Ram TRX gets production green light to take on Ford Raptor

The Tyrannosaurus Rex is expected to borrow FCA\'s supercharged Hellcat V8 with up to 707 horsepower.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has confirmed plans to put the Raptor-fighting Ram TRX pickup into production.

Previewed as a concept in 2016, the TRX is expected to borrow FCA's supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 with at least 575 horsepower -- significantly more power than Ford's Raptor and Ram's own SRT-10 that employed the Viper's 8.3-liter V10.

In an investor presentation, FCA acknowledged the "Raptor effect" that helped Ford establish a new niche in the pickup segment with average selling prices of $71,000. The Raptor attracts "younger buyers with twice the median income" and FCA wants Ram to get in on the action.

.@RamTrucks TRX concept, #TyrannosaurusRex, will go into production as part of the five-year plan - focus on power, torque, technology and styling. #FCAFiveYearPlan https://t.co/zPQstUiK1j pic.twitter.com/idMYjKdAVh

— FCA group (@fcagroup) June 1, 2018

The Ram TRX is one of many new models FCA plans to launch during its new five-year plan ending in 2022.