Detroit — Stellantis is making a bold return to the performance pickup segment with the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, set to launch in late 2026 for approximately $100,000. The company, which has faced fewer obstacles regarding federal emissions regulations, is reviving this V-8-powered truck after its initial production from 2021 to 2024 was halted as it shifted focus away from V-8 engines.

The TRX boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter “Hellcat” engine that delivers an impressive 777 horsepower and 680 foot-pounds of torque. Designed for speed, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 118 mph. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis expressed enthusiasm about the vehicle’s comeback, emphasizing the enhancements made for this iteration.

Although the TRX faced challenges with sales due to its premium price point, it serves as a flagship model for the Ram brand, attracting attention and potentially driving interest in other vehicle offerings. This strategy aligns with Kuniskis’ broader approach, seen previously with the performance-focused SRT lineup.

The revival of the TRX is part of a larger turnaround strategy that Kuniskis has spearheaded since he returned to Stellantis last year. His vision includes over 25 announcements in the upcoming months, including NASCAR engagements and the revival of the Hemi V-8 engines. Notably, plans for a battery-electric version of the 1500 truck have been scrapped.

Priced at $99,995 before the $2,595 destination fee, the new TRX marks a significant increase from its predecessor, which started at $71,690 in 2020. In addition, Ram has unveiled a new 6.7-liter Cummins high-output turbo-diesel engine for its 2027 Ram Power Wagon, capable of producing 430 horsepower and an astonishing 1,075 foot-pounds of torque.

This shift toward more powerful gasoline engines reflects a broader strategy that counters previous intentions to phase out gas V-8 vehicles due to economic and regulatory pressures. With strict emissions standards loosening under recent administrations, Kuniskis anticipates that the renewed interest in V-8s will positively impact sales, regardless of regulatory shifts.

Critics and analysts are closely watching to see if Stellantis can recover its footing in the U.S. market. The automaker, which formed through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, slipped from being the fourth-largest U.S. automaker in 2021 to sixth place by 2024, with a reported 6% decline in sales year-over-year.

In a promising outlook, Kuniskis stated that both Ram and Jeep, the company’s two most vital domestic brands, are poised for growth. However, market predictions suggest that auto sales may remain stagnant or decline in 2026, challenging the company to capture customers from rival brands.

The Jeep brand is also experiencing a transformation as CEO Bob Broderdorf implements a “Jeep reset” strategy aimed at reversing years of declining sales that began after a record high in 2018. This initiative seeks to streamline the product lineup, adjust pricing strategies, and enhance the overall appeal of the brand.

Broderdorf noted the focus on making Jeep vehicles more distinctive while preparing for the introduction of new models, including an electric Recon inspired by the iconic Wrangler. Both he and Kuniskis are optimistic that 2025 could finally mark an increase in sales for the Jeep brand, breaking a downward trend.

As these initiatives unfold, Stellantis aims to reclaim its competitive edge in the automotive landscape, leveraging the excitement of high-performance vehicles like the TRX to energize consumers and boost overall sales.