The pickup segment was set abuzz earlier this year as Ram announced the return of an iconic muscle truck. The Ram Rumble Bee sees a promising new contender enter the performance end of the full-size spectrum. Packed with V8 power, a purpose-built body, and a long list of enticing upgrades, the Rumble Bee looks to set a new bar in the performance truck segment.
The category is currently occupied by one true contender, the Ford F-150 Raptor. That won’t be the case for much longer, with Ram set to release not one but four versions of the new Rumble Bee. These range from a compelling base model to a track-focused variant to a range-topping Street and Racing Technology (SRT) model that aims to produce a class-leading 777 hp. Set to debut in late 2026, the base Ram Rumble Bee will be joined by the 392, 392 Track Pack, and SRT models in early 2027.
The Ram Rumble Bee sticks to a relatively simple, if compelling, formula. Take one of the industry’s best full-size pickups, equip it with a little V8 power and a lot of performance-focused upgrades, then let the good times roll. The move marks a return to form for the Stellantis brand, especially after the departure of Dodge’s two V8-powered muscle cars, the Charger and Challenger. However, some questions remain. Will the new trucks attract thrill-seeking drivers like bees to so much Hemi-powered honey? Or is the era of the muscle truck firmly in the rearview mirror? Let’s drill into the details and track Ram’s history of pickup performance as we await our chance behind the wheel.
The Buzz Keeps Growing
The Rumble Bee traces its roots back to the original Dodge Super Bee muscle cars that ruled the road in the late 1960s. Named after Chrysler’s high-performance B-body platform, models like the Dodge Coronet Super Bee combined a 335-hp V8 engine, heavy-duty suspension, and a four-speed manual transmission to deliver an engaging, dynamic driving experience.
The 1990s would see a new generation of muscle trucks enter the fray, with Chevy, GMC, and Ford all introducing their own sport pickups. The Chevrolet 454 SS would be the first to hit the market, with the GMC Syclone and Ford SVT Lightning boasting beefy V8 engines and zero-to-60-mph times that would put some sports cars to shame. Dodge was a bit late to the party, but made up for lost time with two different performance-minded models. The first was the Dodge Ram SRT-10, which borrowed the 500-hp, 8.3L V10 engine from Dodge’s iconic Viper. Built to be the world’s fastest pickup, the SRT-10 certainly achieved its goal with a sub-five-second zero-to-60-mph time and a top speed of 154.5 mph that earned it a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The second street truck took a different tack, but still delivered some notable results. Designed as a more affordable alternative to the SRT-10, the 2004 Dodge Ram Rumble Bee retailed for $15,000 less than the V10 truck, while still offering plenty of power thanks to its 5.7L HEMI V8. Rated for 345 hp, the original Ram Rumble Bee was built with a lowered suspension and body cladding, a hood scoop, 20-inch wheels, eye-catching yellow accents, and other appearance-related enhancements that underscored its sporty appeal. The pickup was limited to a regular-cab, short-bed configuration. Dodge ultimately produced around 10,000 Rumble Bees between 2004 and 2005.
Ram would revive the buzzworthy badge with a concept model in 2013, the Ram 1500 R/T Rumble Bee. It was a bright yellow, two-door model powered by a 395-hp HEMI V8. This truck would never enter production due to engineering constraints, but Ram wasn’t ready to throw in the towel on high-performance pickups. In 2021, the automaker would introduce the first real contender to Ford’s 450-hp F-150 Raptor with its own Ram 1500 TRX (pronounced “T-Rex,” like the dinosaur that hunted velociraptors in Jurassic Park). Like the Raptor, the TRX was designed for high-speed off-road applications, and certainly checked all the boxes with its heavy-duty design and 702-hp engine. Ford would fire back with the 720-hp F-150 Raptor R, which would mark a temporary pause on the one-upsmanship as Ram’s parent company nixed V8 designs in favor of turbocharged engines following the 2024 model year. The TRX would be replaced by a Ram 1500 RHO model that, while impressive, was ultimately hampered by its 540-hp six-cylinder engine.
Ram would renege on its V8 moratorium as former CEO Tim Kuniskis and HEMI evangelist returned from retirement to champion the V8 approach. In addition to the new Ram Rumble Bee, the brand recently announced that the TRX will also make a triumphant return for the 2027 model year in a new, SRT-branded guise. The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX will match the Rumble Bee’s 777-hp output, but is intended to fill a very different niche. While the Rumble Bee is all about on-road performance, the SRT TRX is designed for high-speed off-road use.
A Swarm of New Models
Ram is rolling out four trims that let drivers dial in their preferred balance of performance and price, but they all share a few things in common. First off are the basic cab and bed dimensions. Regardless of which version you choose, Ram Rumble Bee will roll off the production line in a quad-cab short-bed style that hits the sweet spot between practicality and performance. The automaker has reduced the truck’s wheelbase by a full foot, which translates into obvious handling benefits. The Rumble Bee is also wider than the basic 1500 model, expanding by seven inches to improve maneuverability, and features wide-body fenders that bring the truck’s total width to 88 inches.
A potent powertrain is an important attribute for any muscle truck, but a sport-tuned suspension comes in a close second. Ram has equipped the model with its sophisticated multilink rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and standard Bilstein monotube dampers, while also lowering it by an inch compared to the standard Ram 1500. Every trim routes its power through an eight-speed automatic transmission, but steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters let owners exercise a little more control when doling out precise amounts of power. An optional electronic limited-slip rear differential opens the door to some on-track antics if you’re hungry for some donuts.
