Top hi-tech pick-up trucks in America for 2008
Trucks are, what you hear and see back in the old days, workhorses. Period. However, that fact will remain in the past as trucks these days are becoming par excellence with the sedans and SUVs. They have far more features compared to the sedans and SUVs. Not only they are workhorses but they also feature some of the most luxurious amenities that the regular sedan would have, or that of an SUV, for that matter.
From grunting to humming, these machines sure can do wonders
In my previous posts about the Mitsubishi Triton and Ssangyong Actyon Sports pick-up trucks, I have continuously harped on the comfort levels of these trucks and how are they being different. Besides having the ability to rough up on offroad conditions, these trucks have been acclimatised to meet market demands for truck makers to achieve maximum profitability. The American truck market is seeing the need tweak the beasts to be more consumer-friendly, and so has the Malaysian market as well.
Let’s look at the crème de la crème of America’s (not-so) beasty machines for 2008:
Lincoln Mark LT
Lincoln was the pioneer in putting the luxury into trucks, something that old-school truckers cannot accept (an still is). The Mark LT smartly mixes functionality and entertainment, such as a 5.5-foot bed that can handle a 1,680-pound payload, including real wood trim around the instrument panel and a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel. A premium sound system with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, eight speakers (including an 8-inch subwoofer) and SIRIUS Satellite Radio is a standard on all models. And while steering-wheel audio controls are common on many vehicles these days, the Mark LT conveniently adds climate-temperature and fan-speed buttons on it.
Toyota Tundra
The SR5 and Limited models are available with a DVD navigation system, backup camera, a JBL audio system with 12 speakers and 440 watts of amplification and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. Now thats a helluva disco club on four wheels! And all Tundras incorporate Toyota’s Star Safety system—with Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist—along with driver- and front-passenger side airbags and front and rear roll-sensing side-curtain airbags. The best in safety and entertainment you could get on this baby!
Cadillac Escalade EXT
Introduced in 2002, the 2008 EXT offers heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel and power adjustable pedals. A Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio system features a “dual-play” radio with a top slot for DVD-Audio or DVD-Video discs and a bottom slot for a 6-disc CD changer. The luxury truck was built based on the full-sized SUV and a pick-up truck.
Dodge Ram 1500
Dodge’s pick-up truck have been historically created macho-looking trucks. The new Ram 1500 offers UConnect Communication Bluetooth system for hands-free operation of mobile phones, while the rear-seat Video Entertainment System (VES) available in the Quad Cab and Mega Cab models can keep the occupants in the backseat entertained for hours. With a built-in DVD player, 7-inch LCD screen and two pairs of wireless headphones, the system also comes with auxiliary inputs for hooking up an external A/V source such as a video game system, iPODs, etc.
Ford F-150
Ford’s pickups offer many of the conveniences found on other competitors: heated seats, rear entertainment system, power-adjustable pedals and a reverse sensing system. The truck is available with the FordLink mobile office package as an option, where, it consists of a a tablet-style touch-screen computer that runs on Windows XP Professional and Windows Office and offers navigation, wireless broadband Internet access and USB and printer ports. FordLink can create spreadsheets and bids, process payments, download and send digital pictures or anything else that a conventional desktop or laptop can do.
Chevrolet Avalanche
The Chevy Avalanche has a rearview camera system that can view the rear bed and rear end when reverse gear is engaged. The camera works in conjunction with Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that provides audio and visual alerts when sensors in the back bumper detect an object in the truck’s rearward path. For front view during the winter, a heated windshield washer system warms washer fluid up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit, while a remote-start system can get the interior nice and toasty before you get in.
Honda Ridgeline
Honda’s Ridgeline has innovative features like the Lockable In-Bed Trunk and Dual Action Tailgate that drops down as well as swings open. A power rear-sliding window is standard on this one. On the top-of-the-line RTL model, available comforts include dual-zone automatic climate control and a heated, 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support. XM satellite radio is an alternative for the subwoofer-backed audio system, and the feed slot for an in-dash 6-CD changer is tucked behind the nav screen. The Ridgeline’s GPS navigation system features an 8-inch monitor, which can be operated via voice control. Cool, eh? A rear-seat, DVD-based entertainment setup is optional, as are back-up sensors, and a back-up camera on nav-equipped Ridgelines. Already 2 years in the market, the Ridgeline has nothing but more awe factor to stay.
Nissan Titan
The Titan is a full-size pickup that can’t do anything different than the other teched-out trucks on this list, but it does do it better in many respects. There is an option to have Rockford Fosgate premium audio systemon all but the base-line XE model is one of the best you’ll find in any pickup. The patented 3D Birdview feature of the Titan’s navigation system, also an option on the PRO-4X and LE models, provides panoramic views of your route and current location. A Bluetooth hands-free system uses voice activation. Also available is a memory function that allows programming the position of driver’s seat, outside mirrors and adjustable pedals for two separate drivers.
These full-size pick-up trucks on the list may not be available in Malaysian shores. Heck, even the mid-size trucks that we have i.e. Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and the Mazda BT-50 are having a tough time to convince the locals that there is much more function and comfort than a bullish-looking vehicle for construction sites! But, I am positive that it will arrive our soil when the pick-up truck reaches maturity.
Story adapted from MSN Autos
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