Ram Enters High-Performance Street Truck Market with 650-HP DC650
The recent re-emergence of high-performance street trucks has ignited a competitive spirit among manufacturers, with Ford's F-150 Lobo sparking responses from its rivals. Fox Factory Vehicles has now thrown its hat into the ring with the Ram 1500 DC650, a custom-built, supercharged powerhouse designed to dominate the streets. This formidable vehicle, featuring a 650-horsepower Hemi V8 and a distinctive lowered profile, represents Ram's compelling entry into this exciting market segment. While not a direct factory offering, the DC650 leverages Stellantis' performance heritage through its Direct Connection components, presenting a strong alternative for those seeking a blend of raw power and sophisticated design in a pickup truck.
The DC650 stands as a direct challenger, built on the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Night Edition, but transformed with significant upgrades that distinguish it from standard models. Its engineering showcases a meticulous focus on both extreme performance and enhanced aesthetics, designed to appeal to enthusiasts who demand more than just utility from their trucks. With its unique combination of power, handling, and visual flair, the DC650 is set to carve out its own niche, offering a compelling blend of speed and style that aims to redefine expectations for street-legal pickups.
Engineering for Unrivaled Performance and Street Presence
The Fox Factory Ram 1500 DC650 emerges as a meticulously engineered street truck, directly addressing the reawakened competition in the high-performance pickup segment. This vehicle is more than just a power upgrade; it's a comprehensive transformation that reshapes both its dynamic capabilities and its visual appeal. Central to its aggressive stance is a sophisticated Ridetech coilover lowering system, which precisely reduces the front ride height by three inches and the rear by 5.5 inches, achieving an optimal low-slung profile. This significant drop is complemented by tubular control arms and adjustable Fox coilovers, which are critical for refining handling and ensuring precise cornering. Furthermore, the integration of traction bars effectively mitigates wheel hop, ensuring that the truck's immense power is translated smoothly to the pavement. The DC650 rolls on 22-inch black alloy wheels, fitted with high-performance 305/40R22 tires, completing its performance-oriented chassis. A distinctive front splitter, rear spoiler, and a gold graphics package not only enhance its aggressive look but also underline its street-focused design, making it an undeniable presence on any road.
Under the hood, the Ram 1500 DC650 boasts a potent 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, which has been significantly upgraded with a Gen 6 Whipple 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger. This formidable power plant generates an impressive 650 horsepower, a substantial increase of 250 horsepower over the Ford F-150 Lobo, setting a new benchmark for performance in its class. The supercharger system is meticulously integrated with a large intercooler, an efficient air-to-water heat exchanger, and an integrated bypass valve to manage thermal dynamics and optimize boost delivery. Remarkably, the DC650 retains Ram’s eTorque mild-hybrid system, which enhances low-speed responsiveness and contributes to smoother, more powerful launches. Exhaust gases are channeled through a T304 stainless steel Cat-Back dual system, featuring 4-inch black tips. This exhaust setup is not only designed for improved flow and a more aggressive sound profile but also engineered to eliminate cabin drone, ensuring a refined driving experience. Inside the cabin, the DC650 continues its bespoke theme with custom black leather seats adorned with elegant gold stitching and "Direct Connection" embroidery, further distinguished by a serialized console badge, affirming its exclusive status.
Market Position and Exclusive Features of the DC650
Despite its formidable performance enhancements, the Ram 1500 DC650 from Fox Factory Vehicles remarkably retains the robust utility expected of a Ram truck, ensuring it's not just a speed machine but also a capable workhorse. This balance of power and practicality is a key differentiator in the high-performance street truck segment. The DC650 is engineered to tow up to an impressive 11,320 pounds and haul a substantial 1,910 pounds, functionalities that are integral to Ram's brand identity. This means that owners can enjoy exhilarating street performance without sacrificing the ability to handle demanding tasks, from hauling equipment to towing trailers. The Crew Cab configuration comes standard with a versatile 5-foot-7-inch bed, providing ample space for cargo and further emphasizing its dual-purpose nature. This blend of extreme power and practical utility ensures that the DC650 stands out as a unique offering, capable of meeting a wide range of needs for performance enthusiasts and truck owners alike.
The Fox Factory Vehicles' Ram 1500 DC650 is positioned at a starting price of $89,995, with additional options including a $4,045 upgrade for 4x4 capability and a $1,085 charge for the custom leather interior. This pricing places the DC650 at a significantly higher premium compared to its competitor, the $59,995 Ford F-150 Lobo, reflecting its extensive custom modifications and enhanced performance. Buyers have the choice of six factory paint colors: Bright White, Diamond Black, Hydro Blue, Forged Blue, Granite Crystal, and Silver Zynith, allowing for personalization. Each turn-key unit of the DC650 is backed by a comprehensive three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, or up to 36,000 miles, whichever benchmark is reached first. This warranty provides purchasers with confidence in their investment, highlighting the quality and reliability of Fox Factory's craftsmanship. The DC650 therefore represents a premium choice for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive, high-performance street truck that combines luxury, power, and practicality.