The Rumble Bee looks every bit the sport pickup with its body-color fender flares and bumpers, available bedside Rumble Bee graphics, and matte-black hood graphic. These features aren’t all for show. The truck’s exclusive grille and lower air intakes keep everything nice and cool, as does the functional hood scoop borrowed from the Ram 1500 TRX. The same goes for the pickup’s 14.9-inch front-vented brake rotors, complemented by 14.8-inch rear disc brakes. The Rumble Bee is even equipped with Ram’s Performance Pages, which track various metrics, including lap times, personal records, acceleration, and G-force. While the performance model might not match the base Ram’s 11,610-lb maximum towing capacity, it strikes a good balance at 8,890 lbs and features standard four-wheel drive.
Ram 1500 Rumble Bee
0-to-60: 6.2 seconds
Ram kicks things off with the entry-level Ram 1500 Rumble Bee. The trim borrows the 5.7L “Eagle” HEMI V8 from the base Ram 1500, but ditches the eTorque mild-hybrid system without sacrificing performance. Despite the lack of electrical assistance, the truck still matches the Eagle-powered 1500 at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. That should be good enough to spirit the truck from zero to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds and achieve a 14.6-second quarter-mile time.
The interior might not be as luxurious as you’ll find on some higher trims, but it does strike a nice balance between comfort and style. Front bucket seats lend the cabin a sporty feel and will keep you from sliding around when encountering a particularly tight curve. A flat-bottom steering wheel speaks to the pickup’s athletic intentions, while Black Onyx Chrome trim rings and surrounds add a stylish edge to the interior.
Rumble Bee 392
0-to-60: 5.2 seconds
Are you looking to increase the fun factor without breaking the bank? The Rumble Bee 392 will give drivers the chance to enjoy Ram’s 6.4L Apache HEMI V8, which had been limited to the brand’s heavy-duty models like the Ram 2500 and 3500. The enhanced engine delivers a significant boost in power, with 470 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque.
The 392’s interior really ups the appeal of this value-packed trim. The truck comes with a 10-way power-adjustable cloth driver’s seat and eye-catching Prowler Yellow accent stitching, not to mention thoroughly modern tech. The basic 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display is swapped out for a 12.0-inch model, with the Rumble Bee 392 also gaining a 10-speaker Alpine audio system.
Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack
0-to-60: 5.2 seconds
It takes a different breed of truck to succeed at the track, and the Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack is that truck. While it might be powered by the same 6.4L Apache HEMI V8 found on the 392, the Track Pack welcomes a full roster of track-ready upgrades into the mix, starting with the truck’s standard air suspension. This adjustable design enables the 392 Track Pack to be lowered by up to 1.5 inches when activating Track Mode, improving the pickup’s aerodynamic profile. The air suspension improves entry and egress, and can even be used to auto-level the truck when performing any towing or hauling projects.
The Track Pack also features a launch control mode and adjustable dual-valve Bilstein dampers that tighten the truck’s tuning. Factor in the trim’s wider tires, and you’ll be able to enjoy 20 percent more lateral grip than the standard Rumble Bee, according to early estimates. Larger brakes keep the pickup’s considerable power in check, while an E-spool button opens the doors to some rubber-burning fun by locking the rear axles. Inside, you’ll find 12-way power-adjustable front buckets with enhanced bolstering, as well as suede and leather upholstery that’s all tied together by more yellow accent stitching.
Rumble Bee SRT
0-to-60: 3.4 seconds
The SRT badge carries a lot of weight, and the Rumble Bee’s final evolution doesn’t disappoint thanks to the legendary Hellcat engine. The V8 mill measures in at 6.2L, but the supercharger takes the Hellcat engine to the next level. A little forced induction goes a long way, with the SRT’s supercharger allowing the engine to pump out 777 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque. The result is a mass-produced pickup that can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 170 mph. That sort of speed would even leave the Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 TRX in the dust, and easily bests the 154.5-mph record set by the retired SRT-10.
It’s not just the engine that allows the Rumble Bee SRT to achieve such a stat line. Ram has also outfitted the truck with a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a front underbody aero shield that effectively cuts through the air at higher speeds, as well as an available tri-fold hard tonneau cover. The SRT includes an enhanced cooling system that is said to increase capacity by 50 percent, which should come in handy when rounding your local track on a particularly warm day.
The interior includes all of the premium features one would expect from Ram’s top trim, including Natura Plus leather and suede upholstery, a suede headliner, pillars and visors, carbon fiber trim, metal pedals, and Desert Orange accent stitching. The truck’s tech package is second to none, with Ram splurging on a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. An available Blacktop exterior package lets owners set their SRT apart from the crowd with a Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat hood and roof.
Feel the Sting in Late 2026
It’s a bit early to tell how the new line of Ram Rumble Bee models will land with buyers, but it’s about time that the Ram RHO gained a supercharged, street-focused sibling to complement its off-road dominance. While the F-150 Raptor, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, and GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X all represent a respectable take on the high-performance, off-road formula, the Ram Rumble Bee looks to bring something entirely new to the modern market. A strong off-road resume is always a good selling point, but the Rumble Bee will let Ram drivers test their truck’s limits where it spends most of its time: paved roads. Four different trims provide plenty of choices for drivers, and while the top SRT trim will likely creep into the six-figure range, its 777-hp Hellcat engine and head-turning exterior are sure to be worth the price of admission. It’s a promising idea, and one that could help to create a new generation of sporty muscle trucks, but we’ll have to wait to see if the buzz will translate to consistent sales.
