2027 Ram SRT Rumble Bee Unveiled as a Compact Street Truck Featuring a 777-HP V8 Engine

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      You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Muscle weighs more than fat,” and it’s about to be echoed even more in the upcoming months thanks to Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis and his team, who are eager to move past a few challenging years by unveiling three new V8 street trucks under a classic name. Introducing the 2027 Ram Rumble Bee.

      This revived performance pickup will be available in three versions: the base model, featuring a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing 395 horsepower; the Rumble Bee 392, equipped with the impressive 6.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 delivering 470 hp; and the Ram SRT Rumble Bee, boasting a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 with 777 hp. Notably, all models come in the newly offered combination of a smaller Quad Cab and short bed, yielding a wheelbase that's over a foot shorter than standard.

      Kuniskis is well aware that this concept isn’t new. He openly acknowledged that it has been attempted before, with limited success, for various reasons. The last attempt was around 20 years ago during the era of the F-150 Lightning, the earlier Ram Rumble Bee, Chevy’s Silverado SS, and the powerful Viper-powered Ram SRT-10.

      Trivia Time: When was the last occasion that Mopar used an aluminum engine in an SRT-badged truck? While I’d prefer you ponder this without the answer, I must apologize to Mr. Kuniskis—while a Hemi-powered street truck is exciting, it can never reach the legendary status of a Viper-powered Ram. I stand firmly by that.

      Before you start checking prices for the RAM SRT-10, it’s important to note why Kuniskis considers it a disappointment: although it was undeniably impressive, the 505-horsepower, V10 pickup fell short in terms of utility. The enthusiast-specific short-cab version with a manual transmission never had a competitive tow rating, while the automatic Quad Cab could manage a respectable (for its time) 7,500 pounds.

      This time, Ram assures that none of that confusing mishmash exists. There is just one transmission option—the eight-speed automatic. All you need to do is choose your engine. Interested in towing your 8,500-pound trailer to the lake, launching your boat, and then heading to the local drag strip to run a blistering quarter-mile without changing tires? Then you might just be in the market for a muscle truck.

      So, what defines a muscle truck? With Ram having this space to call its own, the product team is somewhat inventing this category on the go, yet a clear formula has started to form: take a standard half-ton, trim 13 inches off its total length, add a V8, and mix well. Which V8, you ask? All of them, of course!

      The 5.7

      The base Rumble Bee features Ram’s iconic 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive comes standard, but it includes just a single-speed transfer case (without a low range) and a final drive ratio of 3.92:1. Regardless of which Rumble Bee you choose, it includes an instant RWD mode for impressive, smoky burnouts, plus launch control for the intended use of those tires.

      Both the 5.7 and 392 models come with a standard steel suspension that is distinct from the basic 1500’s due to the shortened frame. The SRT model comes with full air suspension as standard, while it is an option on the mid-range 392.

      The 392

      Yes, we’re featuring the 6.4 in the light-duty chassis—a shortened version at that. Don’t get too eager; these trucks still weigh around 6,000 pounds. You’ll get a robust 470 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque from this hefty V8, and it shares the same 3.92:1 rear end ratio as the 5.7.

      At first glance, the 392 may seem like merely an engine upgrade, but it’s also the first trim to offer the Rumble Bee’s Track Pack option.

      What does a “track pack” add to a pickup? For starters, air springs. The adjustable suspension can lower the truck for better handling while softening the ride during less spirited driving. Additionally, the track pack introduces two drive modes to the SRT’s selection—“track” mode and a power-limiting “valet” mode. Thanks to the upgraded tires and suspension, track pack models can achieve 0.89 g of lateral grip. The best that Car & Driver managed from the previous TR