Stellantis may be down, but it is definitely not out of the muscle machine market. Its new Rumble Bee lineup takes up where the old HEMI Chargers and Challengers left off. It’s hard to argue with a 777 horsepower Ram 1500 truck with a targeted top speed of 170 mph and quarter-mile times in the 11.6 range.
Also joining the party is the Rumble Bee 392, the first time the brand has offered the 392 HEMI variant in the Ram 1500 platform.
Rumble Bee SRT features massive 325/40R22 all-season tires on 22- x 12-in. wheels — the widest tire and wheel combination the company has ever offered on a production vehicle since the legendary Dodge Viper. Rumble Bee features an exclusive combination of Quad Cab short bed for improved handing dynamics and appearance, with a wheelbase reduction of 13 inches. At 88 inches wide and 219.5 inches long, it gave engineering an opportunity to create a stocky muscle truck with content changes at each level of performance.
Somehow, the idea of muscle trucks was labeled unnecessary, but since that describes so many products that captivated enthusiast’s hearts, minds and wallets, Ram is going all-in — pushing for the last tenth with a full-range of Rumble Bee muscle trucks. — Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO
Driver controls essential to the muscle truck experience are shared across all Rumble Bee models — flat-bottom performance steering wheel, console shifter, and paddle shifters.
Breaking It Down
Four Ram muscle trucks are actually being offered:
- Rumble Bee with 395 horsepower
- Rumble Bee 392 with 470 horsepower,
- Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack with performance upgrades
- Rumble Bee SRT with 777 horsepower
Rumble Bee comes with a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI V8, with availability starting late 2026. Rumble Bee 392 and Rumble Bee SRT arrive in the first half of 2027. Power comes from a choice of the proven 5.7-liter HEMI V8, legendary 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V8 or range-topping 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat HEMI with a mind-blowing 777 horsepower. The top level Rumble Bee SRT crushes 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, rips through the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds at 116 mph, and rockets to a targeted top speed of 170 mph — setting a record as the most powerful, quickest, and fastest V8-powered production pickup ever.
Talk about the answer to a question no one ever asked!
“There was a time when pick-up trucks were considered work vehicles. Today, Ram has a truck for every customer — from the work ready Tradesman to full-blown luxury in Tungsten. That kind of range makes it hard to predict the second vehicle for a customer. But, for muscle car owners data proves it’s a pickup and the connection has been staring us in the face since the era reignited almost two decades ago,” said Tim Kuniskis, Stellantis’ Head of American Brands and CEO of Ram. “Somehow, the idea of muscle trucks was labeled unnecessary, but since that describes so many products that captivated enthusiast’s hearts, minds and wallets, Ram is going all-in — pushing for the last tenth with a full-range of Rumble Bee muscle trucks.”
Twenty years ago, Ram discontinued production of the original muscle truck, the 8.4-liter V-10,
500-horsepower Ram 1500 SRT10 “Viper truck.” Since then, the pickup segment has been left with a void. Now, Ram is launching a lineup of muscle trucks to reignite passion for performance pickups, including an SRT variant that pushes the limits of a half-ton pickup platform.
Under The Hood
The entry point to Ram’s new muscle trucks is the 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee with the 345 cu.-in. (5.7-liter) HEMI, producing 395 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 410 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,950 rpm. Codenamed Eagle, the engine uses the legendary muscle car formula of cam-in-block pushrod design, but with modern hardware like variable valve timing – operated via an oil control valve that lubricates a unique camshaft sprocket and phasing device to adjust camshaft timing.
Aluminum cylinder heads include two valves per cylinder and pull air from an active intake manifold with a short runner valve to optimize torque and horsepower. At lower engine speeds, the valve closes, resulting in improved low-end torque from the longer runners. At higher engine speeds, the valve opens, diverting the incoming air into the center of the manifold. The shorter runners result in improved horsepower and an optimized powerband.
A black-painted iron block houses a crankshaft that pushes pistons at a 90-degree angle with 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 firing order. Engine compression tops out at 9.5:1, where two spark plugs ensure proper ignition. Like its 6.2 and 6.4-liter V8 siblings, the 5.7-liter HEMI Rumble Bee forgoes eTorque and stop/start technology but does feature the Multi-displacement System (MDS), which reduces pumping losses on cylinders 4, 3, 5 and 2 during light-load driving to save fuel.
Horsepower is routed through Ram’s TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP75) with both automatic and manual shifting capability controlled via aluminum paddle shifters or the G/T console shifter. The transmission design optimizes power delivery and fuel economy, depending on load and the weight of a driver’s right foot.
