2007 Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra HD Pickups

GM rolled out the 2500HD and 3500HD versions of the new Silverado and Sierra at the Texas State Fair. Good looking trucks, and improved in every way; body, chassis and powertrain. Some observations:
- Extended cab versions have rear hinged doors, but they open a full 170 degrees, and they have power windows that go fully down. A power sliding rear window is also available.
- No manual transmission available on any models. GM says the demand just isn't there anymore, and the up-down shift capability of their new 6-speed automatics makes a manual unnecessary
- The 8.1L Vortec V8 has also dropped.
- The Duramax now has 365 HP and 660 lb.-ft. of torque. price increment over a V8 gas not yet announced, but get ready, diesel costs are clearly up significantly.
- Tlectronic navigation and integrated trailer brake control are both available.

2008 Ford Super Duty

If the GMT 900 trucks are classified as all-new, the Super Duty might be called a major change. Some highlights include:
- The F-450 is now availabile from the factory as a pickup, not just as a chassis cab. BIG payload and trailer tow capability.

- The new 6.4L Powerstroke Diesel has 350 HP and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, just shy of the Duramax numbers. While the automatic that goes with it is a 5-speed, unlike the 6-speed Allison behind the Duramax.
- Manual transmissions continue to be available. My favorite. I know, I'm in the minority, but I still prefer to shift for myself.
. Ford's big gas engine (the 6.8L V10) is still available. Might be important, depending on the price increase for 2007 CY Diesels and their engine emissions requirements.
- Extended Cab rear doors are still rear hinged, still open only 90 degrees, and still do not have power window availability. Even my dog objects. A worst-in-class feature.
- The tailgate has a cool easy-in/easy-out feature. Wish my pickups had this feature! Must be seen (tried) to be believed.

2007 Dodge Ram

- Essentially carryover, except for the revised 6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel. 350 HP; 650 lb.-ft. Both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic available.
- Dodge claims a life-to-major overhaul interval of 350,000 miles, "providing more than a 100,000 mile advantage over the competition". Annecdotal evidence seems to support their claim. This is one tough engine! And a factory installed optional exhaust brake is now available.

2007 Toyota Tundra

Toyota showed the regular cab and extended cab versions of their Light Duty ("half ton") 2007 Tundra. It looks great.
- The regular cab has the right amount of room behind the seats for a brief case, duffle bag or tackle box - just what consumers say they want, and more than Ford, GM or Dodge offer. The extended cab has the preferred front-hinged doors, complete with power windows. Again, just what the market wants. These guys do their homework - and appear unconstrained by expenditures or engineering workload!
- No manual transmissions available, but three engines (4.0L V6, 4.7L V8 and 5.7L V8), three cab types (regular, extended and crew), and sereral bed lengths.
- Feature availability looks fully competitive (leather, nav system, independant climate control, 10,000 trailer tow capacity etc).