Ram has introduced a new family of “muscle trucks” called the Rumble Bee
Twenty years have passed since the last Dodge Ram SRT-10 rolled off the assembly line. This is an eternity in the automotive world, and street trucks have largely given way to off-road models.
Today, that changes as Ram has unveiled a new family of “muscle trucks” called the Rumble Bee. The lineup starts with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and tops out with a supercharged 6.2-liter engine producing 777 hp (579 kW / 788 hp).
There are many details, but every Rumble Bee is a crew cab pickup with a 5-foot-7-inch cargo bed. This makes it unique, as the crew cab version is traditionally offered exclusively with a 6-foot-4-inch bed.
As a result, the pickup’s overall length is just 219.5 inches (5,575 mm). The model also has a 13-inch (330 mm) shorter wheelbase, emphasizing a sporty look, as well as improving handling and reducing frame flex by 10%. This led to a series of changes, as the driveshaft, wiring, fuel and brake lines had to be specially developed for the Rumble Bee.
Rumble Bee
The entry-level Rumble Bee is equipped with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 395 hp (295 kW / 400 hp) and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque. It ditches the typical eTorque and start-stop systems but retains cylinder deactivation technology.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is connected to a permanent active all-wheel drive system. However, there is an RWD button that disengages the front axle for authentic rear-wheel drive dynamics. This allows the pickup to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.1 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 14.6 seconds at 93 mph (150 km/h).
Sticking with the sporty theme, the Rumble Bee features a wider track (6.8 inches front and 7 inches rear) and an upgraded independent front and five-link rear suspension. The latter is equipped with Bilstein monotube shocks, “heavy-duty stabilizer bars” and longer control arms than a standard Ram 1500.
Buyers will also find a powerful braking system with 14.9-inch (378 mm) front discs and 14.8-inch (375 mm) rear discs. The model also has five different driving modes – Auto, Sport, Snow, Tow and Custom – and a towing capacity of 8,890 lbs (4,032 kg).
As for styling, the pickup features body cladding and a “RAM” grille. These are joined by a sport hood with vents and integrated clearance lights.
Designers also gave the model body-colored fender flares and unique side mirrors. We also see vents on the front fenders and 22-inch wheels shod in all-season tires.
Inside, there are cloth front seats with manual adjustment and Greystone contrast stitching. Other features include a console-mounted shifter and a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles.
Upon closer inspection, you’ll find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.4-inch infotainment system. They are complemented by Black Onyx Chrome accents and a six-speaker audio system.
Rumble Bee 392
Next in the lineup is the Rumble Bee 392, which is equipped with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine. This is a first for the 1500, and it’s an ideal match as the engine produces 470 hp (350 kW / 477 hp) and 455 lb-ft (616 Nm). Thanks to the extra power, 0-60 mph (96 km/h) takes 5.2 seconds, and the quarter mile passes in 13.2 seconds at 101 mph (163 km/h).
Beyond the larger engine, the 392 boasts a nicer interior with 10-way power front seats and Prowler Yellow contrast stitching. Customers can also expect Twill Deco trim, a larger 12-inch infotainment system and a premium Alpine audio system with 10 speakers.
Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack
Customers looking for something more extreme can opt for the 392 Track Pack, which features a sportier front bumper and an aerodynamic body kit. The latter includes a front splitter, a front aero shield reminiscent of a skid plate, and a rear spoiler mounted on the tailgate. These elements help generate 192 lbs (87 kg) of downforce at 170 mph (274 km/h).
The pickup also has unique 22-inch wheels, with rear tires measuring 12.8 inches (325 mm) in width. These are the widest tires the company has used since the Viper.
The updates don’t stop there: the 392 Track Pack features an adjustable air suspension that provides stiffer damping but “additional ride comfort during normal driving conditions.” The model is also notable for featuring Bilstein Damptronic Sky two-valve semi-active shocks.
Returning to the air suspension, it lowers the pickup by 1.5 inches (38 mm) in Track mode. The latter mode is complemented by a low-speed parking mode, giving owners seven different options to choose from.
When it comes to braking, drivers will find “massive” 16.1-inch (409 mm) front Brembo brakes clamped by six-piston calipers. They are joined by smaller 14.6-inch (370 mm) rear discs, which are noticeably thicker than those in lesser versions.
Rounding out the features are a dedicated launch control button and an e-spool differential that can “electronically lock the axle to ensure even torque distribution between both rear wheels.”
Interior changes are more modest but include leather and suede front seats with 12-way power adjustment and enhanced side bolsters. The model also features extended Prowler Yellow contrast stitching.
Rumble Bee SRT
The best is saved for last: “the most powerful, fastest and quickest production V8 pickup truck.” Known as the Rumble Bee SRT, this pickup has a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine producing 777 hp (579 kW / 788 hp) and 680 lb-ft (921 Nm) of torque.
This is the same power as the TRX SRT, and the engine is connected to an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination allows the pickup to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, reach a top speed of 170 mph (274 km/h) and cover the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 116 mph (187 km/h).
These are impressive figures for a full-size pickup, which on paper beats the BMW M3 sedan to 60 mph (4.1 seconds) and matches the fastest version of the family, the M3 Competition xDrive, with the same 3.4-second time.
Equipment largely mirrors the 392 Track Pack, but the company mentioned an all-new cooling system and a higher towing capacity of 8,580 lbs (3,892 kg), which is more than the Track Pack’s 7,300 lbs (3,311 kg).
The cabin receives upgrades befitting a flagship: the top version features Natura Plus leather and suede seats, Desert Orange contrast stitching and carbon fiber trim. Additionally, it gets a larger 14.5-inch infotainment system and metal pedals with rubber pads. Finally, the headliner, sun visors and pillars are wrapped in suede.
We’ll have more information on the Rumble Bee, but the pickup will be built in Saltillo, Mexico and will go on sale with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 later this year. The Rumble Bee 392 and Rumble Bee SRT will arrive in the first half of 2027.
Ram’s return to the “muscle truck” concept with the Rumble Bee lineup is a bold move that challenges the modern trend of off-road model dominance. Particularly interesting is the decision to use a shorter wheelbase and cargo bed, which directly impacts handling and dynamics, making these vehicles more akin to sports cars than traditional pickups. The impressive performance of the SRT version, capable of competing with the fastest sports sedans, underscores the seriousness of Ram’s intentions. It’s worth noting that the company offers a wide range of engines, from a relatively affordable V8 to a supercharged monster, allowing them to cover various market segments and customer budgets.