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Updated: July 8th, 2008 05:26 PM EDT

New Models Roll Onto Showroom Floors

Toyota, General Motors, Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet trucks have all made significant upgrades.

hydroformed body structure
The patented, hydroformed body structure is made up of two high-strength steel side rails welded to the bulkhead and frame.
Stowable Bed Extender
A Stowable Bed Extender folds out of the way when not needed.
2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty
The 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty offers a new look inside and out and is powered by an all-new Power Stroke diesel.
Tailgate Step
A Tailgate Step pulls down and out in one motion, providing access to the bed.
2007 Chevrolet Silverado HD
The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups feature new styling.
cargo management system
A cargo management system allows dealer-ordered accessory packages to be configured to suit your application.
170° opening rear access door.
Extended cab models feature a new 170° opening rear access door.
instrument panels
Low and forward instrument panels provide a more airy feel, as well as a panoramic field of vision.
upper storage box
Added storage space includes this upper storage box and lower glove box.
Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs
The Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs represent the company’s foray into Class 4 and 5 commercial trucks.
instrument panel on the 2008 Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs
The instrument panel on the 2008 Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs has been designed for ease of navigation.
Dodge oversized seats
The trucks feature oversized seats, including available bucket seats with leather trim.

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Curt Bennink
By Curt Bennink
Senior Field Editor

The competition to win your business is really heating up. In the last couple of months, Toyota introduced its Tundra and General Motors totally revamped its GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickups. Now, we have test driven the new Ford Super Duty, and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 pickups. In addition, DaimlerChrysler has announced that Dodge will enter a new segment of the market with its Ram 4500/5500 trucks.

Ford increases capacity
Ford adds more capacity to its line with the introduction of the F-450 Super Duty pickups. These trucks have their own unique chassis that allows for increased capabilities. Towing capacity has been increased from 19,200 lbs. on the previous F-350 to more than 24,000 lbs. for the F-450. Payload capacity has grown from 5,800 to more than 6,120 lbs.

Since Ford claims that more than 90% of Super Duty customers tow, the diesel powerplant is an important option. The previous 6.0-liter diesel Power Stroke engine has been replaced in the line-up by a totally new 6.4-liter model. This powerplant pumps out 350 hp at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm. Engine response and low-end performance has been improved with series sequential turbochargers.

Ford also continues to offer the 5.4-liter Triton V-8, which produces 300 hp at 5,000 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. at 3,750 rpm; as well as the 6.8-liter Triton V-10, which produces 363 hp at 4,750 rpm and 457 lb.-ft. at 3,250 rpm. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a TorqShift five-speed automatic.

This year also sees refinement to the suspension. The leaf-spring rear suspension features 8-in. longer springs that attach farther forward on the frame for enhanced balance and better control.

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