MAX Payload: News, Rumors, Trends, Stuff

2008 Lexus LX 570
Just as we suspected, the redesigned Lexus sport/utility will receive a version of the Tundra's 5.7 liter engine and its six-speed automatic for a 111-horsepower increase over the LX 470. Towing capacity is up to 8500, and the suspension has been improved. The luxury brute also gets four-zone climate control, power-sliding second row, and crawl control for better throttle control when in low range.

Overheard...
At a press conference for the new Saturn Outlook: "Good thing Oldsmobile isn't still around--Outlook and Vista Cruiser models might get GM in trouble with Microsoft."

Parts Is Parts
A recent SEMA survey scoped out the top pickup accessories by region, and a trailer hitch was the most popular across the country, with spray-in bedliners, foglamps, runningboards, floor mats, and tailgate protectors among the most popular. Conspicuous in popularity by region: Trailer brake controllers in the Mountain region, bug deflectors in the Southern Central region, and splash guards in New England.

inQUOTES
Tom LaSorda, U.S. boss at Chrysler, in an e mail to employees regarding the Recovery and Transformation Plan for Chrysler division: "We have an obligation to each other, to our shareholders, to our dealers, and to our customers to make this plan successful." Hmm, wonder if customers should be moved up from last.

Jeff Schuster, executive director of Automotive Intelligence, J.D. Power & Associates: "New products and stable fuel prices will drive a strong rebound in the large-pickup segment in 2007, increasing from 13.5 percent of the total sales market in 2006 to 14.2 percent." When released, gas prices were up 35c/gallon in one month near J.D. Powers' main office.

Spied!! Ford F-150 (Photos from Ford)
It looks like Ford is listening to its customers and is getting more creative with its bed boxes. Our shooter caught this long-wheelbase SuperCab near the Dearborn Proving Grounds running around town with a special storage bed that offers access on both sides. Sources say the lockable sealed midbox at the eight-foot bed actually makes the pickup bed 5.5 feet long. We're expecting this "Tough Box" option to be offered ASAP to select dealers and, not surprisingly, future availability will be determined by market reaction. Look for regular cab (145-inch wheelbase) and SuperCab (163-inch) models to carry the option.

IT FIGURES - NEWS BY THE NUMBERS

Trucks Tow?
Duh.
Ford says 90 percent of Super Duty customers tow, which explains why 80 percent of 2008 model trucks sold to retail users are equipped with the telescoping trailer mirrors. Presumably the other 10 percent have a small trailer.

2006 Truck Tally
According to SEMA, the best-selling "small pickup" of 2006 was the repeat winner Toyota Tacoma, and the F-Series again took the "large pickup" ribbon. Although the majority suffered sales losses, only the Dodge Dakota slipped in rank, from fourth to fifth.