2010 Ford F-150 Raptor (Courtesy of Ford Motors)

Following several days of testing large trucks and not-so-large SUVs on some rugged trails at the Knibbe Ranch South of San Antonio last week, the 40+ members of Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) attending the annual Truck Rodeo picked Ford Motors ferocious 2010 F-150 Raptor as the Truck of Texas. This highly coveted title has gone to Ford Motors for the past seven years.

Some journalists described the Raptor driving experience as “a magic carpet ride” or “a cross between a roller coaster and a bucking bronco,” but all agreed it was an experience they wouldn’t have missed for the world.

"Winning the Truck of Texas is a distinct honor," said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "Texans know their trucks, and this award is further proof of why the F-Series remains America's number-one selling pickup. We built F-150 SVT Raptor for truck enthusiasts. And we're gratified it's gaining recognition for both its unequaled off-road performance and confidence-inspiring on-road demeanor."

2010 Ford F-150 Raptor (Courtesy of Ford Motors)

Ford introduced the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, designed as a high-speed off-road truck ready for adventure, this summer. Raptor is also versatile enough to handle the daily commute. The F-150 SVT Raptor comes standard with the proven 5.4-liter SOHC V-8 engine that produces up to 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. In early 2010 customers will have the option of an even more powerful new 6.2-liter V-8 engine.

Key elements in the Raptor's impressive performance are functional design cues and suspension technology. The Raptor is seven inches wider than a base F-150, making room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance.

Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox—the first on a production truck—provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road. In addition to the shocks, Raptor has unique cast aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel.  Starting price for the F-150 SVT Raptor is $38,995 including destination and delivery charges.

Other Texas Truck Rodeo winners were:
SUV of Texas:  2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC;
CUV of Texas: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8-liter Turbo;
Full-Size Pickup Truck: 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor Supercab;  
Mid-Size Pickup Truck: 2010 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab TRX4;
Luxury Pickup Truck: 2010 Ford F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew;
Heavy Duty Pickup Truck: 2010 Dodge Ram 3500;
Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle: 2010 Ford Expedition King Ranch;
Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle: 2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition;
Compact Sport Utility Vehicle: 2010 Jeep Patriot Limited 4X4;
Full-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC;
Mid-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle: 2010 Lexus R450h;
Luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8-liter Turbo;
Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle: 2010 Subaru Outback;
Mid-Size Crossover Utility Vehicles: 2010 Lincoln MKX;
Full-Size Crossover Utility Vehicle: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost.

Ford Motors also won Outstanding Feature for Ford Work Solutions, the productivity technology developed for commercial fleet customers, and the overall title of Truck Line of Texas.  Chrysler Dodge received enough votes to place second in the overall Truck Line of Texas category, and General Motors came in third.

Jo Ann Holt is a columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).  She can be reached at joannholt@gmail.com .