It’s auto show season so, we checked out the latest wheels at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show. This show has always been disproportionally popular for manufacturers looking to show off their trucks and big SUVs but this year trucks clearly dominated the show floor as well as after-hours reveal events.
While the past couple years have been flush with new launches and unveilings, this year was a sort of victory lap for manufactures showing off what the trucks could do such as the Ram experience and Jeep Gladiator ride-along where you can see just how nimble it is compared to its stablemates including the Grand Cherokee and Cherokee.
So, here’s a rundown of what’s new with the top-selling full-size trucks this year at the industry’s largest show – the 2020 Chicago Auto Show.
Chevrolet Silverado HD Carhartt Special Edition
Chevrolet and Carhartt have teamed up to produce a tough-looking truck. Based on the 2020 Silverado 2500 HD LTZ crew cab, this special edition rides with the Z71 Off-Road Package, tuned twin-tube Rancho shocks, Hill Descent Control and skid plates.
A Mosaic Black Metallic exterior color makes this truck look like it was dipped and not painted. The black vent hood inserts, black tow hooks, black grille inserts, along with black bumpers, create an imposing appearance. The paint is accented with a 360º Carhartt gold pinstripe, badging on the doors, rollup tonneau cover and the tailgate. It rolls on upgraded 20-inch, black cog looking wheels with All Terrain tires.
Customers will have a choice of either a 6.6L gas V-8 or a 6.6L diesel V-8. Both offer automatics, with a six speed for the gas V-8, and a ten-speed for the diesel. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but a standard 2500 HD Crew Cab starts at $53,000.
Ford F150 Harley-Davidson Edition
Ford no longer builds a factory F-150 Harley-Davidson, but Tuscany Motor Co. still does, GMC versions too, but it’s the F150 trucks people think of as Harley-Davidson versions.
H-D editions come packing 5.0-liter V-8s with over 700 horsepower. This lofty number is attained via supercharger, aluminum intercooler, upgraded fuel injectors, and performance exhaust. Other mods include BDS-tuned suspension, Fox shocks and 22-inch “Fatboy-look” wheels on meaty 35/12.5/22 all-terrain tires.
The exterior is black (what else) with orange H-D accents, new honeycomb grille, integrated LED front bumper light bar, new rear bumper covers, H-D branded tonneau cover, tailgate badging, and windshield graphic.
Inside, you guessed it, black and orange leather seats, embroidered headrests, H-D logo floor mats, doorsills, and sharp stainless steel dash gauges. Pricing wasn’t announced at show but expect high $90,000 range.
Ram 1500 Rebel OTG Concept
If you want to go off-road for a week, or three, Ram has a truck for you. Sure, it’s only a concept, but the Ram Rebel 1500 OTG (“off the grid”) is the perfect man tripping vehicle.
Ram took a Rebel 1500 EcoDiesel and added an air snorkel for water and rough terrain crossings, 2-inch lift kit, and 35-inch Goodyear tires on bead-lock wheels to navigate tough terrain. Need help on the trail? Ram added LED lighting all-around, a winch, rock rail sliders, traction mats and a high-lift jack.
In the bed there’s a slick folding roof tent/canopy and a solar-panel system for your own portable grid. When you need to eat - a gas-powered stove, sink with water system, and battery-powered cooler can handle culinary needs.
In other FCA debuts, Chrysler announced the Pacifica minivan adds an AWD version. So, if your trips include family, the addition of AWD along with Stow ‘n Go seating are nice for those snowy/muddy trips to the cabin.
Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner Nightshade
Toyota has a very colorful selection of vehicles from Supras to Corollas in their display, but the new Nightshade Editions in Midnight Black Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic really stand out. A new Tundra Nightshade version was announced at the show, featuring “Nightshade accents” of dark chrome exterior mirror caps, door handles, grille and badges. Additional exterior cues include black wheels and matt black exhaust tip.
Inside more black leather seating and dark chrome interior accents. For even more customization Tundras are also available in extra cost Windchill Pearl and Super White.
Toyota is planning to build 5,000 Tundra and smaller Tacoma Nightshade trucks. No pricing yet, but Nightshade editions will likely be an additional $1,000 - $1,500 option.
