They are fun. You left out possibly the grand daddy of performance trucks, the 454 SS or maybe the GMC Syclone. I think cars, with their better weight balance and lower center of gravity are a better platform for a street performance vehicle. Let the trucks keep the wild, the farm, the deserts, the plains to rule.

@old GM guy

there's room for all of it. We're not talking about some niche market here. Big SUVs and pickups are the bread/butter for the Big 3.

It would be very easy, and profitable, for Ford or its competitors to add some optional drivetrain upgrades focused entirely on performance. It's always been a money maker for them in the past.

The big obstacle is EPA/CAFE and the perception that Washington will punish Ford shareholders for it.

I don't see the point in offering a dune-running heavy-duty pickup. The half ton version is big and heavy enough on its own.

Ford would be better suited to crack into the lifted "monster" truck segment with a Super Duty on a factory suspension lift replete with big wheels and tires from that market. I can see them offering a series of "factory custom" grilles and paint options as well. They'd be a huge hit with the "cowboy Cadillac" crowd for sure.

lifted trucks?

@redbloodedxy

PUTC is talking about "high-horsepower, street-tuned pickups" not off roaders. Not about lift kits. It's about engines, gears, go fast.

I disagree, Mark. Pickup trucks in general already have anywhere from 2x to 4x the horsepower they used to carry and they are all, with the exception of some base models, "high performance" compared to their special-edition predecessors. I would remind you that back when those huge, factory-modified V8 performance vehicles came out that many of them were destroyed in crashes within their first few months on the road; some didn't even survive their first week. Even today, we read of high-performance cars and trucks totaled before even reaching the buyer's home!

Oh, certainly I blame the drivers for those; the vast majority of drivers simply don't know how to handle that much power and even WITH all the so-called 'nannies', they're able to lose control. Any truly high-performance vehicle should come with a mandatory performance driving school session to teach the new or pending owner how to handle the vehicle under all conditions. This is especially true with a pickup truck, where the weight balance is strongly nose-heavy, or rather, tail-light, most of the time. Again, the nannies can't handle every condition.

I would also note that said nannies also make 4x4 performance more problematic. I know many 4x4 truck owners with relatively late-model rigs who simply get stuck just driving across a dew-dampened meadow. Sure, they're in 4x4 mode but when a nearly 30-year-old one-wheel-drive long-bed F-150 can cruise the field without effort while the new rig is stuck... well, what's going on here? Could it, again, be driver failure? 4x4 used to be quite simple but with all the nannies, not all of them know how to disable them even temporarily and some you can't even disable, you have to figure out how to use them to your advantage (if you can.)

So, no. Each brand does have its "performance trucks" already, we don't need any "hyper trucks."

@ Mark Williams

Those street oriented peformance trucks already exist. Albeit without the fancy names or lowered suspensions....

In the pickup truck arena I would say that what has to be the
fastest truck you can buy today is a F150 RCSB 2wd with the 5.0L and 3.55 locker that is one fast truck!!

Ram you can do a similar treatment for the Ram 1500

Gm I'm sure would be last place with the underwhelming 5.3L but should still be fun. Why don't you put such a comparison together ???

Give us street tuned performance trucks like the 454 SS, the lightning, and the SRT trucks of old. Those are what I want to see. Half the Off road trucks now don't go off road anyways.

Give us street tuned performance trucks like the 454 SS, the lightning, and the SRT trucks of old. Those are what I want to see. Half the Off road trucks now don't go off road anyways.

@Mark

I prefer to think my fellow commenters have been led astray by the big-government crowd and their friends in the news media.

Your question today is well chosen. Today the people who bought the Ford Lightning pickups back in the 1995 or so look pretty smart. In my view those trucks rate right up their with old Dodge Chargers and SS Chevelles.

I think the market you are seeking has shifted to SUVs. Edge ST, rumored Explorer ST, Durango SRT, Trackhawk, but also SUVs from Porsche, Audi, and BMW.

