Have you ever wondered what it’s like to actually be that mythical eight hundred-pound gorilla who sits wherever he wants?  Dodge has just introduced a pretty good way to approximate the experience.  The 2005 Ram SRT-10 is, conclusively, the Next Level in performance pickup trucks.

The idea seems at once preposterous and obvious; why not drop the monstrous Viper V10 powertrain into a Ram pickup and go out hunting Ford Lightnings and whatever else dares get in the way?  And that’s exactly what the folks at Dodge’s Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) did.  PVO is in charge of motorsports, performance parts, and high-performance specialty vehicles.  It’s no coincidence that the Ram SRT-10 combines elements of Winston Cup racer, autocrosser, and Viper supercar into one eye-popping package.  The “SRT” stands for “street-legal, racing-inspired technology.”  This is more than just a pickup truck with a big motor.  PVO made over 160 changes to the base Ram pickup to create the Ram SRT-10.

Power is the story here, though, so we’ll start there.  Yes, it’s the same 8.3 liter V10 used in the Viper.  The changes are minor:  a different oil pan, to accommodate the Ram’s front axle; new exhaust manifolds, and a radiator borrowed from the Ram Heavy Duty truck.  The six-speed Tremec transmission is also shared with the Viper, and uses the same gear ratios.  It’s also got a top-loader Hurst shifter linkage.  Driving the SRT-10 requires a gentle foot on the gas and a steady hand on the wheel.  It can be deceptively docile, but 500 horsepower is never a thing to be taken lightly–especially with a dragstrip-friendly 4.11 rear end.  Flatten the loud pedal and you’ll see 60 mph faster than many sports cars, as well as needing to pick anything that didn’t get out of the way quickly enough –pedestrians, stray dogs, the occasional turbocharged Honda–out of the grille.  The shifter throws and nice and long, like a truck’s are supposed to be, but there’s sports-car precision in there, too.

The suspension has been lowered of course, 1″ up front and 2.5″ out back, and the shorter, stiffer springs are tuned for sports-car handling.  A special damper on the rear axle successfully limits axle hop under acceleration.  The Ram SRT-10 is stiff without being punishing.  Our Texas test route took us mostly over smooth roads, however, so Frost Belt dwellers should take note.  Anti-lock brakes are standard, of course, and the massive rotors measure 15″ up front and 14″ in the rear.  Special cooling ducts help to reduce fade in track situations.  This 5100-pound truck will stop from sixty miles per hour in less than 120 feet.  Stomp the brakes and the Ram SRT-10 stops so quickly you’ll think you ran into something.

PVO decided against subtle styling, and the Ram SRT-10 is intentionally outrageous.  This company’s motto isn’t “grab life by the horns” for no reason, after all.  The Ram’s already massive front end is made even more massive with airdams and a hood scoop big enough to swallow a seagull.  Ground effects down the sides, “Viper Powered” badges and standard 22″ wheels give the Ram SRT-10 a distinct side aspect.  Red brake calipers are visible behind each wheel.  At the rear, a unique bumper and a functional rear wing set this truck apart.  The bodywork isn’t just for looks, either.  The front splitter, side cladding and rear spoiler all benefit from PVO’s Winston Cup aerodynamic experience.  The rear wing (which is removable, by the way) actually reduces lift and cuts down on drag, an uncommon double duty for a spoiler.  For 2005, the Ram SRT-10 is available in regular and Quad Cab verisons.

It wouldn’t be a sports car (er, truck) without a sports car interior, either.  The Ram SRT-10′s firmly-bolstered chairs are a wonderful, comfortable improvement over the standard-issue furniture, with suede inserts and “SRT-10″ logos proudly displayed.  Race-car ambience is provided by metal pedals, an oil-temp gauge on the A-pillar, a Hurst shifter and a big red ignition button on the dash, borrowed from the Viper.  Satin silver and carbon-fiber look trim are liberally applied.  It’s a muscle-car interior, done in pickup-truck scale.  There’s also a 505-watt sound system, “to provide extra boom to go with the V-10 bang,” in Dodge’s words.  Not surprisingly, it’s one of the loudest and best OEM stereos we’ve tested.

All of this testosteroney goodness can be yours for a starting price of $45,000, and it goes on sale just in time for Christmas.  Don’t forget to howl and beat your chest.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10.
Length:         211.6 in.
Width:            79.9 in.
Height:            74.4 in.
Wheelbase:        120.5 in.
Curb weight:        5150 lb. (est.)
Towing capacity:    Not recommended
Payload:        900 lb.
Base price:        $45,000
Engine:         8.3 liter OHV V10
Drivetrain:         six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:         500 @ 5600
Torque:         525 @ 4200
Fuel capacity:        26.0 gal.