Each year the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gives out accolades to vehicles in different classes, but none carry the quite the prestigious honor as the “Truck of Texas” title. For 2010 TAWA has awarded the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor as the “Truck of Texas,” making this the seventh year in a row that a Ford has won the top truck award.

“Winning the Truck of Texas is a distinct honor,” said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “Texans know their trucks, and this award is further proof of why the F-150 remains America’s number-one selling pickup. We built F-150 SVT Raptor for truck enthusiasts. And we’re gratified it’s gaining recognition for both its unequaled off-road performance and confidence-inspiring on-road demeanor.”

The F-150 SVT Raptor gets big fender flares, FOX Racing Shox with 11.2-inches of front suspension travel and 12.1-inches of rear suspension travel, as well as 35-inch BFGoodrich tires. A 5.4-liter V8 engine with 320-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque is currently offered and Ford plans to make a 6.2-liter V8 with 400-hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque available.

But what really makes the Raptor so amazing is that as off-road capable as it is, you can actually use it for normal daily driving.

See our review of the F-150 SVT Raptor here:

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor First Drive

GALLERY: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor captures the “Truck of Texas” title, named by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), the seventh consecutive award for Ford

By taking the established performance of Ford F-150 to the next level, the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor provides the customer with the ultimate in off-road – and on-road – ability

Dallas, Oct. 18, 2009 – The all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is much more than an off-road performance truck capable of taking on the toughest terrain a customer can throw its way. According to the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), it’s also the one and only 2009 “Truck of Texas,” the seventh consecutive time a Ford truck has won the award.

“Winning the Truck of Texas is a distinct honor,” said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “Texans know their trucks, and this award is further proof of why the F-150 remains America’s number-one selling pickup. We built F-150 SVT Raptor for truck enthusiasts. And we’re gratified it’s gaining recognition for both its unequaled off-road performance and confidence-inspiring on-road demeanor.”

Ford’s 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor is a purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck that is ready for adventure – while also being versatile enough to handle the daily commute. To test the capability and durability of Raptor, Ford took a modified pre-production Raptor to the grueling 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 this past November. The early-build Raptor not only survived Baja, it earned a podium finish in its class.

Key enablers to the Raptor’s impressive performance are functional design cues and impressive suspension technology. The Raptor is seven inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance.

Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road. In addition to the shocks, Raptor has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel.

The F-150 SVT Raptor comes standard with the proven 5.4-liter SOHC V-8 engine that produces up to 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. In early 2010 customers will have the option of an even more powerful new 6.2-liter V-8 engine.

Customer anticipation has been extremely high, with 3,000 orders already received for the 5.4-liter F-150 SVT Raptor. In fact, initial dealer orders have the Dearborn Truck Plant building Raptors at maximum capacity, reflecting the strong demand for the first-ever factory high-speed off-road truck.

Starting price for the F-150 SVT Raptor is $38,995 including destination and delivery charges. It is currently on sale at Ford dealerships.