There isn’t really a lot out there today in terms of hot street pickups. Sure you’ve got Ford’s Baja inspired SVT Raptor, but just about everything else needs to be built out of a parts catalog.

Not that it’s all bad though. For Chevy fans who want a bit more oomph than the stock Silverado provides, Reeves Callaway and his team now offer a supercharger package on the 5.3 and 6.2-liter Vortec V-8s. By adding a positive displacement Roots type supercharger, liquid-to-air intercooler, bigger flow intake and upgraded fuel system, Callaway says the package will result in 450 honest horsepower from the 5.3 and 540 ponies from its bigger brother.

In addition to the engine upgrades, Callaway will also throw in special exterior badging and embroidery on the headrests and floor mats, plus a three-year, 36,000 mile limited warranty.

However, for those that want to spend more than the $15,995 on top of a standard Silverado, stand alone options include chrome detailing, a sport tuned suspension package, special alloy rims and performance tires and upgraded brakes. As of yet, the Old Lyme, Connecticut based company has still to announce pricing on those individual options.

Nevertheless, if you want the fastest bowtie pickup on the block, or just plain and simply, tired of those smug 1999-04 F-150 Lightning owners, the Callaway Silverado might just be right up your alley.

[Source: Callaway Cars]

Given that it’s October and the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) expo is just days away, vehicle builders and parts manufacturers are gearing up to display their latest wares.

Ford‘s current F-150 pickup is hot and perhaps not surprisingly, at least seven customized versions of this and the bigger Super Duty will be taking center stage.

Among the highlights will be a 2011 F-150 by A.R.E accessories, a popular maker of toneau covers, caps and other truck aftermarket add-ons. The theme of the A.R.E. truck will be promoting the Pro Football Hall of Fame that serves to educate, honor and preserve the history of professional football. The truck will sport special ‘stadium sillhouette’ paint, with the box containing football memorabilia and the interior finished in pigskin leather.

Another cool truck is the Mickey Thompson TTC Baja F-150, which sports a Fabtech suspension with a 6-inch lift, 35-inch M/T TTC tires, Warn Industries recovery gear plenty of PIAA driving lights and a striking black/yellow/red finish.

In complete contrast, are a pair of slammed customized street F-150s powered by the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. One, built by Godfather customs, features a 2.5 inch cowl hood, custom two-tone paint, halo taillights and custom front and rear bumper assemblies. The other, created by the Custom Shop will sport more of an ‘eco’ theme, with lightweight wheels, tires with reduced rolling resistance, lighweight tonneau cover and custom, low emissions DuPont paint.

Other than the Mickey Thompson truck, we’re most eager to see the Pit Boss F-130 build by Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms (shown above). Designed to be a race car hauler and serve as a pit truck, it features a tire cage and numerous swing-case toolboxes

We’ll be sure to bring you plenty of photos of all seven trucks with live coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starting November 2nd. Until then, check out Ford’s SEMA Fiestas and the rest of the Ford lineup here. Plus, check out our SEMA Preview here.

GALLERY: Ford F-Series SEMA Vehicles

Official release after the jump:

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Built as a SEMA 2010 project, Toyota has been prepping their Tacoma X-Runner RTR and did some baseline test runs out at Pomona this past Tuesday. For those unaware of this project, Toyota was basically looking at producing a “ready to race” Toyota Tacoma X-Runner with the Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8 powerplant. But the fun doesn’t stop there – because a Tundra motor alone isn’t ready to race – TRD steps in with their supercharger and intake kit, pushing the V8 to 504-hp with 550 ft-lbs of torque.

Toyota’s early estimations were that the RTR would be able to hit 11-second quarter mile times. Their first outing (mostly to gather data and get a baseline run) netted a 12.01 @ 116.57 mph pass with NHRA pilot Antron Brown behind the wheel. And for those local to Southern California, you’re well aware that Tuesday didn’t exactly have the best weather to be out testing at the strip.

For the tech-heads wondering what all is really going on with the Tacoma, Toyota has confessed that an enthusiast could build this project on their own. The Tundra powerplant fits snugly under the hood along with its rear axle. Modifications were done to narrow its wide track by 5.7-inches to match the Tacoma’s natural stance. The most complex part of the conversion? You guessed it, the wiring.

