Autoblog

2013 Ram HD and Chassis Cab pickups are ready for work [UPDATE]

Chris Paukert — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Diesel, Off-Road, Ram

Auto enthusiasts often point to the pony car wars as the last bastion of one-upsmanship among Detroit's automakers, but the truth is, the pickup wars are every bit as competitive - if not more so. Auburn Hills keeps a ready eye on what their rivals in Dearborn and Detroit are doing, and vice-versa. Today, that battle is renewed with the introduction of Ram's 2013 Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab lines at the State Fair of Texas. Why a state fair? The Banner State is the perfect battleground for pickup supremacy, as Texas accounts for one of every five pickups sold in the U.S.

Towing and hauling metrics are poised for a substantial improvement. "... and not just by a little bit."

On the HD front, Chrysler is boasting that its brand-new heavies will bring best-in-class towing, torque, payload and Gross Combined Weight Rating, but thus far, it's declining to cite what those figures are. For the moment, though, Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram told us at an Auburn Hills background event earlier this month that key towing and hauling metrics are poised for a substantial improvement. "And not just by a little bit. I think we're going to shock the world," said Diaz.

Visually, not much has changed over the outgoing models - Ram customers told Chrysler not to mess with their distinctive drop-shoulder look. On 2500 and 3500 HD models there's a new, taller grille, which necessitated a new hood as well. SLT trims and above receive LED corner lamps and certain models receive LED taillamps as well. Other changes include redesigned wheel choices, a new power fold mirror design and - to show you how carefully automakers think about intended use - redesigned badges on the bodyside. Why? Because the new "portrait-style" badges better accommodate the signage that many commercial truck buyers add to their doors.

But far more important than stinkin' badges for work trucks is what's underneath, and to that end, there are some significant changes to report from the House of Ram. For 2013, HD models get essentially all-new frames with wider front rails to accommodate new suspension design geometry. Front suspension on the 3500 goes to a three-link design to accommodate heavier loads and weighty front-mounted accessories like snow plows. As one would expect, the rear still rides on leaf springs, but Ram says they've been redesigned to improve handling and hauling ability.

Continue reading 2013 Ram HD and Chassis Cab pickups are ready for work [UPDATE]

2013 Ram HD and Chassis Cab pickups are ready for work [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch bows in Texas, V6 claims towing title

John Neff — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury

The 2012 State Fair of Texas is set to fire up this weekend in the Lone Star State, which means domestic automakers are in the mood to talk about trucks. Ford is using the occasion for two major announcements, the first being that the F-150's standard 3.7-liter engine can now pull a class-leading 6,700 pounds. That's 200 pounds more than the 2013 Ram 1500 and its 3.7-liter V6, and a whopping 1,300 more than the Chevy Silverado when powered by General Motors' 4.3-liter V6.

The second announcement is the debut of the 2013 F-150 King Ranch. The King Ranch has been offered by Ford since 2000 when the Blue Oval and the very large, very old and very much still in operation Texas-based King Ranch partnered up, making this year's model the 12th edition.

The 2013 F-150 King Ranch features its own version of the truck's new three-bar grille, and its two-tone exterior can be complemented with optional 20-inch machined aluminum wheels. Buyers can also opt for monochrome paint, HID headlamps, as well as a unique King Ranch chrome package. The interior features all of the latest Ford tech, including MyFord Touch and ambient lighting, and can be ordered in the King Ranch's trademark Adobe colors or black. Powering the King Ranch are your choice of Ford's 5.0-liter V8 or 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, though both are mated to the same six-speed automatic transmission.

So yes, the King Ranch is not much more than an F-150 with an earthy color palette, lux'd up interior and a unique set of wheels, but it's also one helluva handsome truck in our eyes.

Continue reading 2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch bows in Texas, V6 claims towing title

2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch bows in Texas, V6 claims towing title originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota unveils Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Limited Edition in Texas

Drew Phillips — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Toyota, Off-Road

Ford took everyone by surprised when it unveiled the F-150 SVT Raptor back in 2008, not only with the truck's capability but by the fact that they had the guts to produce it at all. The success of the Raptor left other automakers scrambling to produce something similar, although everything yet has fallen short in one way or another. Chrysler unveiled the Ram Runner Concept at SEMA last year, although you have to build it yourself if you want one, and GM has merely teased the idea of producing the Sierra All Terrain HD Concept shown earlier this year.

