MBRP has recently introduced a new exhaust system designed to enhance the sound of the 2025 Ram 1500 SST’s Hurricane straight-six turbo engine. The system offers three options: Armor Lite, Armor BLK, and Armor Pro, each with its distinct features and price point.
The Armor Lite, constructed from aluminized steel, is the most affordable option, starting at $700.39. The Armor BLK, also made of aluminized steel, is similar to the Lite but features a black coating for a more aggressive appearance.
The Armor Pro, on the other hand, is crafted from durable 304-grade stainless steel, offering superior durability and a premium finish. The featured truck in the video showcases the Armor Pro system with optional carbon fiber exhaust finishers, which add a touch of luxury and style. While the exact composition of these finishers remains uncertain, their addition enhances the aesthetic appeal of the exhaust system.
The cat-back exhaust system significantly improves the aural quality of the Hurricane engine, which, despite its twin-turbo setup, can sometimes sound a bit muted. While it won’t dramatically transform the engine’s character, the MBRP exhaust system adds a more satisfying and aggressive tone.
In terms of warranty coverage, the Armor BLK is protected for one year, while the Armor Lite offers a more comprehensive three-year warranty. The Armor Pro, however, stands out with its lifetime warranty against workmanship or material defects, including surface and penetrating rust. It’s important to note that this warranty does not cover discoloration caused by heat, which is a natural consequence of exhaust system use.
All three MBRP exhaust systems are designed to fit the standard-output Hurricane engine. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there is no MBRP exhaust option available for the high-output version of the Hurricane engine. The Ram Tradesman Quad Cab, equipped with a 6’4″ box and rear-wheel drive, starts at a surprisingly high price of $40,275.
The Big Horn, a slightly more upscale model, costs nearly $5,000 more, despite its similar features. The Big Horn comes standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, while the 3.0-liter Hurricane SO adds $2,695. The Hurricane engine also upgrades the transmission from the 850RE to the 8HP75. The 850RE is a licensed version of the 8HP50, while the 8HP75 is produced by ZF Friedrichshafen.
The Hurricane engine offers 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque in standard tune, and 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque in high-output tune. The discontinuation of the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for 2025 is a significant loss for Ram, as it will likely impact both fleet and retail sales. The V8 engine was a popular choice among consumers, and its absence will leave a void in the Ram lineup.
The Ram truck brand’s P/U series experienced a 20% decline in deliveries in the United States during the first half of 2024, falling to 179,526 units. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including the discontinuation of the V8 engine, increased competition from other truck brands, and economic uncertainty. It remains to be seen how Ram will address these challenges and regain its market share.
The company may need to introduce new models or features to attract customers. Additionally, Ram may need to focus on improving its fuel economy and emissions performance to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
