2011 State Fair of Texas Media Reveals

Unfortunately we were not able to make it out to the State Fair of Texas Media event this year, but we still have lots of news to share!

Ford:

Ford brought, what else, but the biggest, baddest truck to be revealed at the Texas State Fair. First from Ford at the State Fair this year was the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. If you remember we test-drove the 2011 Raptor a few months back and it’s one capable machine. For 2012, Ford expands on its off-roading abilities. New to the Raptor for 2012 is a Torsen front differential that is said to increase grip significantly on the front end of the truck and improve its capabilities in handling obstacles, steep grades, and altogether slippery conditions. Another great new feature is a front camera system. Ford claims this to be a “class-exclusive, patent-pending” technology, but it seems to be more like what Range Rover has been using for a few years now. Basically, it gives you better visibility when you need to carefully navigate around obstacles off-road. The new 2012 Raptor also adds a little in the styling side as well. New wheel design, upgraded interior packages with aluminum accents, and unique bodyside graphics round out the list. After driving the 2011 Raptor, it was hard to see what Ford could really do to make this more capable, but it doesn’t hurt to try. We can’t wait to get our hands on one of these and see how it measures up.

Next up, Ford showed off the new 2012 F-150 FX appearance package. From what we read and what we can tell from the pictures, it looks really good. The 2012 FX will have stealthy flat-black accents, new 20-inch flat-black wheels, new stylized bodyside graphic, and black badge with read lettering. Inside, look for new black leather with red trim and some brushed-metal accents. They have also added a few new technologies to the 2012 FX including hill start assist, a new automatic 4×4 system, and expanded availability of the electronic locking rear axle.

The other big news from Ford was on their already great Eco-Boost F-150. New for the 2012 Eco-Boost 4×4 model is a 36-gallon fuel tank. This with the great gas mileage produced by the Eco-Boost V6 gives this truck a driving range up to 756 miles on one tank!

Scion:

Scion came to Texas and debuted for the first time the 2012 Scion xD Series 4.0 and xB Series 9.0 along with pricing for both. These are both limited production Scions that will be arriving at dealer showrooms in October this year. The 2012 Scion xD Series 4.0 comes exclusively in a premium Blizzard Pearl color. It’s been upgraded with 16-inch alloys that are finished in a smoked platinum color. The pricing for this “exclusive” xD is $16,250 with a manual and $17,050 with an automatic.

Chevrolet:

Chevy announced the first Silverado HD to wear a Texas Edition badge. What’s included? The all-new 2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD Texas Edition is available in 2500HD or 3500HD in both extended and crew cab setups. You get 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels, trailering package and automatic-locking differential, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth with steering-wheel controls, power camper mirrors with integrated turn signals, fog lamps, and chrome door handles and body molding accents. There was no word on the price premium for these Texas Edition HD Silverado’s, but if you live in Texas, it’s the one to get for sure.

Toyota:

The Tacoma is one of the best compact pickups in America and soon it might be one of the only. With all the hype over the Raptor and other manufacturers thinking about contending with the Raptor, Toyota decided to do it their own way. For 2012, Toyota converted a limited number of Tacoma pickups into a special TRD T|X Baja Series, inspired by Toyota’s Baja racing heritage. This TRD T|X Baja Series will be powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. You will see features like Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), a locking rear differential, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). The Baja also adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish. The interior should also get a new look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, and a new seat fabric design for the SR5 grade. This TRD T|X Baja Series Tacoma is still undergoing testing, but we can’t wait to get our hands on one!

Ram:

Ram has been it’s own brand now for about a year and has been focused on making great trucks. New for 2012, the Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty model is said to deliver best-in-class towing and payload with a 3/4-ton capability. With it’s 11,500-pound maximum trailer rating and 3,100-pound payload this Ram 1500 Tradesman HD tows and hauls more than any other 1/2-ton truck.

Also from Ram, the new expanded Ram 1500 Express. You can now get your hands on a crew cab and quad cab 1500 Express. This lineup targets first-time buyers and delivers performance with its HEMI V-8 and Ram distinctive looks for a great price. The 1500 Express Quad Cab starts at $28,050 and the Crew Cab at $30,210 while the regular cab bases out at $23,080.

Ram also unveiled a new, longer RamBox. The RamBox is a new Ram trademark that utilizes the dead space in the rear fenders along the bed and makes them into useable toolboxes. The box now extends to accommodate 6-foot-4inch beds and is now available in all trim levels including Ram HD models.

[source: photos and info by manufacture press release]