Every Rumble Bee includes full-time active four-wheel drive, thanks to the Borg Warner 48-11 transfer case with a variable torque split in four-wheel-drive. Being keenly aware of the pure nature of Rumble Bee, designers and engineers also integrated a button next to the console shifter that disconnects the front axle for true rear-wheel-drive-only operation.
The 5.7-liter Rumble Bee uses a 3.92 ring and pinion ratio for optimized acceleration. The 250-mm (nearly 10-in.) rear axle includes a conventional differential or optional asymmetric limited slip differential (late availability).
Rumble Bee 392 and Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack deliver on a long-time request for more displacement in the Ram 1500 with the platform’s first application of the 392-cu.-in. (6.4-liter) HEMI V8. Codenamed Apache after the renowned attack helicopter, the larger and more powerful HEMI delivers 470 hp at 6,000 rpm and 455 lb.-ft. torque at 4,200 rpm.
The same cam-in-block, pushrod, aluminum-head design includes variable valve timing, but with 2.14-in. intake valves and 1.65-in. exhaust valves for more breathing room.
Although based on the 5.7-liter HEMI, the Apache shares very few parts with its smaller displacement brother. Within the 392 iron block, an upgraded forged steel crankshaft and hypereutectic cast aluminum pistons with floating pins deliver a 10.9:1 compression ratio. Power is transferred through the same quick-shifting TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP75).
Rumble Bee 392 employs the same 250mm rear axle with a 3.92 ring and pinion ratio, while the Track Pack gains an electronic spool differential that can electronically lock the axle to command an even torque split between both rear tires. Operated via a button located to the right of the steering wheel, the electronic spool differential is intended for drag race starts and burning rubber. An asymmetric limited slip differential remains an optional upgrade on both 392 variants (late availability).
Sitting at the top of the muscle truck lineup, the Rumble Bee SRT must adhere to the self-imposed pillars of SRT performance: Awe-Inspiring Powertrain, Mission Specific Chassis, Performance Interior / UX and Function Driven Exterior.
The Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT follows the awe-inspiring power edict of SRT with the high-performance, 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine, codenamed Hellcat. This variant of the HEMI is the most powerful internal combustion engine ever offered in a production pickup.
The Hellcat engine features the same 4.09-in. (103.9 mm) bore as the 6.4-liter HEMI and the same 3.578-in. (90.9 mm) stroke as the 5.7-liter HEMI, giving it a total displacement of 376 cu.-in. or 6.2-liters. The supercharger is a 145-cu. in. (2.4 liter) twin screw design with integrated charge coolers capable of producing 13 psi of boost. The Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT pushes 777 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 680 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.
The orange painted block includes a forged steel crankshaft and hypereutectic cast aluminum pistons with floating pins, good for a 9.5:1 compression ratio. A more robust version of the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP95) reliably handles the additional power.
Thermal management is arguably the most demanding challenge with this level of performance. Rumble Bee SRT is designed to handle racetrack duty cycles in 100-degree heat. Leveraging the unique performance fascia for increased air flow, SRT engineers designed an all-new cooling system to manage engine coolant and oil temperatures. The fascia design also flows more air to the front brakes to assist with cooling and Rumble Bee’s gut-departing braking performance.
SRT engineers selected a ring and pinion ratio of 3.55 to match the supercharged torque and to chase a record-breaking top speed of 170 mph. The rear axle also includes the electronic spool function to evenly distribute power to the massive 325-mm rear tires while in rear-wheel-drive mode. An optional track-tuned asymmetric limited slip properly distributes torque in track driving conditions.
| 0-60 mph (seconds) | Quarter mile (seconds) | Quarter mile (mph) | |
| Rumble Bee | 6.1 | 14.6 | 93 |
| Rumble Bee 392 | 5.2 | 13.2 | 101 |
| Rumble Bee SRT | 3.4 | 11.6 | 116 |
ENGINEERING
In terms of driving dynamics, the engineering team’s primary challenge was to make Rumble Bee handle “untrucklike.” Often, truck owners ride the top of the steering wheel, modulating the crown of the road, correcting for the occasional gust of wind that pushes the truck or trailer out of line. With up to 8,890 pounds of towing capacity and up to 1,160 pounds of payload, Ram’s engineers did not compromise truck duties, but Rumble Bee is different.
Rumble Bee’s unique handling characteristics begin with a modified frame design. A total of 13 inches of length is removed, reducing frame flex by 10 percent for greater rigidity and response to driver inputs.
Taking more than a linear foot from the wheelbase of a half-ton truck may sound complicated, but Ram engineers and designers saw opportunity in the frame section immediately behind the cab B-pillars — creating the exclusive Quad Cab/short bed combination. Once the body and frame solutions were finalized, work was needed to adapt supporting systems. The driveshaft, wiring harness, fuel lines, brake lines and other connections were all shortened and now carry unique part numbers for the Rumble Bee application.
