Detroit may be the biggest, but Chicago's annual auto show is traditionally where many of the major automakers unveil their latest truck offerings. This year was no exception, as Dodge, Hummer, Toyota, and Nissan all chose the Windy City to debut some cool new products. If you went to the Chicago show, you know what we mean by "cool."
The latest Dakota is new inside and out, with revised sheetmetal that's decidedly Nitro-esque, to be "better aligned with the rest of the Dodge truck lineup," says DaimlerChrysler. The truck will be offered in two cab lengths-extended and crew-and six trim levels. A new version of the 4.7L V-8-with two spark plugs per cylinder, like the Hemi-puts out more horsepower (290) and torque (320 lb-ft) than last year's H.O. version, while returning better fuel economy. The new 4.7 is also E85 capable. Look for the new truck at dealerships in August.
Dodge also chose Chicago to unveil its latest commercial trucks-the Ram 4500 and 5500 (shown here) chassis cabs. Both are powered by 305hp/610-lb-ft, 6.7L Cummins turbodiesels and can be backed by six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, both with PTO capability. The chassis cabs will compete within the Class 4 and 5 segments with a gross vehicle weight range of 14,000 to 19,500 pounds. We're guessing the cool old Wagoneer is an extra-cost option.
Nissan's fullsize trucks receive a facelift for the new model year. More significantly, the Titan also gets a long-wheelbase chassis, allowing for bigger beds behind the King- and Crew-Cab bodies. The trucks are still powered by the 5.6L, 317hp Endurance V-8, though if industry rumors are true, a diesel should be available in the pickup in another couple of years. Among Titan's trim levels is a new PRO-4X model, which includes off-road-ready equipment like lower gears, an electric locking rear diff, Rancho shocks, and extra skidplates.
Nissan's midsize SUV also got a visual freshening for '08, but the biggest news is underhood: The 5.6L Endurance V-8 is now an option, giving it "300-plus" horsepower and torque (sounds like the engineers are still sorting out the tuning) and 7,000-pound towing capacity. Should you not need all that grunt, the 266hp, 4.0L V-6 is also available.
Both the H2 SUV and SUT will be available with a new Victory Red appearance package for '07. In addition to the special color, the new package includes body-color fender moldings and rocker moldings with an integrated assist step; a lower-profile, roof-mounted lightbar with integral lamps; a rear-vision camera; chrome hood handles, hood latches, a hood louver, exterior side vents, rear D-rings, and fuel filler door; and 17-inch flangeless chrome wheels. Prices for the new H2 models, which hit showrooms in February, are in the mid-$60,000 range
Toyota describes this midsize SUV as "significantly larger, roomier, and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces," though its fuel economy is virtually unchanged. The latest Highlander is 4 inches longer overall (with 3 inches added to its wheelbase), 3 inches wider, and offers an inch more ground clearance. A new, 3.5L, 270hp V-6 will power the base, Sport, and Limited models. Two months after the Highlander's July introduction, the hybrid version will go on sale, powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Net horsepower for the gas/electric hybrid will be 270, and it will deliver 31 mpg city, 27 highway.
SEMA and Shell joined forces to display some highly modified vehicles at the Chicago show, including Skyjacker's eye-catching '07 Jeep Wrangler project vehicle. Unveiled late last year at the SEMA Show, the Rubicon Unlimited sits on a 6-inch long-arm suspension that clears 37x13.50-20 Toyo Open Country M/Ts and tows a Tentrax trailer on matching rolling stock.