After years of performance trucks being almost exclusively focused on off-roading, they're still mostly focused on off-roading. However, the winds may be shifting a bit. Ford is exploring the space for street-focused performance trucks again, first with the Maverick Lobo, and more recently with the F-150 Lobo.Now, Ram is taking the idea to another level with not just one, but three different versions of its new hot rod pickup. Say hello to the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee, and it's not simply offered in three appearance packages either. Each one gets unique powertrain options, handling upgrades, and even a frame not shared with any other 1500s. How Would You Like Your Hemi? 2027 Ram 1500 SRT Rumble Bee front three-quarterNow that the Hemi is back, Ram is making sure V8 customers are happy and Rumble Bee is no exception. You can get three different V8 engines in this sport truck, with the entry point being the regular Rumble Bee packing a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8. It's the same basic V8 available as an option on most Ram 1500 trim levels, producing 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Ram says this version will get to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds.Next up is the Rumble Bee 392, named after the cubic-inch displacement of the naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8 under its hood. Ram has never offered a 6.4-liter V8 in the Ram 1500 before, and it's not the workhorse engine from the 2500. It's the high-output mill used in the various Wrangler 392 trims and the old Challenger/Charger. It makes 470 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. This version will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and turn 13.2-second quarter mile.Finally, at the top of the range is the SRT Rumble Bee. This gets the infamous supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that first appeared in the Hellcat Chargers and Challengers so many years ago. This version is identical to the engine in the SRT TRX, making 777 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque. Unsurprisingly, it has the quickest acceleration of the three, with a zero to 60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, a tenth quicker than the TRX, and a quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds. Ram hasn't given a final top speed for the SRT, but it's targeting at least 170 mph. That would make it comfortably the fastest production pickup truck ever.All three engines bolt to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the SRT version getting a heavier duty version to handle the extra power. Connected to the transmission is a transfer case to allow for power to go to all four wheels, but it's a single-speed version with variable front and rear torque split.Joel Stocksdale / CarBuzz / ValnetThat means it's suitable to use on pavement, even in dry conditions, though you won't have a low-range for crawling around on trails, but hey, there are other Rams for that. Being a single-speed transfer case also reduces weight over a traditional two-speed unit, and a Ram engineer said it also allows for higher top speeds.Rumble Bees will also have a mode to switch to rear-drive only for some tire-smoking shenanigans. The base model comes standard with an open rear differential and the option of a limited-slip. The SRT and 392 will each come with an electronic locker, but also with the option of a limited-slip differential. Also worth noting is that both naturally-aspirated Rumble Bees get a final drive ratio of 3.92:1, whereas the SRT gets a final drive of 3.55:1. It's Not Just About Power And Speed Joel Stocksdale / CarBuzz / ValnetRam didn't stop at just big engines for the Rumble Bee, but also brought multiple chassis improvements for both the entry-level and high-end versions. The base model and 392 come standard with coil spring suspension managed by upgraded Bilstein shocks. Stiffer anti-roll bars also improve cornering. Both models also ride on 22-inch wheels as standard with 285-mm wide tires, with 20-inch wheels and 305-mm tires as an option.Moving up to the 392 Track Pack and SRT, Ram fits adaptive Bilstein shocks with air springs. These allow for the ability to lower the truck even further as needed for improved aero and lower center of gravity, while also offering some flexibility for ground clearance and comfort as needed. They also get 22-inch wheels that are two inches wider than those on the base truck. They're wrapped in 325-mm wide tires, which are even wider than the rear tires on the Challenger Demon 170. Stopping power is improved thanks to larger 16.1-inch front rotors clamped by 6-piston Brembo calipers. Isn't It A Little Short To Be A Ram 1500? StellantisLooking at a Rumble Bee, there are two things you'll probably notice first. For one thing, it has the extra wide fenders from the RHO and TRX. Those give the Rumble Bee and Rumble Bee 392 a width of 88 inches. Being a truck, that means it also has to bear the same orange clearance lights as the off-road pickups, too. The SRT and the Track Pack-equipped 392 are ever so slightly wider at 88.3 inches thanks to extra flares on the fenders, along with a unique front fascia and rear spoiler. The base Rumble Bee and 392 just get the RHO and TRX bumpers.The Track Pack 392 and SRT don't get the different styling just for visual flair, though. Everything plays a part in improved aerodynamics, including the front splitter, front brake cooling ducts, rear spoiler, and even the available tonneau cover. They all help provide 192 pounds of positive downforce across the truck.Joel Stocksdale / CarBuzz / ValnetThe other major visual change is the overall length. The Rumble Bee is the shortest 1500 you can get, as it combines the short Quad Cab four-door cab with the short bed from the trucks that have the longer Crew Cab body. This required Ram to shorten the truck frame significantly. The company ended up taking 13 inches out of the middle of it. While Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said that a big part of this change was to get a shorter, more athletic shape, it also improved chassis rigidity by 10%.Aside from the short body and different bumper configurations, all Rumble Bees get a TRX-style hood with badging proclaiming what lies beneath it. Rumble Bee badges also adorn the outside with an angry-looking bee with a V8 making up its thorax. Finally, Ram will offer a two-tone stripe package (shown on the yellow SRT in photos) as well as a big Rumble Bee graphics package for the sides (shown on the red 392).Stellantis The inside is a bit more modest. All Rumble Bees get the Ram G/T center console and shifter, along with metal shift paddles behind the steering wheel, which is itself a sportier flat-bottom unit. The instrument cluster is fully digital, and the analog display option has a speedometer that maxes out at 200 mph. A unique badge also appears on the center console armrest.The base Rumble Bee gets a simple cloth interior with manually-adjustable front seats and the smallest 8.4-inch infotainment screen. The 392 brings power-adjustable front seats and a 12-inch infotainment screen. The Track Pack adds leather and suede, extra bolstering, and "Prowler Yellow" stitching and accents. The SRT gets the largest infotainment screen at 14.5 inches, as well as orange stitching and accents, carbon fiber trim, metal pedal covers, and extra leather on areas such as the steering wheel's horn pad. It's Buzzing To Dealers Soon Joel Stocksdale / CarBuzz / ValnetThe first Rumble Bees to go on sale will be the base models. They'll show up late this year, with the 392 and SRT models coming in the first half of next year. Ram hasn't revealed how much they'll cost, though. Ram will likely aim for somewhere around the price of the Ford F-150 Lobo, since that will be its most direct competitor, especially for the base Rumble Bee.For reference, the Lobo has a starting MSRP of $57,800, which comes to $59,995. With the Ram's list of exclusive parts, though, it might be tricky to hit that price point. The 392 and SRT will almost certainly cost significantly more. Considering much of the commonality between the SRT Rumble Bee and the SRT TRX, we wouldn't be surprised if that range topper ended up with a similar six-figure price.2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee front three-quarter
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