The Ram 1500 has two core suspension offerings: coil and air. Standard condition up front is an independent front suspension (IFS) coil system. The rear solid axle is controlled by Ram’s defining five-link coil system. The second suspension option is supported by Ram’s class-exclusive four-corner air suspension, replacing the coil springs at the same attachment points. Ram’s unique air suspension provides a comfortable ride and automatically levels the truck with payload or trailer load. The system further lowers the truck’s ride height for better aerodynamics at highway speed.
The Rumble Bee and Rumble Bee 392 both use steel suspension. The IFS short-long arm (SLA) design uses longer arms when compared to a standard Ram 1500, which gives Rumble Bee a 6.8-in. wider track width for increased stability and a menacing stance. In the rear, the axle is 7 inches wider than standard, also contributing to improved handling characteristics. Bilstein monotube performance shocks control compression and rebound with unique internals when compared to a standard Ram 1500. To further reduce body roll, the front and rear axles use robust stabilizer bars that limit sway, maintaining traction during high-G, spirited driving. This combination firms up the driving dynamics on the first two variants of Rumble Bee for true muscle-truck handling.
Front braking on Rumble Bee and Rumble Bee 392 is handled by 14.9- x 1.2-in. (378 x 30 mm) vented discs with 2.2-in. (57 mm) two-piston pin-slider calipers. The rear grips with 14.8- x 0.87-in. (375 x 22 mm) discs with 2.2-in. (57 mm) single-piston pin-slider calipers.
Rumble Bee and Rumble Bee 392 are customizable with five different drive modes: auto, sport, snow, tow and custom. Each mode adjusts stability control, throttle mapping, braking and steering to assist the driver with the specific task.
For the Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT, the air suspension option is the standard condition for its performance benefits. Although the damping is firmer and adjustable on the two top performers, the air suspension allows additional compliance during normal driving conditions while maintaining SRT’s control at the limit doctrine.
Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT add a dedicated track driving mode and power-limiting valet mode for a total of seven driver selectable options: auto, sport, track, snow, tow, custom and valet. Like the coil sprung variants, the drive modes on these two trucks adjust stability control, throttle mapping, braking and steering, but add adjustable suspension to the equation which can further lower the truck 1.5 inches for improved handling in track mode. In line with the four pillars of SRT, track mode also relaxes stability control, allowing spirited driving without excessive intrusion.
Bilstein Damptronic Sky dual-valve, semi-active performance shock absorbers cover each corner with internals built for the task of all-out performance. Dual electronic proportional valves continuously adjust damping forces for precise, independent control of compression and rebound. The combination of SRT suspension tuning and performance tires results in a skid pad improvement of more than 20 percent when compared to the entry level Rumble Bee, with 0.89g of lateral grip.
Braking on Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT levels up to the mission specific chassis directive of SRT, taking advantage of the bigger meats on all four corners. The braking system must properly meet SRT targets for track time on the most robust SRT Ram product to ever come from the organization. Up front, sombrero-sized 16.1- x 1.65-in. inverted hat (outboard venting) rotors with six-piston Brembo performance calipers are enough to put the truck into a nose wheelie. Every Rumble Bee features full-time active four-wheel drive and a “RWD” button. Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT take performance a step further with a separate electronic spool button to allow for playful oversteer and smokey burnouts while in RWD mode.
Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT also feature a dedicated launch control button for competition-level starts. Line up the truck on level ground, drop it into drive and switch to Sport or Track. Next, hit the physical launch button to the right of the steering wheel (or tap it in the performance pages), mash the brake and bury the throttle. When Rumble Bee gives you the green light — release the brake and hang on.
Cheating The Wind
The standard Ram 1500 delivers an impressive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.357 — on par with many midsize SUVs. But with the Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT, the trucks’ more aggressive design prioritizes stability, cooling and downforce over efficiency. This deliberate tradeoff is a clear example of function-driven design — where airflow is intentionally manipulated to enhance performance.
At speed, airflow becomes a powerful engineering tool. With over 1,000 pounds of force impacting the front end of the truck at 170mph, the Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT efficiently manage the flow. Ram engineers worked closely with designers to harness the air to cool critical running gear — including the engine, brakes and transmission — but also to generate 192 pounds of positive downforce, countering lift as air moves under and around the truck at 170 mph. Four primary aerodynamic elements make this possible, each one an education in materials engineering.
Up front, a 4.5-in. front splitter serves both form and function. Its primary role is to properly divide airflow – both under the truck and into the grille – and generate substantial downforce to keep the front end planted. At speed, the splitter operates just inches from the ground, balancing crucial airflow above and below the component for high-speed stability. The splitter is constructed from sheet molding compound (SMC), a high-strength, fiber-reinforced thermoset plastic commonly used in demanding automotive and structural applications.
