When it comes to outrageous power and jaw-dropping performance, Hennessey Performance always delivers. This time, they've taken the already formidable Ram 1500 TRX and turned it into an absolute beast with their new Mammoth 1200 package. With the clock ticking down on their farewell to the TRX, Hennessey decided to stage an epic showdown against one of America's premier sports cars, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Curious to see who emerged victorious?
May 17, 2024 at 10:36
- The Ram’s modified 6.2-liter supercharged V8 now runs on E85
- Hennessey ditched the off-road accessories of the Mammoth 1000 to save weight and improve performance
- While the Corvette Z06 is at a big power disadvantage, it performs valiantly against the TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX redefined what we thought was possible from a pickup truck, and the crew from Hennessey Performance has taken this concept to stratospheric heights with the Mammoth 1200 package. For years, the Texas tuner has been offering the Mammoth 1000 package for the TRX, which boosts the power to 1,000 horsepower. The 1000 package also includes several off-road upgrades, ensuring the TRX is more than just a straight-line rocket. However, the Mammoth 1200 package has a different focus.
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Powering the Mammoth 1200 is a heavily reworked 6.2-liter supercharged V8, now tuned to E85 to unleash a staggering 1,200 horsepower. Major upgrades include a new supercharger, revised pulleys, better spark plugs, and an enhanced thermostat. To shave off unnecessary weight and improve performance, Hennessey opted to dispense with the Mammoth 1000's off-road gear, keeping most of the TRX's standard exterior intact. The only major exterior tweak? Sleek 18-inch wheels that hint at the power lurking beneath.
But raw stats only tell part of the story. To truly understand the Mammoth 1200's prowess, the folks at Hennessey lined up their creation against a formidable opponent: the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. This supercar, revered for its track-ready engineering and blistering speed, seemed like the perfect contender to challenge the mighty TRX.
On paper, the Z06 is at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to power. Its 5.5-liter naturally-aspirated V8 churns out a "mere" 670 horsepower and produces 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque. Nevertheless, the Corvette Z06 has a considerable ace up its sleeve: a featherweight body compared to the TRX and a lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission.
The battle commenced with a series of drag races. In the first duel from a standstill, the Ram 1500 TRX catapulted off the line, thanks in part to its all-wheel-drive system and gargantuan torque. As both machines rocketed towards the 130 mph (209 km/h) mark, the Corvette closed the gap, showing off its superior aerodynamics and precision engineering. The race ended in a dramatic neck-and-neck finish, showcasing the abilities of both vehicles.
The second run saw the Z06 struggling against the TRX’s sheer might. Despite the Corvette's nimbleness and speed, it simply couldn't reel in the Mammoth 1200 within the given stretch of tarmac. The TRX powered through, leaving the 'Vette in its dust by the quarter-mile mark.
This duel between the Hennessey Mammoth 1200 and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a testament to the power and innovation in today's automotive world. It's a clash of titans from different realms of the car universe—an all-American muscle truck taking on a supercar. Both machines have their unique strengths, but in this straight-line battle, the numbers favor the mighty Mammoth.