There have been very few true Halo Factory "Super Trucks". The Lightning, Raptor, Typhoon, Cyclone, and SRT10 being the only real examples. Only 1 of which is an offroad truck which is the only one currently in production and coincidentally selling in impressive numbers. The Power Wagon, Rebel and Z72 are impressive but NOT halo "super truck" level performance... its a similar and still more toned down story for all the NISMO, PRO4X,TRD, FX, Trailboss, fans.

The Raptor is an amazing off road toy that delivers amazing performance at a premium price, sells in impressive numbers over an impressive production run that still continues. These facts set it apart from anything before or after it so far and easily make it THE King of factory off-road performance and super trucks in general. It also showcases tech and gives marketing bragging rights.

I think the absence of a street performance supertruck is sad. I personally would think that it would be cheaper and easier to do than the offroad version.

"PUTC is talking about "high-horsepower, street-tuned pickups" not off roaders. Not about lift kits. It's about engines, gears, go fast."

Posted by: papajim

Re-read my first paragraph. "Engines, gears and go-fast" don't work well together in a ginormous truck.

I checked. Could not find a rating for Ginormous. Speak English!

A heavy duty Raptor? not sure why anyone would want a "heavy duty" Raptor. As to be good in what it does, it would still need a soft long travel suspension that would not have the same tow/load capacity as a regular "heavy duty" truck. So what would be the point, except to run the big diesel off road.
A couple after market places are dropping in a super charger in the ZR2's, GMC should being doing this themselves or some type of high HP motor in the ZR2instead f the same motor they put in the WT.

I know of one Ford dealership that sells 30-40 hi performance trucks every year. They are built by an aftermarket company, with full factory warranty.

I know a number of guys who would buy a Colorado hi-po lowered truck right now.

Proper use of the car will not damage it

@ tntgmc Any thoughts on TFL site best base V8.

That Ranger Raptor is an amazing looking truck right out of the box. A 2.7 EB would make that thing sports car fast. I for one, will never pay the premium price for such a truck, but someone will.

@ tntgmc Any thoughts on TFL site best base V8.

Posted by: frank in Florida | Aug 24, 2018 12:01:37 PM

Please don't get him started. He just went on a rampage in the Real Ranger msrp thread. I don't read his entire post, ever, but there was some links to how the 2.7 EB tested as fast as the 6.2 GM and the 6.2 gets 16 mpg by everyone in the real world. Then he went on to how much mpg his mom gets when hes in the back seat of her mini van eating animal crackers driving down some backroad..... I'm not sure what to make of his constant false advertising and babbling. So, please, don't get him started.

@ FIF

Ya, they refused to put 6.2L in the comparison bc it would blow doors off all the other engines.

I have always said I like the 5.0L. Its the best engine ford offers in their half tons. The 5.3L gets better FE and is a proven warrior. The 5.0L has more HP/TQ but even with 10 spd it hasn't gotten great gas mileage...not above 20 with it.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-ford-f-150-50l-v-8-4x4-supercrew-review

BTW....this is a fact Frank not just ballroom talk!!

I can't wait for comparison. PUTC get it done!
Last few times they have done it Ford didn't send them a 5.0L

Also, its opinionated from TFL. Its people voting which one is better, no test data behind it, so of course all the Ford boys are gonna vote. LOL....

@ Ecobust Rusts

Hey, there littel motor man.

Its the guy who gets all upset bc I get better FE than his little motor.

I see you are still upset.

So I give you the explanation on how I get MPGs, and you cant take it and start lashing out lies, and excuses. Here we go again.

You are a very insecure little man with a itty bitty motor

have a great day!

that ranger raptor should be renamed tauraptor SHO, bc it stole the taurus' front end.

that ranger raptor should be renamed tauraptor SHO, bc it stole the taurus' front end.

Gm I'm sure would be last place with the underwhelming 5.3L but should still be fun.

Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 8:16:22 AM

Underwhelming? The 2016 Silverado 5.3 was faster up the Ike Gauntlet than the 2016 F-150 5.0 while pulling a 9,000 lb horse trailer, even despite the F-150 being 500 pounds lighter. The 2016 Silverado 5.3 was as fast or faster than the 2016 Ram 5.7 in the 2016 Texas Truck Showdown despite the Ram having an advantage in gearing and the 5.7 having 40 more HP on paper.

@nitro

Gm I'm sure would be last place with the underwhelming 5.3L but should still be fun.

Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 8:16:22 AM

Underwhelming? The 2016 Silverado 5.3 was faster up the Ike Gauntlet than the 2016 F-150 5.0 while pulling a 9,000 lb horse trailer, even despite the F-150 being 500 pounds lighter. The 2016 Silverado 5.3 was as fast or faster than the 2016 Ram 5.7 in the 2016 Texas Truck Showdown despite the Ram having an advantage in gearing and the 5.7 having 40 more HP on paper.

Posted by: nitro | Aug 24, 2018 1:34:20 PM

You mean the 2wd silverado that was used in the Ike Gauntlet versus a 4wd F150?? That's why it was faster!!

What texas showdown had a Ram 5.7 that was slower than a 5.3??

The 5.3L is very underwhelming and needs to be updated.....

Here you go, a performance truck
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116117_800-hp-2018-yenko-sc-silverado-now-available-with-rear-wheel-drive

Either way, performance is no good if it is not smartly applied.
For has prove not to be able to put together a well built and quality product.
The Raptor is a very flawed vehicle with its flawed rear suspension.
If this is the first time you are hearing of this, consider yourself ignorant.
Look it up.
Even Ford has admitted it is seriously flawed, and now has to try to correct its bad engineering by changing the rear suspension for the 2019 Raptor. They have already announced they will have to change it for 2019.
Once again, Ford puts out bad engineering, and once again a lot of stupid people fall for it.

@ Full size

Excuses, excuses. TFL added the extra weight of a 4wd and it still beat the 5.0L!

I do agree with you that it needs a HP/TQ increase but from what I've heard and read from reviews. They updated the TQ management system Performs a lot better.

Like I've said, I can't wait for the comparison!! Will be interesting

Either way, performance is no good if it is not smartly applied.
For has prove not to be able to put together a well built and quality product.
The Raptor is a very flawed vehicle with its flawed rear suspension.
If this is the first time you are hearing of this, consider yourself ignorant.
Look it up.
Even Ford has admitted it is seriously flawed, and now has to try to correct its bad engineering by changing the rear suspension for the 2019 Raptor. They have already announced they will have to change it for 2019.
Once again, Ford puts out bad engineering, and once again a lot of stupid people fall for it.

Posted by: Tapiere | Aug 24, 2018 2:45:33 PM

What?? Are you 8yrs old?? Are you the "stupid people" who hasnt heard of the Raptors performance emabbarising ALL would-be rivals (Car and Drivers words)

What problems make the Raptor a "very flawed vehicle"? Rear suspension problems know to everyone?? I think youre favorite brands kool-aid has made you ignorant to facts. Tell me what brand you compare to Ford when you say Ford has not put out quality vehicles and i will tell you what "well built quality products" they have....

@ Fullsize

Since you forgot. Here is the showdown

Before you run you mouth, better know what your talking about

I love FACTS and data.....LOL

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/texas-truck-showdown-2016-acceleration.html

@tnt

"@ Full size

Excuses, excuses. TFL added the extra weight of a 4wd and it still beat the 5.0L!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Aug 24, 2018 3:03:28 PM

That weight does not make it a 4wd with the added weight and drag. The facts are right there for you in the fact that in that same comparison a 6.2L silverado 4x4 was only 1 second faster. How can that be or is a 6.2L as anemic as a 5.3L???

And more facts for you are that the chevy 5.3 is using 3.73 gears versus the 5.0L 3.55 gears.

