Jan 12: Mine is bigger than yours!

Remember those days way back when? Those days when the toughest thing about a truck, was the cowboy standing next to it. Wasn't that long ago, when the truck manufacturers were trying to sell a few more trucks, by convincing people that their truck was more car-like than the other guy's, complete with whitewall tires. But things sure have changed these past few years. Based on what was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit yesterday, don't expect another change anytime soon.

Nissan showed a tough looking concept version of their recently introduced, brand new Titan truck........

 

..... called the Warrior Concept, this one is definitely in your face, baby. Maybe this model can serve as a halo for the rest of the line and finally get those Titan sales moving upward. I believe last year, the Titan sold in total, a little less than Ford sold of their F-150's in a week! Think about that stat for a minute. One tough truck? You bet.

But Ford has already been there with their off road capable, hot rodded, Raptor.........

Even in white, this 2017 Raptor exudes tough sex appeal. And it has enough room, so that you can impress your buds with the Raptor's prowess. Scare those soft neighbourhood Honda and Toyota drivers. This is a far cry from the old days, when the only off roading your truck might do, would be to pick up a few chickens.........

......like they show in this South American Chevrolet ad. Again, note the cowboy.

What is Chevy bringing to the table of tough trucks? How about their concept, the Special Ops?

And for our gun toting neighbours to the south, a few high calibre special options would be appreciated. Tough enough? Pick chickens up in this beast and they'd die of fright before they got to their final destination (final reward?).

Not to be left out, Ram (formerly Dodge), has their Black truck.......

All blacked out, of course, hence the name and riding those big meaty tires. Drive your kids to school in this Hemi powered rig and those bullies will never touch them again.

All of these are so far removed from this old Ford F-150 ad.........

This is a "nice" pick-up, not a tough "truck", like these others. No knobby tires, high lift suspension or in your face front ends on the trucks of yesteryear. No, today's tough trucks sing from a different song book. Hard rock instead of Frank Sinatra?

So, who will be next to show up with their version of the "tough" truck? Good question, but the answer of which might surprise you. Honda? 

Their new 2017 Ridgeline, now becomes a real pick-up (at least in looks, not in specs). So can we expect Honda to introduce a Kamikaze version in the near future? Probably not. But why not a jacked up version to appeal to the tougher folks in your 'hood? Could happen.

Tough trucks? Enjoy the ride while it lasts.

Until next time.......