Now, Toyota is stepping up to the plate with the Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series. Unveiled today at the Texas State Fair, this limited-edition truck takes inspiration from Toyota's Baja racing history and features items like an electronically-controlled locking differential, TRD off-road package with Bilstein race shocks and an increased ride height of two inches, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires and bead-lock style wheels. Power comes from Toyota's 4.0-liter V6 and both a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission are available.

The TRD T|X Baja Series also benefits from changes made to the standard Tacoma for 2012, including a restyled front end with a new hood, grille, front bumper and headlights. The interior gets a new instrument panel, updated gauges, new steering wheel and more. You can read full details about both the standard Tacoma and the limited edition Baja Series in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota unveils Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Limited Edition in Texas

Toyota unveils Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Limited Edition in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota teases 4Runner in advance of debut deep in the heart of Texas

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Toyota

2010 Toyota 4Runner teaser - Click above to expand and enlarge

Toyota is using the occasion of the annual State Fair of Texas - an event automakers commonly use to unveil new pickup trucks (as Toyota itself did with the Tundra back in 2006) - to launch its latest 4Runner SUV for the 2010 model year.

While Toyota isn't yet ready to unleash all the details on its newest body-on-frame 4Runner - which is scheduled for its official unveiling in late September - the Japanese automaker has decided it is high time to tease America's remaining SUV fans with a lone image showing a new 2010 4Runner perched atop a rock with what appears to be an appropriately beefy and heavily-protected undercarriage.

Toyota promises that the fifth-generation 2010 4Runner will be "more rugged than ever" and will offer "sure-footed off-road capability and increased comfort with added roominess." Mini press release after the break.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota teases 4Runner in advance of debut deep in the heart of Texas

Toyota teases 4Runner in advance of debut deep in the heart of Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'09 Ford F-150 wins Truck of Texas award

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150

Ford has managed to snag an important early victory over the equally-new Dodge Ram by being crowned the 2009 Truck of Texas over the weekend. Both the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 are nearly all new for '09 and are competing against stiff competition from the relatively new Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra for a parking spot in Texan garages. Some 15% of full-size trucks sold in the United States end up in Texas and the sales crown usually goes to the Truck of Texas award winner. The Blue Oval also managed to snag the best truck-line award, the best SUV of Texas and the best CUV of Texas with its Expedition King Ranch and new Flex, respectively. Mopar fans will be happy to know that Dodge didn't leave the Lone Star state empty handed. We're not sure how given that the F-150 is also a full-size truck and took the top trophy overal, but the new '09 Ram managed to win the full-sized Truck of Texas award and its optional RamBox was named Outstanding Truck Feature.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

'09 Ford F-150 wins Truck of Texas award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram Lone Star edition

Cowboys and truck-lovers unite for the Texas State Fair every year around this time. It's where big-time truckmakers often release special editions of their pickups just for the Texas market, again underscoring just how important the Lone Star State is for sales. So it is this year with the 2009 Dodge Ram Lone Star edition. Starting life down the assembly line as a Ram Crew 1500 SLT in either two- or four-wheel drive, various chrome accents, 20-inch wheels (either painted or chromed) and big 4-inch dual exhausts integrated into the rear bumper have been added. Inside, a lighting group is standard equipment along with an up-level leather steering wheel. Lest those following you don't know what or where you're driving, a Lone Star badge is affixed to the tailgate left of the huge Ram-head logo. Very subtle. The good news is that Texans won't be charged an arm and a leg for the Lone Star edition, as it adds just $1,500 to the price of a HEMI-equipped Ram, a big savings over the $3,560 it would cost to replicate otherwise. If all of this is enough to make you want one, and you live in Texas, expect the Lone Star to reach your favorite dealer sometime next month.