I guess they has to use a 2wd with 3.73 gears to beat a coyote huh?? Pathetic....

@ full size

LMFAO... Keep excuses coming..its not GMs fault ford only offered the 5.0L with 3:55 gears...more excuses??

The fact is a 5.3L with the 8 spd is a fantastic combo. I had one! I also had a 5.3L with 6 spd. The 8 spd was whole lot better and I Would have never gotten rid of it, but GM does offer the monster 6.2L and I just couldn't pass it up especially in SLT trim that was discounted...didnt have to pay for denali trim.

The 2.7 ecoboost and GM 6.2 both suck, you know why?

Because you can't get either in a pickup truck with a manual transmission.

On topic: I don't care what engine is on the ranger, I want to "feel" it through a solid clutch, not dampened through a torque converter.

@tnt

How are facts: was 2wd and had 3.73 gears excuses?? Yes its not gm's fault but if they did that SAME comparison today would you say its not Fords fault that gm dosent offer a 10 speed to match the 5.0L?? Click on these links and see how BADLY a 5.0L embarrases a 5.3L Its all FACTS for you!!

Lets see what you have to say?

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-ford-f-150-50l-v-8-4x4-supercrew-review

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-chevrolet-silverado-1500-z71-53l-8-speed-automatic-test-review

So in the first comparison they were both 2016s. Ford lost.

Now u are comparing an 18 with 10spd with 16 with 8 spd....OK. Ford wins. I gripe

Let's see a 2019 Chevy and a 2019 ford. That's what I wanna see.

Stop your whining and excuses. Sound like a toddler. Geezzz...

why gripe..... I meant

Stupid phone.

@tnt

You really are a funny guy! You had no problem accepting a 2wd 8-speed cheby having better performance numbers over a 4wd 6-speed Ford yet here you are whining about a Ford 10-speed versus a chevy 8-speed both 4wd. What has changed between the 2016 silverado and the 2018 that you are using as an excuse (the guy who supposedly hates excuses)??

That Ford just flat out embarraseses that poor 5.3!!!

Just the facts, LMFAO!!

@ full size

You are delusional man. Step back. Check your meds. I agreed with u that new 5.0L with 10 spd beat the 2016 5.3L with 8 spd. Your so dumb u don't even realize I agreed with you!

GM had 16-18 5.3L hindered bc of FE through TQ management. We have discussed this issue. I agree with everyone its an anoyance. U also have to realize that the 5.3L does get better FE and pulls alvery well when loaded. Case in point Texas showdown and TFL gauntlet

Now let's wait for the 2019 comparison

U have serious issues! Go take a walk or something. I'm going to a football game.

Talk to u boys later

Intelligent commentary here aside, I agree with someone's idea. I'd love to see a base/volume leader v8 comparison. Eco and 6.2 get too.much attention.

@tnt

Check meds? Why the hostility? Is that what gm fan boys resort to when someone demonstrates your favorite brand losing? LOL!

I know what you said: admitting to being beaten while chalking it up with an excuse. Hey its not Fords fault (the same saying you used right?) that today in 2018 the lame gm mid-level engine offering gets its rear handed to it by Fords mid-level engine offering. Its not even close!!

"GM had 16-18 5.3L hindered bc of FE through TQ management." More like 2014-2018!! But in typical gm fashion they just let the blind shills just deal with lame drivabilty that just like the Car and Driver article says doesn't get any better with the 8-speed. FE you say?? How much better was the 5.3 than the 5.0 according to car and driver?

You bring up texas showdown again but even though it may have pulled ok you cant say it would have outperformed a 2wd F150 even in that 2016 (you sure as hell dont want that scenario today)showdown because that F150 was 4wd versus a 2wd silverado. Again just facts like you claim to like.