Converted namely for the track, the front wheels were narrowed to 4.5-inches wide while the rears are 10-inches wide in order to incorporate Goodyear’s Eagle Dragway slicks. The stance of the truck was also lowered by 4.5-inches along with a new steel driveshaft and the RTR currently sports a prototype mechanical LSD.

We’ll be sure to stop by at SEMA 2010 to check this Tacoma out in person. In the mean time, check out AutoGuide’s complete SEMA Preview page, which will be updated with live coverage starting November 2nd.

GALLERY: Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

And you thought the days of high performance with a bed out back were gone. Well, according to several sources; Callaway Cars (of super fast, modified Corvette fame), is working on a hot Chevy Silverado, though the project is still very much in the design stage.

According to Callaway spokesman, Mike Vendetto, “it’s a [Chevy] Silverado powered by a 6.2-liter V8, but we’re looking at smaller displacement versions too.” If the program reaches fruition, it will mark the first true high-performance pickup since the late and much lamented Dodge Ram SRT10 (excluding the more off-road focused Ford SVT Raptor). And given some of Callaway’s past creations, including the infamous C4 Sledgehammer; Twin Turbo Speedster; C12 and more recently the SC572 Camaro (sold through select Chevrolet dealers), it promises to be quite the package.

Vendetto anticipates that the company will have a running prototype by the end of the year, with series production possible sometime in 2011, provided there aren’t any serious issue to contend with. Given that the stock Silverado 6.2 churns out 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, estimates of a 550 horsepower Callaway version are not unrealistic. Stay tuned for further developments.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

It’s just a concept for now, but Shelby Automobiles Inc., is hoping there’s enough interest to go ahead and start building production versions of this muscle truck. Called the F-150 Super Snake Concept, the Shelby-inspired vehicle is based on a 2007 F-150 regular cab and lists extensive modifications to improve handling, styling and power.

For starters, there’s a Whipple supercharger kit under the hood, helping the 5.4-liter V8 pump out 475-hp. Handling is helped out by a big set of 22-inch wheels and a suspension that has been lowered by 3-inches. And inside those wheels is a set of Baer six-piston brakes. As for style, the truck gets a complete aero kit, including a new hood. Additional modifications include a Borla exhaust 3:73:1 rear end and a custom interior.

“Carroll Shelby pioneered the muscle truck segment over 20 years ago,” said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Autos. “Our team built this concept F150 Super Snake to see if the public is ready for another high performance Shelby truck. We took the same approach to this project as we do for every Shelby. With its ‘look at me’ styling, earth shattering power, stop-on-a-dime brakes and go cart-like handling, it’s a balanced performance truck that’s as desirable to drive as it is to look at.”

Shelby hasn’t yet confirmed if it will offer this package but we imagine its in the cards. If so, it will be available for the 2003-08 F-150.

GALLERY: Shelby F-150 Super Snake Concept

Official release after the jump:

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Hideous? Absurd? Why of course it is! This is the SEMA Show after all. Known throughout the world for some of the most extreme show cars that are destined to be thoroughly mocked before being retired to collect dust in a backlot warehouse, the Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer is just such a vehicle.

Starting life as a 2009 Tacoma Double Cab Long Bed PreRunner V6 with a five-speed automatic, this pickup was built to showcase serious off-road performance as well as a gamer’s dream play center. Toyota shipped the truck off to The B.A.D. Company, which removed the center door pillars and created a single gullwing door on each side. With the doors open, two side rails with seats can be attached, while four 24-inch LCD screens fold out, allowing for four-way Xbox 360 gaming action. Gamers will also be treated to some serious audio with a 2,250 watt Kicker setup.

In terms of driving performance, the 4.0-liter V6 gets a TRD supercharger to deliver 304-hp and 334 ft-lbs of torque, while the stock wheel and tire setup was tossed in favor of a set of 16-inch TRD wheels with 295/75/16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A Tires.

The list of additional modifications is incredibly long and we won’ get into it all here, but feel free to check out all the specs after the jump.

GALLERY: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer

Official release after the jump:

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Built as a tribute to country music duo Brooks and Dunn, Toyota unveiled the Midnight Rider Tundra Tailgater at the 2009 SEMA Show. Out back, the truck’s bed folds out to reveal a complete tailgating station with countertops, a BBQ, an ice chest and even a draft beer tap. Oh, and let’s not forget an external audio system and a 42-inch flat screen TV.

But the modifications don’t stop there, with this Tailgating machine receiving a long list of toys, ranging from fender flares and a 3-inch lift kit, to a set of 20-inch Mickey Thompson “Classic look” wheels and 35-inch tires. There are also some particularly gaudy western silver door handles as well as a bronze cast and chrome plated Brooks and Dunn steer’s skull logo.

GALLERY: Midnight Rider Tundra Tailgater

Toyota and the Hot Rod movement aren’t two things you’d normally associate with each other, which is why a Hot Rod Toyota Tundra is the perfect concept vehicle for the SEMA Show. Built by Phoenix-based motorcycle shop Sucker Punch Sally’s, the Tundra gets a long list of design cues from the hot rods of the 1950s and ’60s.

The Regular Cab 4×2 gets some matte black paint, red flames and Bonneville moon hubcaps, along with a custom 1950’s Toyota logo on the grille. There’s also a classic cherry bomb exhaust.

The interior gets a long list of custom items like a bench seat, while Fender Guitars was sourced to build custom hand-turned brass control knobs, as well as a polished maple wood cargo deck.

The engine was left stock… which is too bad, because a carbureted NASCAR V8 would certainly have been a cool addition.

This truck is not, as previously thought, a tribute to country music duo Brooks and Dunn. A separate vehicle, the Midnight Rider Tailgater, was also built for that purpose.

GALLERY: Toyota Tundra Hot Rod

Inspired by Chevy’s highest performance vehicle, the Corvette ZR1, the Silverado ZR2 concept gets plenty of high performance options, like a supercharged LS motor and plenty of carbon fiber. Unveiled at the SEMA Show, this extended cab/short box truck also boasts a massive new front grille, carbon fiber fender flares, a four-inch suspension lift, a BDS shock set, 20-inch wheels and a set of 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires.

Carbon fiber was also used for the hood, front fenders, rocker extensions and the tailgate, and is easily visible thanks to a clearcoat. Other body components are painted Dune Metallic, to help the trunk blend in when hopping sand dunes on the Baja Peninsula.

Under the hood there’s a GM Performance Parts Supercharged LS engine that produces 550-hp!

Rumored to be a possible precursor to a Ford F-150 Raptor competitor, the folks at Chevy aren’t talking, but Chevy brand VP Brent Dewar has said that some of the trucks components are being explored for use on future models.

GALLERY: Chevrolet ZR2 Concept

Official release after the jump:

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Dodge’s unveiled its custom Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco Image Vehicle at the SEMA Show today, possibly firing a warning shot at the Ford F-150 Platinum and letting he Blue Oval know that there may be competition in the luxury truck business. Ford’s F-150 Platinum caters more to ranch owners than ranch hands, and the Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco does the same.

Based on a Ram 1500 Sport with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the truck gets a slight boost in performance thanks to a Mopar cold air intake and dual exhaust system.

Modifications to the outside of the truck include a Mopar tonneau cover and fender flares, and a Mopar carpeted bedliner that is washable. There’s also a chromed grille to give the truck some extra bling. A Ground Force lowering kit gives the truck a more aggressive stance and better on-road manners with improved handling and less body roll. A set of massive 22-inch Mopar wheels and several coats of a special Arctic Ice pearl paint help complete the look.

Most importantly on such a luxury themed vehicle is the interior, which Mopar has outfitted with white and black Katzkin seats and matching door trim. The dual tone theme continues throughout the rest of the cabin with piano black and arctic ice accents. A Kicker audio system with a powerful subwoofer, amplifier and upgraded speakers help complete the package.

The whole idea might sound a bit silly to serious pickup drivers, but if there’s a market for it, this truck would most certainly sell.

Be sure to check out the full gallery below:

GALLERY: Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco

The truck isn’t even for sale yet, but Ford shipped one of its new Super Duty pickups to tool maker DeWALT, to build a custom work vehicle for the 2009 SEMA Show.  The simply massive truck gets special items like a winch, special cargo compartments on the outside of the truck’s bed and even a small crane designed to move heavy cargo (like a generator) into and out of the bed.

In looks more like something that might be in a Transformers movie – which makes it a perfect fit for the SEMA Show.

Along with all these custom goodies, the DeWALT concept also gets everything that will make the 2011 Super Duty the leader in the big truck class, including an all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 with a new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission with Ford’s SelectShift function so drivers can choose gears just like on a manual transmission. This new tranny also gets a Tow Haul option with integrated engine exhaust braking.

Another amazing feature is what Ford calls Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off), which allows auxiliary equipment like snowplows or salt spreaders to be powered through the transmission. Ford is the first company to bring this technology over from agricultural machines.

Of course, the Super Duty will also get a long list of Ford’s impressive truck technology, like Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control, Trailer Brake Control and, of course, Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.

In addition Ford will offer it’s exclusive Ford World Solutions program which now comes with a 4.2-inch LCD screen between the truck’s gauges, which will display relevant information to the driver about things like fuel-economy or the status of the fifth wheel hook-up.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Super Duty DeWALT Contractor Concept

Ahead of its official debut later today at the 2009 SEMA Show, Toyota has revealed a single photo of its Hot Rod Tundra. Build by Phoenix-based motorcycle shop Sucker Punch Sally’s, the Tundra gets a long list of design cues from the hot rods of the 1950s and ’60s.

The Regular Cab 4×2 gets some matte black paint, red flames and Bonneville moon hubcaps, along with a custom 1950′s Toyota logo on the grille. There’s also a classic cherry bomb exhaust.

The interior gets a long list of custom items like a bench seat, while Fender Guitars was sourced to build custom hand-turned brass control knobs, as well as a polished maple wood cargo deck.

For more on this truck, see AutoGuide’s live coverage here:

Official release after the jump:

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Recently General Motors posted a video on YouTube teasing six-new Camaro stripe designs that will be on display at the 2009 SEMA Show. In the backdrop for the video there is also a rather wild looking pickup truck, which is believed to also be a special projected also headed to SEMA.

Reported to be called the Silverado Baja Off-Road, this pickup gets some serious restyling with a huge grille, flared fenders and a suspension lift. Presumably, the idea behind the truck is to build a conceptual competitor to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, although the oversized wheels and low profile tires are a strange addition for an off-roader. Then again, this is SEMA.

Unless GM lets anything else slip out between now and November 3rd, we’ll have to wait for the truck’s reveal at the 2009 SEMA Show.

Check out the video after the jump:

[Source: GMI]

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Thanks to the folks at PickupTrucks.com we have our first glimpse at what the Brooks and Dunn Toyota Tundra SEMA Show truck will look like. Interestingly, the theme of the pickup isn’t so much country music, as it is the Hot Rod car craze. Built to look like a 1950s-style hot rod, the truck will get a wooden flatbed, black paint and the obligatory flames. It will also get a classic bench seat.

The vehicle is being built by motorcycle maker Sucker Punch Sallys and Fender Guitars and will feature a custom Sucker Punch Sally’s Triumph Thruxton straped down in the back. We’ll be sure to bring you plenty of pics when this retro truck debuts at SEMA on November 3rd.

See AutoGuide’s live SEMA Coverage here!

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

At the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Dodge will unveil a luxuriously appointed custom Ram pickup. While SEMA cars are normally wild and wacky creations, the Chrysler vehicles for 2009 seem to be quite tame, and could be seen as possible concept vehicles. After all, Ford has already established a market for upscale pickups and continues to sell them with the latest Platinum model.

Called the Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco Image Vehicle, this one-off Dodge is based on a Ram 1500 Sport with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Modifications to the outside of the truck include a Mopar tonneau cover and fender flares, and a Mopar carpeted bedliner that is washable. A Ground Force lowering kit gives the truck a more aggressive stance and better on-road manners with improved handling and less body roll. A set of massive 22-inch Mopar wheels and several coats of a special Arctic Ice pearl paint help complete the look.

In terms of performance, the truck does get a slight boost thanks to a Mopar cold air intake and dual exhaust system.

Most importantly on such a luxury themed vehicle is the interior, which Mopar has outfitted with white and black Katzkin seats and matching door trim. The dual tone theme continues throughout the rest of the cabin with piano black and arctic ice accents. A Kicker audio system with a powerful subwoofer, amplifier and upgraded speakers help complete the package.

We’ll be sure to bring you plenty of photos of the stylish luxury truck with live coverage of the 2009 SEMA Show starting on November 3rd.

See AutoGuide’s live SEMA Coverage here!

Read more on the Dodge Ram Bianco and the rest of Chrysler’s SEMA vehicles after the jump::

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