This 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, also known as the Desert Runner, has just hit the market after appearing in a high-octane sequence from Fast X, where its bespoke build was thoroughly tested. With a retail price of $265,000 on the Race-Dezert forum, this one-off monster combines the glitz of Hollywood with the gritty competence required for desert running in a huge manner.
Built specifically for the film by SMP Fab, this vehicle appeared in a high-speed cameo with John Cena and had to withstand a lot of punishment. To achieve the desired look without relying on fancy camera tricks, production required a vehicle that could withstand the hits. SMP delivered by transforming a standard 2021 TRX into a full-fledged desert pre-runner, complete with engineering that allows it to hammer along at high speeds over rough terrain for extended periods of time. According to sources, the overall cost of the renovation exceeded $300,000, with $100,000 of that going toward the suspension alone. This truck’s history as a SEMA showstopper adds another chapter to its story.
- TOY CAR MODEL KIT– Boys and girls ages 9 and up create thrilling movie action by building one of the most iconic cars in movie history with the LEGO Technic Fast and Furious Toyota Supra MK4 set (42204)
- FAST AND FURIOUS CAR – Fans will be delighted by the LEGO Toyota Supra sports car toy, which is packed with realistic details and authentic movie references, including 2 NOS bottles in the car's trunk
- ACTION-PACKED FEATURES– Builders assemble the 6-cylinder engine, steering, opening hood and removable Targa top roof, then recreate favorite Fast and Furious movie scenes
The power comes from a 702hp / 650 lb-ft supercharged 6.2 liter Hellcat V8, which is a beast that requires careful handling. As it turns out, the engine itself was not significantly modified, but the gearbox successfully channels that tremendous output through a seriously redesigned chassis. A custom exhaust system has also been precisely routed through the frame rails so that its large pipes do not get in the way as it crosses obstacles, and it remains responsive whether launching across dunes or simply driving over wide washes.
The actual money was spent on the suspension, which has nearly 18 inches of front travel thanks to a long-travel J-arm design, coilovers, tie rods, and limit straps. Out back, the rear travel is nearly 24 inches, which is where the 4-link short-course setup and 55-inch billet links really shine, along with King’s unique 3.0 x 18 coilovers. A completely trussed semi-float rear axle, unique bump stops, and engine cage help stiffen the frame and provide a location to put larger shocks. All of this adds up to more than twice the travel of a normal TRX, at 13 inches front and 14 inches rear.
To manage all that extra suspension travel, the body has been significantly modified with custom made fenders (carbon fiber up front) and massive 40-inch BFGoodrich KR3 tires on Innovate wheels that widen the track to 96 inches. To achieve that extremely narrow approach angle, the cooling components have been stowed under the bodywork. Skid plates protect the critical areas, a large fuel tank provides the range required for extended desert runs, and a bed-mounted spare and comprehensive lighting package all contribute to the desert-racing appearance seen in the film.
The odometer shows only 11,000 miles, which is a rather low figure given how much work and effort went into this construction. Every system was developed, built, tested, and optimized with one purpose in mind: real-world desert performance, rather than simply looking good as a static show. Attempting to achieve this level of integration now would need a comparable amount of effort and money.
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