TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
Fully electronic, the TorqueFlite 8HP70 transmission features a torque capacity capable of handling the enormous power of the supercharged HEMI engine. The Ram Rebel TRX concept adds paddle controls for manual shifting capability. In auto mode, more than 40 individual shift maps for very specific conditions optimize shift quality and shift points for fuel economy, performance and drivability. The intelligent software takes into account variables, including engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, hill detection, friction detection and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map. Additional parameters integrated into the control strategy include vehicle speed control, electronic stability control interaction and temperature. The result is automatic shifting ideally attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving demand.
High efforts in shifting have been eliminated with the help of paddle shifters. Shift positions, selected by the driver are transmitted electronically with no mechanical linkage from the paddles to the outside of the transmission. Elimination of this linkage removes any shift effort from the driver’s gear selection, but maintains an intuitive operation with a direct and confident feel.
To anchor power to the ground, the standard Ram 1500 front driveshaft and a custom rear drive shaft link the transfer case to the axles.
Transfer case
The Rebel TRX concept is equipped with Ram’s 4×4 Performance Control System and leverages the Borg Warner 44-45 transfer case, which enables part-time four-wheel-drive operation with a two-speed gear system. The transfer case controls the modes of operation indicated by a TRX pictogram in different environments:
N (neutral) – Disconnects the driveline from the engine and transmission for flat-towing the truck.
2H Normal (two-wheel drive) – Rear-wheel drive only with rear open differential for tractive environments such as dry pavement. This is the best selection for everyday driving.
4H Wet/snow (four-wheel drive) – All four wheels can provide traction with open differentials front and rear. This is the best setting for slick roads, snow, gravel or rain.
4L Off-road (four-wheel drive, low speed) – All four wheels can provide traction with a locked transfer case, open differential in front and locked in rear. This setting leverages torque and is best for very slow (1-5 miles per hour) driving over extremely rough terrain, large rocks and uneven hill climbs.
4H Baja mode (four-wheel drive) – This setting is best when driving like a beast off-road, mostly at full throttle. The system locks the transfer case and locks the rear differential for maximum traction and drive-by-throttle dynamics at high speed in low-traction terrain.