Gallery: Dodge Ram Lone Star

[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair

Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Tundra race team wears bowtie to Texas State Fair

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Chevrolet, Toyota

It's during moments like these that you know Toyota wishes it had a heavy-duty version of the Tundra. While the currently-available versions are capable of rescuing shipping containers in distress, and can make like the Millenium Falcon escaping from a giant space slug, they cannot haul the transporter that carries the Tundra race trucks. As our friends at Jalopnik show, at the Texas State Fair, that task is left to the maximum-cojones of a Chevy Silverado 3500 HD. Oh, what a feeling... of humiliation.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Toyota Tundra race team wears bowtie to Texas State Fair originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last but nowhere near least, Dodge unveils 2008 Resistol Edition Ram Mega Cab

John Neff — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Dodge, Misc. Auto Shows

click either image to view full high-res gallery of 2008 Resistol Edition Dodge Ram

General Motors unveiled its two-mode hybrid Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Ford unveiled a 60th Anniversary package for the F-150 and Super Duty, as well as the 2008 Harley Davidson editions. Finally, Dodge has taken the stage at the Texas State Fair, the new de facto venue for truck announcements, and unveiled the 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Resistol Edition. For those like me who had never bothered to Google "resistol" before, it's a hat, a cowboy hat to be precise. The company who makes them is Dodge's newest co-branding partner, and the resultant love child is a giant truck with a cowboy hat theme. And yes, for your $48,310, Dodge will give you a Resistol Black Gold 20X felt cowboy hat with your truck, but you'll have to buy your own chaps and spurs.

The truck itself is a Ram Mega Cab with dual rear wheels, and is available as a 4x2 or 4x4. 17-inch chrome wheels turned by the company's 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel with a six-speed automatic are standard. What makes this a Resistol truck, however, is the two-tone color scheme of Dark Khaki Metallic and Light Khaki Metallic (who knew cowboys liked khakis so much?). The requisite spate of special badges adorns the exterior, along with a set of new stainless steel tubular running boards. Inside the cab awaits Yuma and Graystone leather seats embossed with the Resistol cowboy hat logo, as well as premium floor mats that have been branded with the company's logo in stitch.

Dodge is only producing a limited run of the Resistol Edition Ram Mega Cab, but declined to reveal how limited, so if you're a cowboy who needs a new horse, might want to mosey on over to your nearest Dodge dealership and make acquaintances with the purveyor.

[Source: Dodge]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Resistol Edition

Continue reading Last but nowhere near least, Dodge unveils 2008 Resistol Edition Ram Mega Cab

Last but nowhere near least, Dodge unveils 2008 Resistol Edition Ram Mega Cab originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tundra launched in Texas

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Texas State Fair goers were granted an exclusive look at two new Toyota Tundra pickups on Tuesday, where the automaker sought to show its wares in a venue perfectly suited to make the most of the Tundra's work-inspired physique and powerplant.

The new pickups will be assembled down the road at ToMoCo's brand new billion-dollar assembly plant in San Antonio, which has grown beyond Toyota's expectations. Initially, the facility was only to cost around $600m and create jobs for approximately 2,000 workers. Those figures have now grown substantially, costing Toyota over a billion green backs and employing 4,100 Texans.

It's a huge undertaking and is expected to establish Toyota as a major player in the full size truck market, as long as demand for full-sized pickups doesn't tank as some analysts expect.

The full press release is available after the jump.

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Continue reading Tundra launched in Texas

Tundra launched in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Round-up: Detroit's big new diesels for next year

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC

Over the years, the big two-point-five may have lost market share to their overseas counterparts, but one segment that no foreign manufacturer can touch is Detroit's diesel pickup offerings. With that in mind, GM and Ford will announce the power ratings of their newest oil burners during, where else, the Texas State Fair.

For General Motors, Ford and Dodge, the magical torque figure is 650.

Dodge's newly redesigned 6.7-liter, inline-six will dole out 350 hp and 650 ft./lbs. of torque when equipped in their 2500 and 3500 lines of pickups. Ford will follow Dodge's lead and boost displacement of their Powerstroke V8 to 6.4-liters, from the previous model's 6-liter powerplant, with horsepower expected to crest the 350 hp mark as well. Both vehicles will go on sale this January.

The General, whose offerings should hit dealer lots in the first quarter of 2007 as 2008 models, will attempt to win back some of its 'Professional Grade' consumers with the new Duramax. According to GM, the new diesel will make approximately 360 hp and, you guessed it, 650 ft./lbs. of torque.

Expect to see more specific figures over the next few months.

[Source: GM and Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Round-up: Detroit's big new diesels for next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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