Dodge discontinued the distinctive Rumble Bee going into the 2006 model year, leaving the Dodge Ram SRT-10 as its top-rated performance truck. Then, in 2007, Dodge clipped the SRT-10 from the catalog and focused on more practical pickup trucks.
In 2013, Ram — now charting its own course after spinning off from Dodge in 2010 — set the sport truck community abuzz again with a new Rumble Bee concept truck unveiled at the Motor City’s Woodward Dream Cruise. Marking the 10th anniversary of the original Rumble Bee introduction, the concept Bee also featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Ram coaxed an extra 50 horsepower out of the 5.7-liter HEMI, bringing the total to 395. Engine torque also increased by 32 lb-ft over 2004 values, bringing total torque to 407 lb-ft. These performance increases are due, in part, to Mopar’s cold-air intake system and cat-back dual exhaust.
The dual exhaust system cut-out is another feature that improves upon the original. Overshadowed by the honeycomb-inspired interior graphics and the faux-amber-incased honeybee in the shifter knob are two push-button-style selectors for exhaust cut-outs labeled “RUMBLE.” The choices provided indicate an option for a slight rumble or full rumble as the soundtrack for your drive.
Ultimately, thoughts of future Rumble Bee production faded as automakers turned to performance off-road pickup trucks.