@Mark Williams
https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/harrop-superado-revealed-at-motorex-2018
Ron Harrop of Harrop engineering (They were involved in Holden Special Vehicles race cars)is offering his 6.2 L3 or LSA super charged 600hp Off Road Colorado or Superado It is OEM spec and will come with factory warranty on the GM parts.He offers his own warranty on his brakes,suspension modifications and Supercarger and kit. Whole modified engine fits near
Toy into the stock Colorado engine bay

That weight does not make it a 4wd with the added weight and drag.

Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 3:48:04 PM

LOL so you're saying that the 5.0 lost because of "drag" of the transfer case? Haha wow what a genius you are.

And more facts for you are that the chevy 5.3 is using 3.73 gears versus the 5.0L 3.55 gears.
Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 3:48:04 PM

That's a pretty small difference. Especially since they aren't accelerating other than at the start of the test. Once they're at speed, if they aren't in the same gear, the axle ratio difference is totally nullified. If the 5.3 ran up the hill in 4th for 90% of the run and the 5.0 was in 3rd 50% of the time, it has a gearing ADVANTAGE at that point.

----
I guess they has to use a 2wd with 3.73 gears to beat a coyote huh?? Pathetic....
Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 3:48:04 PM

You're the only thing that pathetic here. 500 pounds lighter, more power, higher rev limit, and it still lost to a 5.3 Chevy. Keep the child-like tantrum up. It's a real laugher for the rest of us.

*If the 5.3 ran up the hill in 4th for 90% of the run and the 5.0 was in 3rd 50% of the time, the 5.0 has a gearing ADVANTAGE at that point.

@Mark Williams
Isuzu has decided to get involved in the modified Pickup scene .
They have this extreme Off Road concept, other concepts are to follow
https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/motoring-news/isuzu-dmax-concept-x-ute-unveiled-the-monster-pickup-that-looks-like-a-transformer/news-story/932cf7aca6170362db60461f58047af6
.

So in the first comparison they were both 2016s. Ford lost.

Now u are comparing an 18 with 10spd with 16 with 8 spd....OK. Ford wins. I gripe

Let's see a 2019 Chevy and a 2019 ford. That's what I wanna see.
Stop your whining and excuses. Sound like a toddler. Geezzz...

Posted by: TNTGMC | Aug 24, 2018 4:25:41 PM

In 16' the Ford had a 6 speed, the GM an 8 speed so it was "TNTGMC" fair. BUT, BUT,BUT in 2018 the Ford has 2 more gears. Whaaaaa....Whaaaaaa. "You guys need to stop crying". It's only "fair" when it's to your advantage. Do you even fathom the trash you spew? You use TNTGMC, GMSRGREAT and johhnydoe as usernames. Try to start using "HYPOCRITE". Then the rest of us would understand your gibberish and lies.

@ Ecobust Rusts

Hey, there littel motor man.

Its the guy who gets all upset bc I get better FE than his little motor.

I see you are still upset.

So I give you the explanation on how I get MPGs, and you cant take it and start lashing out lies, and excuses. Here we go again.

You are a very insecure little man with a itty bitty motor

have a great day!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Aug 24, 2018 1:16:52 PM

Why do you keep calling me childish names? EcoBust Rust? That proves a lot about you. "Little motor man"? I stated I got 23.9 mpg hand calculated and you stated 23.8 mpg. Which we all know is a lie, but even so, now you say "the guy who gets all upset bc I get better FE than his little motor." You understand that 23.9 is more than your fabricated 23.8? Nice try neck bone. BTW, never cry about gears. Below is C&D results of a 2015 6.2 GM with an 8 speed and a 2015 Ford 2.7 with a 6 speed. It's impressive!!!

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 sec
Zero to 90 mph: 11.9 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.3 sec @ 98 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 99 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 186 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.73 g

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.1 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.3 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 104 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 174 ft

Yet, again, you are using 2 turbos to create that power. Throw a supercharger on that 5.3L Oh, you guys already know what will happen. You like to compare apples to oranges, but if you make them both forced induction, you will make up excuses like you have twice the displacement.

Posted by: TNTGMC | Aug 21, 2018 1:08:51 PM

Who makes the excuses? No further questions your honor........

