Hurricane Engine Gets Upgraded To 700 HP
While the V8-powered Ram 1500 TRX is expected to return soon, the six-cylinder RHO remains the most enthusiast-friendly version of Stellantis' full-size pickup truck. And just as it's done with the TRX—and many other trucks, SUVs, and muscle cars—Hennessey Performance Engineering has given the RHO an upgrade.
The Hennessey Mammoth 700 treatment gives the Ram 1500 RHO more power, bigger tires, and a bit more attitude. And while Hennessey didn't disclose a price for the upgrades, which customers will have to pay on top of the roughly $70,000 cost of an RHO donor vehicle, keep in mind that the final versions of the TRX cost around $120,000 when new.
TRX Challenger
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The RHO serves as showcase for the Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that replaced V8 engines in the Ram lineup for the 2025 model year. The RHO's "High Output" version makes 540 horsepower, but Hennessey pushes output to 700 hp with increased boost pressure, new engine management software, and a new stainless steel exhaust system. That's in line with the 702-hp TRX.
The Mammoth 700 is also available with an off-road package that includes a 2-inch suspension lift, leveling kit, and 37-inch tires mounted on 20-inch wheels. Keep in mind that the stock RHO, which rides on 35-inch tires, already had a 2-inch lift affording 11.8 inches of ground clearance.
Visual changes include a new front bumper with integrated LED light bar, a new rear bumper, and the requisite Hennessey badging. Hennessey also includes a skid plate, and performance brake pads and rotors to deal with the truck's increased power.
Stopgap Effort?
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Whether in stock form or modified by Hennessey, the RHO is a very capable truck. But just as Ford eventually caved to pressure and introduced the Raptor R alongside the standard V6 version, a new factory V8 performance truck from Ram seems inevitable. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said as much during the automaker's last earnings call, noting that a revived TRX and other V8 trucks would help increase sales volumes.
That V8 revival has already started with the naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter Hemi, which returns to the Ram 1500 for the 2026 model year. A new TRX doesn't seem far behind, part of a wave of new products from the truck brand that will also include a midsize pickup, and possibly a passenger van. When that happens, will the RHO get lost in the shuffle?
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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