The Ford F-150 Raptor is one of the hottest pickups on the market, but it’s relatively tame compared to the insane Dodge Ram SRT-10 that prowled the streets more than a decade ago.
While the Raptor focuses on off-road capability, the Ram SRT-10 was a straight up performance machine as you can see in this throwback video from MotorWeek.
Since the company wasn’t turning out modern high-performance engines, Ram simply shoved the Viper’s 8.3-liter V10 under the hood. Despite its massive displacement, the power output isn’t too impressive by today’s standards as the truck was rated at 500 hp (372 kW / 507 PS) and 525 lb-ft (711 Nm) of torque. That’s nothing compared to the Dodge Challenger Demon, but the numbers still beat the F-150 Raptor which has 450 hp (335 kW / 456 PS) and 510 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque.
Also Read: Buy A Viper-Powered Ram Truck And Forget All About Ford’s Raptor
The massive V10 engine was accompanied by an assortment of other upgrades including a lowered sports suspension and a high-performance braking system. Designers installed a sportier front fascia, a functional rear wing and 22-inch wheels which were shod in Pirelli rubber.
Billed as the “most macho pickup in Detroit history,” the Ram SRT-10 could run from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.3 seconds thanks to its six-speed manual transmission. Despite its focus on straight line performance, MotorWeek says the truck was a pretty sharp handler with precise steering featuring plenty of feedback.
While both the Viper and Ram SRT-10 are no longer with us, FCA will introduce a successor of sorts. As confirmed as part of their five-year plan, Ram is working on a 1500 Rebel TRX which draws inspiration from a similarly named concept. The model is slated to arrive before the end of 2022 and reports have suggested the truck will have a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 developing 707 hp (527 kW / 716 PS) and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque.