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:

PRESS RELEASE

VERSATILITY, CAPABILITY OF FORD F-SERIES TRUCKS TO SHINE IN 2010 SEMA SPOTLIGHT

• Customized versions of Ford F-150 and Super Duty will show their stuff at the Ford stand, displaying the variety of modifications customers can make at the 2010 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show. Themes include a motocross concept, a Pro Football Hall of Fame-dedicated truck and a race car support truck
• Ford F-Series trucks have been a popular mainstay at SEMA, winning three awards in the past five years, including the Accessory-Friendly Truck design award twice
• Ford F-Series is the best-selling line of trucks in the marketplace for 33 years running and the most customized trucks in the $31.85 billion aftermarket industry

Dearborn, Mich., Oct. 22, 2010 – Ford F-Series trucks have long been known for their definitive power and capability, but they’re also admired for the versatility of the platform, which can be adapted to everything from off-roading to low-riding. At the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas Nov. 2-5, the versatility of F-Series will again shine in the industry spotlight.

“These trucks sell imagery across the board,” said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. “Customers in the truck world want to go off-roading, or at least have the image that they can, or have a truck they can cruise in. We have trucks that fit everything in those categories.”

F-Series trucks have not only been a major presence at SEMA, but they have also garnered three awards in the past five years, including the Accessory-Friendly Truck design award. They have also been awarded Motor Trend’s Truck Trend Top 5 Trucks from SEMA for the 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept. Additionally, Ford F-Series is the best-selling line of trucks in the marketplace for 33 years running and the most customized trucks in the $31.85 billion aftermarket industry.

The 2011 Ford F-150 offers an all-new powertrain lineup, including a new 3.7-liter V6 engine that is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending final EPA certification. A new twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ engine with Ti-VCT also will be available, and has been torture-tested for tough truck use in the lab and on the road. The new 5.0-liter V8 engine is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway pending EPA certification.

The F-Series dynamic duo is rounded out with an all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty, with the first Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-manufactured heavy-duty diesel 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged engine. This versatile Ford diesel is a key reason why the 2011 F-Series Super Duty has best-in-class payload of 7,070 pounds and best-in-class towing capability of 24,400 pounds.

F-Series project trucks showcased at this year’s SEMA show include:

2011 Ford F-150 by Godfather Customs
Godfather Customs is demonstrating that going green can still mean style with its Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Modifications include a 2.5-inch cowl induction hood, bumper cover and roll pan and handle relocator. A tonneau bed cover and liner and halo taillamps round out the customizations.

2011 Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories
This Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories promotes the mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to educate, honor and preserve the history of professional football. Featuring hall of fame styling, the truck is painted with a stadium silhouette and features pigskin leather and materials reminiscent of the gold hall of fame jackets inside. The bed will display notable hall of fame memorabilia, while a wrap on the interior of the bed will simulate the hall of fame enshrinement gallery.

2011 Ford F-150 by Mickey Thompson
The Mickey Thompson Project TTC F-150 is the perfect off-road vehicle, with the new 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC Radical tires, Fabtech 6-inch suspension, PIAA auxiliary lighting and Warn Industries winch recovery gear. The interior comes with Katzkin leather and aftermarket audio, video and navigation enhancements. For additional utility, the truck features a BedSlide cargo management system and AMP Research power steps.

2011 Ford F-150 by The Custom Shop
On this Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine by The Custom Shop, shaved handles, lightweight tonneau cover, lightweight rims and low-rolling-resistance tires help enhance looks and mileage. The green theme carries into the styling, with a custom show paint job with a detailed pinstripe border using a low-VOC-emissions DuPont paint. The interior matches the exterior styling with custom Katzkin tan and black leather.

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Rize Industries
This Ford F-350 is a motocross concept that uses top-quality products with the highest standards in craftsmanship. The truck features a Rize Industries 8-inch quad-link suspension that offers additional ground clearance. The bed comes complete with a built-in loading ramp, power washer, air compressor, built-in motorcycle stand and storage space for riding gear.

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms
Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms delivers the Pit Boss, the ultimate tow and support vehicle built off a Ford F-350 Super Duty platform. Built to haul a race car to the track and serve as a mobile pit, the truck offers a bed-mounted tire cage and custom swing-case toolboxes. The interior features custom headliner and leather upholstery, along with sound-deadening material and an in-dash computer system.

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Skyjacker Suspensions
Skyjacker Suspensions’ Ford F-350 Super Duty is made to appeal to the active lifestyle of the Super Duty owner. A Skyjacker-developed 8.5-inch suspension offers a bold lift for work and play, and will let the owner go deeper into the field. Heavy-duty front and rear Fab Fours bumpers are added along with a Warn Industries winch and lights to round out the tough look.

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:

LAS VEGAS – Shelby Automobiles, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI.PK) unveiled a Super Snake Ford F150 concept today at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Based on the popular Shelby GT500 Super Snake, the post-title package for the 2003-2008 F150 upgrades the truck’s handling, styling and power.

The Ford F150 Super Snake post title package includes:

• Whipple supercharger kit
  
• Borla exhaust system
  
• DJM suspension
  
• 3.73:1 rear axle ratio
  
• Shelby-designed 22-inch wheels and tires with Pirelli P Scorpion tires
  
• Forged Shelby / Baer brakes with 6 piston calipers with cross drilled and vented rotors
  
• Custom front fascia, grill, carbon fiber splitter, fender vents and brake cooling ducts
  
• Custom front fascia, mesh grill and grill surround
  
• Custom side fender vents and rockers
  
• Unique fiberglass hood featuring a hood scoop and classic Shelby design
  
• Bed lid and rug with embroidered logos
  
• Shelby signature Super Snake stripes
  
• “Shelby” lettering across the rear tailgate
  
• “Super Snake” vehicle badges and official Shelby CSM interior plate
  
• Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats and leather interior

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:

he Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer (ATG) combines outdoor sports activities and video games to create the ultimate active lifestyle vehicle for young Tacoma pickup truck owners. The special vehicle was designed to take Tacoma owners to their favorite remote locations where they can pursue their passion for outdoor sports activities and also provide a haven at the end of the day to play their favorite interactive video games.

To create the Tacoma ATG Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. teamed up with a group of partners who are among the finest in their fields of expertise.  The partners included The B.A.D. Company as the primary builder,along with Microsoft Xbox, Kicker, Toyota Racing Development, INNO Advanced Car Racks and Cannondale.

Toyota provided a 2009 Tacoma Double Cab Long Bed PreRunner V6 five-speed automatic to The B.A.D. Company to transform it into the rugged ATG.  The builders felt this Tacoma configuration provided the best combination of on-road and off-road capability, a spacious cab to haul friends and a full-size bed to carry cargo and equipment.

The B.A.D. Company removed the B-Pillars and installed double gull-wing doors to increase space and create a “patio like” shelter for gamers.  Adjustable theater style seating was created by removing the front seats and repositioning them to the outboard rear locations.  This theater seating configuration intensifies gaming action by creating a communal experience, especially effective when playing Xbox’s new HALO ODST team oriented four-person video game.  Large steps were created to allow easy ingress/egress and leg support for outboard chair gamers.

Four interior monitors were placed on two swing arms to allow the vehicle to be easily converted from a video haven to a drivable truck.  The swing arms were designed and contoured to provide each game seat optimum screen distance and angled to maximize the high definition experience.

To increase storage capability an INNO Ridge Wide Cargo Box is attached to a roof mounted roll bar.  Two Upright Lock Bike Racks mounted to truck base rack systems, each provided by INNO, are mated directly to the tonneau cover.  The two Lock Bike Racks carry Cannondale RZ ONE Twenty and Cannondale Moto 4 high performance mountain bikes.

Exterior modifications also included three base colors of a custom metallic anthracite (pulled directly from the Xbox brand guide), drilled aluminum interior panels, color-matched protective floor coating, an acrylic hood with an engine view port, a 66-inch plasma monitor with a custom roll cage enclosure, tonneau cover with “Craze” paint technique, blacked out front grille, sponsor logo windshield sun shade, front and rear bumpers, smoked front head and rear tail lamp treatment, and Xbox graphics.

The Xbox gaming system in the Tacoma ATG is complemented by a two-channel custom Kicker audio system, providing the ultimate sound design to maximize the video game experience.  The system generates a total of 2,150 watts of power from studio grade rack-mounted amps to minimize sound quality deterioration over extended use.  Gamers will feel the action via the 1,500 watt 12-inch Kicker Solobaric L7-12 Subwoofer in a custom enclosure with vents at each corner directing air into the cab.  Sound will rain down on gamers from eight Kicker QS65.2 6.5-inch mid-range speakers handling a combined 650 watts of power to complete the gaming experience.

Additional interior modifications include four Simpson custom upholstered off-road racing seats with four-point black racing harnesses, custom three-tone upholstered interior and a mini-fridge energy drink dispenser.

In addition to being the ultimate gaming vehicle the Tacoma ATG also needed to be able to transport outdoor enthusiasts to their favorite remote locations. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) contributed to the project with the installation of its 304 horsepower 4.0-liter Supercharger to increase vehicle torque and better traverse rugged landscape.  TRD 16-inch bead lock wheels with BF Goodrich LT295/75R16 All-Terrain T/A tires were added to improve off-road stability and increase traction.

After its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show the Tacoma ATG is scheduled to be used by Toyota, Xbox, Kicker, and INNO for a variety of consumer and industry events.

Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer Accessories

Partners and Sponsors
Principle: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Builder / Fabricator: The Big American Dream Company (B.A.D. Co.)
Gaming: Microsoft Xbox
Audio: Stillwater Designs / Kicker
Performance: Toyota Racing Development (TRD)
Sports Equipment: INNO Advanced Car Racks
Mountain Bikes: Cannondale

Exterior
 Custom three-tone paint with “Craze” technique
 Driver & Passenger side double gull wing doors with B-Pillar removed, custom hinge mechanism and light synchronization system
 Custom steel roof mounted roll bar
 Acrylic hood with view port and engine compartment lighting
 Tonneau cover with “Craze” paint technique
 Custom rear monitor protective enclosure
 Blacked out front grille, front & rear bumpers
 Smoked front head & rear tail lamp treatment
 INNO Ridge Wide Cargo Box mounted to roof mounted roll bar
 INNO Upright Lock Bike Rack mounted to Tonneau cover holding two Cannondale mountain bikes.
1. Cannondale RZ ONE Twenty
2. Cannondale Moto 4
Xbox 360 graphics

Interior
 Custom expandable theater style rear seat gaming area with removable front seats repositioned to extend beyond the edge of the cab
 Custom aluminum seat support frame with lighting treatment
 Four Simpson custom upholstered off road racing seats with four-point black racing harness
 Custom swing out four game monitor mounting system
 Custom protective floor coating
 Custom aluminum roll cage
 Custom drilled aluminum headliner
 Custom three-tone upholstered interior
 Mini-fridge energy drink dispenser

Performance
 TRD 4.0L V6 Supercharger
 Air to liquid intercooler
 High flow fuel injectors
 Cold Air Intake
 TRD Stainless Steel Cat-back single outlet exhaust
 304HP & 334 lb/ft of Torque
 16”X7.5” TRD Cast Bead Lock Wheels with custom finish
 BF Goodrich LT295/75R16 All-Terrain T/A Tires

Audio/Visual
 Four Xbox Elite Game Console Bundles
 Alpine IVA-W505 touch screen head unit
 Kicker KQ5 Preamp Equalizer
 Behringer DCX2496 Crossover
 QSC CX702 1500 Watt (8 Ω) Power Amplifier for subwoofer
 Two QSC CX302 325 Watt (4 Ω) Power Amplifier for midrange
 Total system produces 2150 Watts of power
 Kicker Solobaric L7-12 Subwoofer with custom vented enclosure
 Eight Kicker QS65.2 6.5-inch Midrange
 66-inch Sharp Aquos Plasma High Definition public viewing monitor
 Four Samsung 24” High Definition flat panel game monitors.

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:

Silverado ZR2 concept
At a glance, it’s clear the Silverado ZR2 concept wasn’t designed to haul flowers back from the nursery. With its widened body, tall stance and powerful LS supercharged engine, it is ready to hit the berms, dry washes and gullies of the Baja Peninsula.

The Silverado ZR2 is based on an extended cab/short box body. The custom bodywork includes carbon fiber fender flares that stretch outward to cover the 35-inch-tall Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires and widened stance. Much of the truck’s body is made of carbon fiber, including the front fenders, extractor-style hood, rocker extensions and tailgate, which features large, debossed CHEVROLET lettering as a nod to Chevy trucks of the past.

The pickup box, which is protected with a spray-on liner, features a unique locking storage system mounted to the extruded aluminum Cargo Management System rails from Chevy Accessories.

Many of the carbon fiber parts, including the hood, are clear-coated, rather than painted, to show off the intricate weave pattern of the high-tech, lightweight material. The parts that aren’t clear carbon fiber are painted Dune Metallic, a color that blends with the desert terrain. A large, more prominent grille is also part of the package and is a vision of what designers would like to see in a production or accessory part. It is very functional, feeding cool air to the 550-horsepower LS supercharged crate engine from GM Performance Parts.

The combination of 20-inch BBS RD wheels – reminiscent of historic Chevy truck wheel – and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires connect to the chassis via BDS shocks and a four-inch lift kit to help negotiate those desert trails. The new front fascia dramatically improves approach angle and skid plates protect the chassis.

The interior features more carbon fiber details on the dash, along with black leather and suede-trimmed seats with contrasting stitching to those trail runs more comfortable.

“There’s more to this concept than meets the eye,” said Dewar. “Some of the components are being explored for possible inclusion in upcoming models.”

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:

he growing popularity of retro/old school hot rods in the aftermarket world has inspired Toyota to take a Texas-built Tundra Regular Cab full-size pickup and prove that a present day economical work truck could realistically be made into an American hot rod.  Toyota also wanted to show consumers that Tundra is a truck that not only works hard, but plays hard too.  The result is the Tundra Hot Rod, which takes a fun look at what a Toyota Tundra pickup truck might have looked like if it had been part of the iconic 1950s and ‘60s hot rod era.

Toyota assisted Phoenix-based project partner Sucker Punch Sally’s by providing a flat black Tundra Regular Cab 4×2 for the hot rod conversion.  The exterior received candy red hotrod flames, Bonneville moon hubcaps, a custom 1950’s Toyota logo in the grille, and a custom cherry bomb exhaust.

Sucker Punch Sally’s also went old school inside with the installation of a full custom tuck ‘n’ roll interior.  Additional interior modifications include a custom headliner, dash pad, and carpet along with hand-turned brass dashboard controls.  The interior is topped off with a custom curly maple wood cargo deck.

Fender Guitars also made significant contributions to the project.  Inside, the Tundra Hot Rod features Fender Guitar custom radio knobs and installed in the truck bed is a polished wood floor, using the Fender Custom Shop’s finest flamed maple.  Sucker Punch Sally’s also added custom aluminum side panels and railing.

Toyota’s partnerships with Sucker Punch Sally’s and Fender Guitar will allow the Tundra Hot Rod to be seen beyond the 2009 SEMA Show by a wide range of audiences as the truck is scheduled to be displayed at a minimum of 55 various consumer events over the next year.

Toyota Tundra Hot Rod Features

Sucker Punch Sally’s (suckerpunchsallys.com)

* Candy red hotrod flames
* Bonneville baby moon hubcaps
* Cherry bomb exhaust
* Custom 1950’s Toyota logo in grille
* Full custom tuck ‘n’ roll interior
* Custom headliner, dash pad and carpet
* Hand turned brass dashboard controls
* Custom curly maple wood cargo deck
* Custom aluminum side panels and railing

Fender Guitar (fender.com)

* Fender Guitar hand turned brass dashboard controls
* Flamed maple wood flooring in truck bed