Why Not Build a Ram 1500 Hellcat or a Ram 1500 Demon? [Op/Ed]

Ram Rebel TRX Concept

Knowing what FCA is capable of (you have to admit, they play the power game well), why not build Hellcat Ram 1500 or a Ram 1500 Demon? The boys at Ram already showed off their Ram TRX Concept with a detuned Hellcat power plant – right? How much further can they go?

Most truck fans are fully aware that Ram is finding new ways to sell their 1500. Be it new trims, special editions and funky new colors, they have pushed the lifespan of the Ram way past its due date. Still, despite a fairly old chassis, they remain more than relevant.

In the past, Ram claimed fame with their (Viper-sourced) Ram SRT V10 – which was bonkers. The limited production trucks (less than 10K units 2004-2006) are becoming rather collectible. It’s spirit seems to be part of the Ram TRX Concept’s DNA. Why not build a successor to that truck?

What would it take to build a Hellcat Ram or a Ram 1500 Demon?

I suppose the 707 horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat HEMI V8 engine, which has already been connected to an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive (Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk) would be more logical than a 840 hp Demon power plant. Having little weight over the rear axle may hider takeoff on the strip. It would (most likely) get ghastly mpg. I mean, it’s bad enough in a sleek, lighter weight sedan. Imagine the mpg in a beefy truck?!

There has to be a good ROI (Return on Investment) before they would even consider such a truck. It would have to be a reliable daily driver, and it would have to both tow and haul. To put that in to perspective, (according to FCA) the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk can tow up to 7,200 lbs. There is no frame on the Trackhawk; which poses an interesting question – how much could a Hellcat Ram or a Ram Demon tow – if it were built? How much do you think it could haul?

The 2004-2006 Ram SRT was capable of towing up to 7,500 lbs and, while finding exact maximum payload is difficult, it was over 1,000 lbs. The question would be, on road or off road? The suspension choices would be completely different – right?

The possibilities are intriguing.

Come to think of it – why not put this power under the hood of a Ram 2500 Power Wagon? We could call it a Ram 2500 Power Demon and terrify Raptor owners.

What do you think?

Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.