2027 Ram 1500 Direct Connection byRoush First LookRoush PerformanceOld-time racers/tuners whose blood runs Mopar blue will remember Direct Connection as a lifeline of catalogs, performance manuals, and tech-assistance hotlines that connected Chrysler engineering to the folks building cars to run in stock-car, drag-racing, circle-track, off-road, and street-performance events through the '70s and much of the '80s. Stellantis dusted off the name in 2022 to market SRT-developed parts supporting Hellcat, Demon, Drag Pak, and crate-engine customers, and with the 2027 Ram 1500 Direct Connection By Roush Package it's applying the nomenclature to a turnkey off-road performance upgrade package aimed at Hemi-powered midgrade Rams as an alternative to the Rebel.Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 BasedLike the recently introduced Ram 1500 BackCountry model, this package is based on the mainstream mid-grade Big Horn, and while the release doesn't specify, we'd be gob-smacked if it weren't also restricted to the short box (otherwise they'd have to tool up two Roush cat-back exhaust systems). Required options include the Hemi V-8, the 3.92:1 electronically locking rear axle, Level 2 Equipment Group, the surround camera system, and all the forced options those items bring with them. Depending on color, it starts out a shade under $63K.Roush PerformanceRoush Performance PartsLet's manage expectations right at the top: Roush's signature upgrade is missing here: the supercharger. Owners therefore won't want to pick any stoplight fights with 650-hp Roush F-150 SC or Nitemare trucks. The only thing that might affect this Ram's acceleration a smidge (and no numerical power or acceleration-time improvements are claimed) is the aforementioned Active Cat-Back exhaust, which allows for variable noise levels.Roush Performance twin-tube coil-over shocksRoush PerformanceThe balance of the claimed performance enhancement is all suspension, whichincludes the Roush Performance 2.0 Coil-Over Suspension System. Its claim is "custom-tuned twin-tube hydraulic dampers to enhance off-road performance while maintaining confident on-road drivability." There's no mention of any improvement in ground clearance, approach and departure angles and of course four-corner air suspension (available on Rebel) is not offered. And relative to Ram's own Rebel, the twin-tube shocks don't immediately sound like an upgrade over the Rebel's Bilstein monotubes, but we'll reserve final judgement for a drive. Another change is the switch to 33-inch General Grabber A/TX tires on 18-inch performance wheels. Are they grippier than the Rebel's Goodyear Wrangler DuraTracs? Maybe?Roush PerformanceLots of Appearance UpgradesOutside the Ram Sport Performance hood gains what appear to be more aggressive vent appliques and the power dome gets Hemi/Direct Connection badging. Exaggerated fender flares include clearance lighting, a unique grille gets RAM lettering in red, body-color bumpers frame red tow hooks. Around the side there's a lower side rocker graphic, an American flag on the bed, and wheels with Roush "R" center caps and black lug nuts. And the rear is dressed up with a tailgate graphic, another Direct-Connection/Roush R logo, plus black exhaust tips with Roush branding on them.Mopar leather upholstery is part of the Roush Direct Connection package.Roush PerformanceAdvertisementAdvertisementRoushed InteriorThe required Direct Connection package swaps the Big Horn's cloth for Mopar leather upholstery, while Roush adds branding to the mats, center console, and passenger-side upper glovebox to help remind owners what they're driving and to better justify the package price.Roush PerformanceIt Costs How Much?!The package adds $15,995, bringing the entry level pricing to $78,960. It will be factory orderable from Ram dealers and all Roush components carry a 3-year 36,000-mile matching warranty. That sounds to us like the hardest of hard passes, when a Rebel Hemi with similar equipment costs $70,035 (even less with the better-performing twin-turbo six-cylinder engine) and the vastly higher performing, burly-fendered RHO starts at $76,590. But hey, those trucks have 100 percent fewer Roush logos, so if that's what you're into…Photo credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformanceAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformanceAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformanceAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformancePhoto credit: Roush PerformanceAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Roush Performance
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