2022 Ram 1500 TRX supercharged V8 about to launch in Australia

The supercharged V8-powered 2022 Ram 1500 TRX – one of the world’s fastest and most powerful pick-ups – is due in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year with a factory-backed right-hand-drive conversion.

Drive understands Ram Trucks Australia has already imported a number of examples of the Ram 1500 TRX and engineering work on the factory-approved program has commenced.

The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX supercharged V8 was supposed to be in Ram Trucks Australia showrooms by the end of this year.

But a surge in demand in the US – combined with a production showdown due to semiconductor shortages – has delayed the local arrival until early next year.

Unlike privately-imported versions of the Ram 1500 TRX, the examples imported and remanufactured locally by Ram Trucks Australia have the complete backing of Ram USA – and are the only ones to have been crash-tested locally to validate the conversion work.

Furthermore, while other independent importers and converters use patch-up steering solutions, the systems used by Ram Trucks Australia are manufactured by the original supplier in the US, but in right-hand drive – an investment in tooling which costs in excess of $1 million. 

In addition, the dashboards used by Ram Trucks Australia are made by the same company that previously manufactured Toyota Camry instrument panels to factory quality standards, using advanced injection moulding rather than fibreglass designs used by some independent importers and converters.

Drive understands Ram Trucks Australia already has at least two early engineering samples undergoing testing and preparation work by the Walkinshaw Automotive Group – the former parent company of Holden Special Vehicles – in Melbourne’s south-east.

While Ram Trucks Australia is yet to formally confirm the local debut of the TRX supercharged V8, dealers have been told to initially expect a limited run of 200 to 250 vehicles priced between $180,000 and $200,000.

However, these estimates are subject to change as the price of the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX distributed by Ram Trucks Australia will not be locked in until closer to the production date, due to fluctuations in exchange rates between Australian and US dollars.

The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre 'Hemi' V8 with an output of 523kW and 881Nm.

Matched to an eight-speed auto, Ram claims the TRX does the 0-60mph (97km/h) dash in 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile (402m) run in 12.9 seconds at 108mph (174km/h). Despite weighing 2.7 tonnes, top speed is rated at 189km/h.

MORE: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX a step closer to Australia