Additional aerodynamic aids work largely out of sight. At 170 mph, airflow through the front grille becomes so substantial that some of it must be redirected after passing through the cooling stack. Beneath the engine, directly in the airflow path, a front aero shield links the splitter to the cradle and fascia. While it resembles a skid plate, the component plays a critical aerodynamic role. Made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thermoplastic, the shield is also engineered to contribute additional downforce.
Ducts integrated into the front fascia also relieve frontal pressure and channel air directly to the brakes, reducing brake temperatures by more than 30 percent, depending on vehicle speed and ambient temperature.
At the rear, aerodynamic performance is equally intentional. While rear spoilers are uncommon on trucks, and even rarer as functional components, the Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT require rear downforce to maintain high speed stability. Early simulations revealed the need for an aggressive design. The spoiler was redesigned from its original 45-mm profile to a pronounced 80-mm sweep. At speed, substantial force is applied to the top of the tailgate, balancing the downforce generated up front by the splitter and aero shield while helping maintain rear tire traction.
Despite its size, the rear spoiler remains fully compatible for real‑world truck duty. Designed to withstand tailgate operation and expected impacts, the spoiler is secured with eight mechanical attachment points and spans the width of the tailgate. It is constructed from durable thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), chosen for its toughness, manufacturability and long‑term UV resistance.
The trifold tonneau cover is a popular Ram 1500 feature, but the standard soft construction allows excessive surface deformation under aerodynamic load at high speeds. For this reason, Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT feature an optional, trifold, hard tonneau cover. The increased structural rigidity limits deflection under pressure, enabling the cover to manage airflow more predictably. As vehicle speed increases, aerodynamic loading on the cover generates stabilizing downforce at the rear of the truck, improving balance and high-speed stability while maintaining the packaging efficiency and accessibility of a tri-fold design.
Outrageous Exterior Design
This first-time offering of a Quad Cab/short bed (overall length 219.5 inches) with a widebody stance (88 inches) gave Ram designers compelling proportions when creating Rumble Bee. Removing 13 inches of frame between the axles provided additional freedom for designers to sketch a truck that belongs on a racetrack.
No detail was spared, and even badging design was a noteworthy event. Designers reached into Mopar world visuals from the 1960s for inspiration and created an updated Rumble Bee character that evokes Ram’s performance heritage. The logo makes three appearances in the muscle truck lineup, changing in color, wing design and attitude with increasing performance. The first Rumble Bee features the head of an angry bee in Satin Black and Dark Neutral Metallic with the body of a HEMI V8 engine and a stinger leading its charge. Rumble Bee 392 and Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack feature the same bee but with the stinger in Satin Black and the body in Prowler Yellow. The most threatening bee marks the SRT version, covered in Satin Black and Spitfire Orange stripes with swept-back wings and a stinger ripping first without fear.
For the body design, Rumble Bee and Rumble Bee 392 feature an aggressive front grille, premium front and rear LED lighting and widebody fenders. Bodycolor fender flares and bumpers help plant the truck visually, emphasizing its heroic width and leveraging the breadth of colors available, including Detonator Yellow, Molten Red and Ceramic Gray. The performance design theme demanded unique, smaller mirrors — a first-time offering for Ram. This allowed a shorter mounting arm, bringing the assembly tighter to the body for a more aggressive look. Rumble Bee naturally sits low, allowing ease of entry and exit without the need for sidesteps. Optional bedside graphics are available on all Rumble Bee versions, amplifying the angry bee icon down the side of the truck.
Wheels on the Rumble Bee and Rumble Bee 392 measure 22 inches x 10 inches with 285/45R22
all-season tires. A 20- x 10-in. wheel with 305/50R20 all-season tires will be available following launch.
That menacing face pushes an enormous volume of air, which in turn demands aggressive, functional styling. Designers funnel air into different areas for maximum cooling and downforce, including a functional induction hood that feeds cool air to the HEMI powerplants and a tri-fold, hard tonneau cover. Pronounced lower grille openings, in place of a traditional steel bumper, further guide air through the racecar-styled fascia to feed the induction chiller, brakes, radiator, transmission cooler and oil cooler.
An optional matte black hood graphic adds visual contrast while also reducing glare on the windshield for track driving.
Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT feature an all-new, unique 22- x 12-in. wheel design that can mount the second-widest rear tire the company has ever offered — 325 mm — only beat by the legendary Viper. The tire and wheel package are matched to the overall 88-in. width of the truck and add to the broad-shouldered appearance.
Looking from the rear, the tire and body width ratio make the 392 Track Pack and SRT appear as if they should be lining up at the dragstrip.
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