The latest
conceptual pickup truck from DaimlerChrysler was first unveiled at this
year's Detroit International Auto Show. The "family friendly" creation
is essentially the world's first pickup truck that gives priority to passengers
according to Steve Buckley, Electronic Product Innovation Manager. The
futuristic truck features a host of electronic marvels, utilizing the
latest developments in technology and engineering geared toward optimum
occupant comfort and convenience.
Styling
is dramatically bold and "in-your-face" with its muscular forms and linear
sculpted planes forming an aggressively dynamic mass. The front view might
well be envisioned as a ram's countenance with a vivid enough imagination
-- it definitely portrays an aura of unyielding power, if not testosterone.
The Herculean form of the MAXXcab from the Dodge truck folks is executed
in a crew cab pickup configuration with an accentuated cab-forward design
borrowed from the passenger car stable -- "Just as cab-forward changed
the architecture of our passenger cars, Passenger Priority design might
influence an entire vehicle line," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President
- Product Development and Design.
Upon
viewing the concept for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show,
I was not immediately drawn to it as a moth might be to a flame
-- it came across initially as being too bulky or massive, while
perhaps it was simply overwhelming. When the opportunity presented
itself to get "up close and personal" with the MAXXcab however,
my skepticism and unwarranted lack of appreciation waned rapidly.
The
striking frontal styling blends the traditional "cross-hair" grille
reflecting the Dodge family heritage with a strong, smooth fascia
and fog lamps integrally molded and flanking a purposeful lower
air slot. The grille itself is centered between jewel-like, wraparound
headlamp assemblies, with the seemingly short hood angled into a
sharply raked windshield. The top's "C" pillar slopes gracefully
rearward to the bed while featuring a forward curve at its leading
edge that sweeps forward. The wheel wells sport a continuous lip
that runs from front to the rear, incorporating tastefully flowing
molded running boards positioned outside the front and rear door
openings. The taillights provide a bejeweled presence on either
side of the tailgate and above the rear bumper fascia which sports
reverse lights to match the front fog lamps.
The
entire athletic structure offers the subtle look of a cab-over semi
truck, sitting above the oversized Goodyear 33x11.5 R 18 LT tires
which are mounted on more than substantial five-spoke alloy wheels
with counter-spaced, rim-based "nubs." The bed is 52.7 inches long
by 56.7 inches wide and measures 24 inches in depth -- wider and
deeper than today's conventional truck beds. The tailgate lowers
with a unique sliding plate filling the traditional void between
gate and bed. The polymer-lined bed also features a suggestive (not
functional in the concept) pop-up table with molded cupholders and
fold-down seats for impromptu parties.
Base
Price:
$N/A -- Not in production Price as Tested:
$4,000,000 plus (estimated) Engine Type and Size:
Next Generation 4.7 liter Magnum V-8 with electronic
fuel injection. Horsepower:
238 horsepower Estimated Torque:
295 ft./lbs. (estimated) Transmission:
Four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive
(multi-speed 5-gear range with alternate second gear) Drive Train:
Longitudinally mounted front engine / Full time All
Wheel drive or part time four-wheel drive low. Suspension:
Front - Independent upper and lower "A" arms, torsion
bars, gas-charged shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
from Dakota Quad Cab.
Rear - Custom fabricated independent short-long-arm
(SLA) with coil over shack absorbers. Brakes:
Power tandem-diaphragm assisted front vented discs/Rear
drum - rear ABS Tires:
Goodyear 33x11.5 R18 LT mounted on 5-spoke alloy wheels
with counter-spaced rim-base nubs. Wheelbase:
132.3 inches Length Overall: 203.0 inches Width: 80.0 inches
Curb Weight: 5,300 lbs. EPA Mileage Estimates:
Not certified. Drag Coefficient: You've got to be kidding 0 - 60 mph: 7.7 seconds (estimated) Top Speed: 114 mph.
