 equips this powerhouse, it can carry a payload of 6,570 pounds and tow up to 37,100 pounds. If that isn’t enough for your towing needs, you will need to shop for a semi-truck.
As of the release of the 2021 Ram truck lineup, a newcomer has heightened Ram enthusiasts’ excitement. This is none other than the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX. Power and performance have never looked as good in a truck until now. This is Ram’s answer to the pleas of its consumers for a “Raptor-killer.” This truck is propelled forward by the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8.
The TRX takes full advantage of the 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque as it accelerates from 0-60 in only 4.5-seconds. The TRX also has specialized suspension, radical off-road technology, and premium options that make it the ultimate performance truck. You will have to wait patiently to get your hands on this one, as the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX launch edition sold out in only three hours.
Ram has truly excelled through the years and is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Look to Ram If you want a powerful, rugged, and capable, yet comfortable, refined, and functional truck. With a legacy of power that is sure to prevail far into the future, you can’t go wrong with one of the many Ram trucks found in the 2021 lineup.
Image via RamTruck.com