Super power pick-up: Dodge Ram SRT-10

22 May 2007

It’s a pick-up truck with supercar performance. The world didn’t need it, but we’re glad we got it.

Adrian Hearn presents the Dodge Ram SRT-10 – the maddest ever pick-up truck – and our seventh wonder of the motoring world. 

It’s a frightening experience putting your foot down in a Dodge Ram SRT-10.

The world’s fastest pick-up packs an 8.3-litre V10 engine, meaning more power than Sellafield and more fun than <place><placename>Alton <placetype>Towers.

The 500bhp and 525lb/ft of pull propels this <state><place>Michigan monster from 0-60mph in around 5 seconds and all the way to 168mph.

I drove the three ton super pick-up around the high-speed bowl at the Millbrook test track in Bedfordshire.

When the automatic gearbox ‘kicks down’ the force is incredible. All that power sent to the rear wheels – especially when I drove it in the wet – is as hairy an experience as you can have.

The acceleration of a supercar, the seating capacity of a BMW M5 and the industrial capability of a Toyota Hilux.

Those are the ingredients that make the Ram SRT-10 - one of our seven wonders of the car world.

The world didn’t need it, but we’d live in a duller place without it.

And you can pick up a two-year-old model for £25k.

The vital statistics

The engine

The Ram uses the same engine as the equally crazy Dodge Viper supercar. That means an 8.3-litre V10 pushing out 500bhp and 525lb/ft of pulling power.

Performance

The SRT’s (Street Racing Technology) epic engine shifts the <state><place>Michigan monster from 0-62mph in 5 seconds and on to a top speed 168mph - faster than a Mitsubishi Evolution.

Cost

Dodge has stopped building the Ram SRT-10. But two-year-old models can be picked up for around £25k. And if you’re using it for work you can claim the VAT back.

Economy

With its enormous engine and titanic weight, you’ll be lucky to get more than 15mpg out of the Ram at a normal speed. Put your foot down and the fuel economy is likely to be halved. 

Size

Sitting on 22-inch wheels, this brontosaurus of the motoring world gulfs everything around it. It’s 5.7-metres long, 1.9-metres high and weighs 3-tons.

Practicality

While there’s the performance of a sports car, the Ram is ideal for an Ikea run. And with a twin cab, it can easily seat five. 

Safety

While it can keep up with a BMW M3, it doesn’t have the safety features of the Teutonic rocket. The Ram boasts just ABS and two airbags

Becks' Ford pick-up

An American pick-up truck previously owned by soccer superstar David Beckham is for sale on Auto Trader.

The Ford F150 Harley Davidson edition packs a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 engine, producing a heavyweight 340bhp.

And despite its humble pick-up truck roots, this particular F-150 boasts a full complement of accessories, including leather upholstery, satellite navigation and a reversing camera.

Beckham this week played his first game for Los Angeles-based LA Galaxy following a move rumoured to be worth around £121m.

He and wife Victoria have since become the toast of Tinseltown, rubbing shoulders with stars including Tom Cruise and Will Smith.

Pole Position Cars in Cobham, <place>Surrey currently have the 45,000-mile car – which has Becks' name on the logbook as the previous owner – advertised for £18,995.