Rumors regarding the future of Stellantis performance trucks have circulated for months. Finally, concrete details are emerging about a new contender in the street truck segment. Specifically, insider reports have identified a new Ram truck that targets the sport truck enthusiast directly. Moreover, this vehicle appears to address the long-standing demand for a smaller, faster V8 pickup. Recently, insider sources caught a glimpse of this machine during a Ram event. Consequently, we now have a clearer picture of what this 2027 Ram short cab street truck will look like.
For years, enthusiasts have clamored for a single-cab sport truck. Many buyers simply want a truck they can build to their own specifications. Previously, manufacturers largely ignored this demographic in favor of massive crew cabs. However, it appears Ram is finally listening to its customer base. Recently, spies spotted the new truck, and it features a distinct, aggressive stance. Furthermore, it sports Hellcat-style wheels and a lower profile straight from the factory. Consequently, this creates an immediate street truck aesthetic that has been missing from the lineup.
A Unique Cab Configuration
Interestingly, this new vehicle is not a traditional single cab in the strictest sense. Instead, the design resembles an extended cab truck from previous generations. According to the latest visual intelligence, the truck features a unique door layout. On one side, it likely utilizes a standard full door paired with a half door. This setup provides easier access to the space behind the seats. As a result, it offers more utility than a standard regular cab.
This configuration mirrors the utility found in older heavy-duty trucks. For instance, the Chevy 3500 HD from the early 2000s utilized a similar half-door design. This small addition makes a significant difference in daily usability. Drivers can easily store luggage, bags, or gear behind the front row. Meanwhile, the truck maintains a shorter wheelbase compared to a full four-door crew cab. Therefore, the vehicle remains nimble enough for street performance while retaining practical storage space.
The interior volume strikes a balance between comfort and weight savings. A full crew cab is often unnecessary for performance-focused drivers. Typically, rear seats in performance trucks go unused by passengers. By cutting down the cabin size, Ram reduces the vehicle’s overall curb weight. Consequently, this improves the power-to-weight ratio, which is critical for a street truck. Ultimately, this design choice suggests that Ram is prioritizing driving dynamics over passenger capacity.
Engine Options and Powertrain
Under the hood, Ram is sticking with proven V8 power plants. However, reports indicate that this street truck will not feature a Hellcat engine from the factory. Instead, the powertrain lineup will likely consist of the 5.7-liter Hemi and the 6.4-liter 392 Hemi. This decision keeps the cost manageable while still providing substantial naturally aspirated power. Nevertheless, the lack of a factory supercharger does not mean the truck will lack upgrade potential.
Strong speculation exists regarding Direct Connection integration. Similar to the recent 650-horsepower Ram street truck concept, this new model could support factory-backed upgrades. For example, Ram may offer a supercharger kit specifically designed for these V8 engines. This would allow owners to add forced induction without immediately voiding the warranty. Furthermore, if Ram provides a smaller supercharger option for the 5.7L or 6.4L, it would bridge the gap to the TRX.
However, boosting the 6.4-liter engine presents technical challenges. Specifically, the internal components of the 392 engine require strengthening to handle high boost reliably. To make a supercharged 392 viable, engineers would need to forge the internal rods and pistons. Currently, the standard 6.4-liter BGE block is robust, but the moving parts have limits. While some builders push these engines to 1,300 horsepower, factory reliability requires higher safety margins. Therefore, if forced induction is an option, we hope to see upgraded piston rings and forged rods from the factory.
Pricing and Market Strategy
Pricing will be the deciding factor for this truck’s success. Currently, the Ram TRX commands a price tag well over $100,000. Obviously, a street truck meant for a broader audience cannot carry a six-figure sticker price. Ideally, Ram should position this new sport truck between $65,000 and $70,000 maximum. However, a starting price in the $45,000 to $55,000 range would be far more competitive. This lower entry point would allow enthusiasts to buy the truck and save money for modifications.
Unfortunately, affordability is often a challenge for modern performance vehicles. Yet, Ram must avoid pricing this truck out of the market. If the price climbs too high, it enters TRX territory, which defeats the purpose of a lightweight street truck. A starting price around $55,000 seems reasonable given the current landscape of the Big Three automakers. In addition, this pricing strategy would undercut complex aftermarket builds from competitors.
The Competition and Dealer Hesitation
Historically, Ram executives have been skeptical about the market for this type of vehicle. For instance, former CEO Tim Kuniskis previously remarked on the feasibility of such a project. He noted that while Ram could easily build a sport truck, he doubted that customers actually wanted it. This hesitation has likely delayed the production of a single-cab performance variant until now. However, the enthusiast community strongly disagrees with the notion that “nobody wants this.”
Currently, the market clearly desires high-horsepower street trucks. For evidence, look at the thriving aftermarket for Ford F-150s. Many dealerships and shops install superchargers on single-cab F-150s, creating incredible power numbers. These builds are popular because they offer raw speed in a simple package. By entering this space, Stellantis could capture buyers who currently must build their own trucks. Unlike GM or Ford, Ram seems poised to offer this package directly from the factory.
Overall, the introduction of a short-cab Ram fills a significant void. It serves as a spiritual successor to the muscle trucks of the past. Furthermore, the inclusion of modern suspension and potential ground effects makes it a serious performer. If the production model matches the aggressive look of the leaked information, it will be a hit. Ultimately, it proves that the demand for V8 muscle trucks is still alive and well.