@iverson

"That weight does not make it a 4wd with the added weight and drag.

Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 3:48:04 PM

LOL so you're saying that the 5.0 lost because of "drag" of the transfer case? Haha wow what a genius you are.

And more facts for you are that the chevy 5.3 is using 3.73 gears versus the 5.0L 3.55 gears.
Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 3:48:04 PM

That's a pretty small difference. Especially since they aren't accelerating other than at the start of the test. Once they're at speed, if they aren't in the same gear, the axle ratio difference is totally nullified. If the 5.3 ran up the hill in 4th for 90% of the run and the 5.0 was in 3rd 50% of the time, it has a gearing ADVANTAGE at that point.

----
I guess they has to use a 2wd with 3.73 gears to beat a coyote huh?? Pathetic....
Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 3:48:04 PM

You're the only thing that pathetic here. 500 pounds lighter, more power, higher rev limit, and it still lost to a 5.3 Chevy. Keep the child-like tantrum up. It's a real laugher for the rest of us.

Posted by: Mike Iverson | Aug 24, 2018 6:50:52 PM"

Did you actually read what i said before running your mouth trying to defend the 5.3L (you must own one and feel offended)?? I said the chevy had the weight but was missing the additional 4wd drag (yes those additional components take power to turn) AND it had a shorter 3.73 rear end. If those things dont make a difference then tell me why the other chevy with the "all mighty" 6.2L was only one second faster than the 5.3L? What drivetrain difference's besides the engine size did the 2 cheby's have?

https://www.tfltruck.com/2016-ike-gauntlet-highway-mpg/

Now how will you know what truck was in what gear for how much percentage of the run? Are you serious?? And your calling me names? Shows who is pathetic... LMFAO

Why dont you stop wondering about percentages and possibilities and accept the advantage of a 2wd 8-speed 3.73 gear truck versus a 4wd 6-speed 3.55 gear truck.

@ecobust rust

U lie. I dont believe u. No one gets 23+ mogs with an ecoboost. Nope no way! Your a liar. Can't, not possible

Who do I sound like. YoU!! For F'n pathetic and a whiny little man. Go away and take your junk gerbil motor with u

I have 95 extra HP and 60 extra TQ and get better everything than your junk motor. Be jealous. I know u are bc thats why u bring it up....childish brat!

http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2015/01/2015-light-duty-v-8-challenge-acceleration.html

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/whats-the-best-light-duty-truck-for-towing-2016-texas-truck-showdown.html

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/texas-truck-showdown-2016-acceleration.html

Your junk.motor doesnt compare. Look at the data on 6.2L vs 2.7L

Now go.run along and play with yourself.

That weight does not make it a 4wd with the added weight and drag. The facts are right there for you in the fact that in that same comparison a 6.2L silverado 4x4 was only 1 second faster. How can that be or is a 6.2L as anemic as a 5.3L???

And more facts for you are that the chevy 5.3 is using 3.73 gears versus the 5.0L 3.55 gears.

I guess they has to use a 2wd with 3.73 gears to beat a coyote huh?? Pathetic....
Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 24, 2018 3:48:04 PM

The 2016 Silverado they tested DIDN'T HAVE 3.73's. GM didn't offer 3.73's with the 8-speed. That was wrong information on TFLT's part. The Silverado had the 5.3, 8-speed, and 3.42's. The max tow package available with the 5.3 that year was either the 6-speed with 3.73's or 8-speed and 3.42's.

Also, the 4WD system Ford uses is extremely low drag. That's the one benefit of that weak plastic IWE setup Ford uses. It's weak and uses plastic to transfer power to the front wheels, but when it actually works right, the front axles are not turning in 2WD. The transfer case clutch is also disengaged, so the front driveshaft isn't turning.

So considering the Ford was 500 lbs lighter, the 4WD "drag" was miniscule, the 5.0 had more power on paper, and the gearing very close, that was the Ford's comparison to lose. And it did lose.