Pickup trucks are big business in America – but
they're even bigger in Texas. Which is why their manufacturers are so keen to
roll out special editions specific to the state's local market, like these
latest from Ram. Introduced at the State Fair of Texas are the new Southfork
and Lone Star Silver editions that are sure to prove popular in the Lone Star
state.
The Southfork edition builds upon the Laramie
Longhorn, introduced at the same event seven years ago as one of the most
luxurious pickups ever made, and crowned by the Texas Auto Writers Association
this year as the Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas.
The Southfork builds upon it even further,
luxuriating the interior with even more premium accoutrements. The seats are
upholstered in full-grain leather in brown and beige, the headliner in suede,
there's authentic walnut-colored ash wood trim, real metal badges on the
floormats, and of course FCA's latest Uconnect 4C infotainment system with
8.4-inch touchscreen display.
A chrome Longhorn badge on the tailgate is the only
exterior differentiator, but buyers can choose between 1500, 2500, and
3500-series models, two- or four-wheel drive, Crew Cab or Mega Cab, short box
or long. Prices start at US$ 51,220.
The new Long Star Silver Edition, meanwhile, is now
launching on Heavy Duty models (the 1500 series having received a similar
treatment last year). Building upon the existing Lone Star model, the Silver
edition gets more chrome – lots more chrome – on the grille, side moldings,
side mirrors, side steps, and 20-inch wheels. Buyers can choose between several
powertrain options, with prices starting at US$ 46,130.
If you're wondering, why these special
trucks are targeted specifically at the Texas market, consider that FCA sells
well over twice as many Ram pickups in Texas as it does anywhere else. Nearly a
quarter of all pickups sold in America, by any manufacturer, are sold in the
state, which makes it a crucial market for truck manufacturers.
