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| June 02, 2026 | Volume 22 Issue 21 |
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Ram 1500 Rumble Bee: New line of HEMI-powered, racy muscle trucks
2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT. [All images courtesy of Ram]
Ram is tying its participation in the NASCAR Truck Series to an all-new subsegment of muscle trucks featuring three HEMI-powered variants that deliver tons of attitude and performance. Power comes from a choice of the proven 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, legendary 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V-8, or range-topping 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat HEMI V-8 with a mind-blowing 777 hp.
Rumble Bee will come in three main varieties, and each one will have a quad-cab short-bed style that was specially designed for performance: Standard Rumble Bee, Rumble Bee 392, and Rumble Bee SRT.
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 V-8, producing 395 hp at 5,600 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm. Code named Eagle, the engine uses the legendary muscle car formula of cam-in-block push rod 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, pulling 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 in each cylinder, where two spark plugs ensure proper ignition. Like its 6.2- and 6.4-liter V-8 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 eight-speed automatic transmission 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.
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. The 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.
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 V-8. Code name Apache after the renowned attack helicopter, the larger and more powerful HEMI V-8 delivers 470 hp at 6,000 rpm and 455 lb-ft torque at 4,200 rpm. The same cam-in-block, push-rod, 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 eight-speed automatic transmission.
Rumble Bee 392 employs the same 250-mm 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.
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, and function-driven exterior. The Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT follows the power edict of SRT with the high-performance, 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine, code name 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 hp 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 eight-speed automatic transmission reliably handles the additional power.
Thermal management is a 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 airflow, 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.
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 lb of towing capacity and up to 1,160 lb of payload, Ram engineers did not compromise truck duties, but Rumble Bee is different.
2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee 392.
Rumble Bee's unique handling characteristics begin with a modified frame design. A total of 13 in. of length has been removed, reducing frame flex by 10% for greater rigidity and response to driver inputs. Ram engineers and designers saw opportunity in the frame section immediately behind the cab B-pillars, creating the exclusive quad-cab/short-bed combination. 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 in. 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-by-1.2-in. vented discs with 2.2-in. two-piston pin-slider calipers. The rear grips with 14.8-by-0.87-in. discs with 2.2-in. 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.
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% when compared to the entry-level Rumble Bee, with 0.89 g of lateral grip.
Braking on Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT levels up to the mission-specific chassis directive of SRT. Up front are "sombrero-size" 16.1-by-1.65-in. inverted hat (outboard venting) rotors with six-piston Brembo performance calipers. 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.
Aero
With more than 1,000 lb of force impacting the front end of the truck at 170 mph, 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 lb 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.
2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee.
Up front, a 4.5-in. front splitter serves both form and function. 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.
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.
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.
Exterior
For the body design, Rumble Bee and Rumble Bee 392 feature an aggressive front grille, premium front and rear LED lighting, and widebody fenders. Body-color 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 in. by 10 in. with 285/45R22 all-season tires. A 20-by-10-in. wheel with 305/50R20 all-season tires will be available following launch.
The tough, stocky presence levels up with a dramatic departure on Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT. Functional elements, like air intakes, are executed in a way that not only performs, but also evokes a visceral, emotional connection with the truck. Design cues, like the deep chin splitter and aggressive rear spoiler, further draw a lineage to the OG muscle truck -- the Ram SRT10. Like the original "Viper truck," the Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT are unapologetically evil, menacing, and purposeful in their appearance.
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-style 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-by-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. The SRT also boasts a unique Blacktop exterior paint package that covers the hood and roof in Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat for a customized look.
Interior
Rumble Bee takes a page from the interior design ethos of muscle cars with a focus on connecting the driver to the engine. The pieces of the interior that receive the most attention support this mission.
Manually operated cloth buckets with medium Greystone accent stitching hold the driver in place, while a G/T console shifter adds a tactile element to gear changes. To guide the front wheels, designers added a flat-bottom performance steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters and thumb rests carved into the leather rim. Rumble Bee includes a G/T transfer case switch bank to the right of the steering wheel with dedicated buttons for RWD, launch control, and electronic spool, when equipped.
2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee muscle trucks.
There is a full-color 12.3-in. digital display with a unique Rumble Bee start-up graphic. Interior trim rings and surrounds finished in Black Onyx Chrome round out the interior and set the tone: dark, sinister, and purposeful.
Stepping up to Rumble Bee 392 adds a 10-way power cloth bucket seat for the driver and Twill Deco trim for the G/T console shifter and other interior trim pieces. Rumble Bee 392 is controlled through a fat-handed steering wheel with Prowler Yellow accent stitching that extends to the door panels and console.
Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack elevates style and premium content even further. Front occupants enjoy 12-way power adjustable leather and suede bucket seats with increased bolstering. The Prowler Yellow stitching found on the base 392 now extends to the door panels and shifter, and trim pieces like metal door sill plates add model-specific details. Rear-cabin occupants also get premium treatment with matching Prowler Yellow accents on the door panels and leather seating.
The interior of the Rumble Bee SRT is a bold expression of performance, where purposeful design and refined aesthetics come together to meet SRT owner expectations and functional demands. Designers push into material engineering to strike a precise balance between sport and luxury. Unique Desert Orange stitching is placed on the steering wheel, front and rear door panels, leather dashboard, and G/T console shifter, drawing a connection to the supercharged engine's orange-painted block. Anyone stepping into a Rumble Bee SRT will immediately recognize what lies under the hood thanks to this detail. Powered bucket seats are trimmed in ultra-premium Natura Plus leather and suede.
Active Driving Assist is available on Rumble Bee 392. The feature is standard on Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack and Rumble Bee SRT. A digital rearview mirror option replaces the traditional rearview mirror with a 9.2-in.-wide LCD monitor. The digital rearview mirror displays video in real time from a rear-facing camera and can be turned off to revert to a traditional reflective mirror. Rumble Bee offers two different premium audio systems to immerse passengers in sound, including Alpine on the 392 and a Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and a 10-in. subwoofer on the SRT.
The 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee is built in Saltillo, Mexico, and launches with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, with availability starting late 2026. Rumble Bee 392 and Rumble Bee SRT arrive in the first half of 2027. No word on pricing yet. Learn more and get updates at ramtrucks.com/ram-1500-rumble-bee.html.
Source: Ram/Stellantis
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