Art of Gears
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Truck Yeah! Australia’s performance trucks vs America’s

By Billy Ho

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 12: Ford introduces the new Ford F150 Raptor at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 12, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. More than 5000 journalists from around the word will see approximately 45 new vehicles unveiled during the 2015 NAIAS, which opens to the public January 17 and concludes January (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 12: Ford introduces the new Ford F150 Raptor at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 12, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. More than 5000 journalists from around the word will see approximately 45 new vehicles unveiled during the 2015 NAIAS, which opens to the public January 17 and concludes January (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) /
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America’s love for trucks is no secret, with trucks continuing to dominate yearly sales charts. America is also home to some of the most awe-inspiring performance trucks you can buy straight out of your local dealer.

True, a lot of the “regular” trucks you can buy (F150s, Silverados, Sierras, Rams) come equipped with enough power to move houses, but there are just a few that come with that extra performance pedigree. Modified suspensions, menacing looks, big wheels, off-road pedigree and a jackhammer of an engine- all traits you would associate with a performance truck.

King of the mountain

In the US, there is one king of the performance truck, the one benchmark standard in which other performance trucks aim to best. That is, of course, the Ford F-150 Raptor. Even after its recent switch from its beloved V8 engine to a 6-cylinder twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, it is still the high watermark for the segment.

So out of the factory, you can buy yourself a Raptor, starting at USD$50,000, which in itself is already great value, especially for that much performance. Alternatively, you can pluck down about USD$40,000 for Chevy’s Colorado ZR2, powered by GM’s 2.8 litre Duramax turbo diesel, it’s a worthy alternative to the Raptor. Not to be outdone, RAM has said they will power up their Rebel truck with the Rebel TRX. And if that is not quite enough, there is talk of a possible Ram Rebel Hellcat to boot.

When it comes to performance trucks, there is no equal to what you are able to purchase factory ready than in the United States.

Or is there?

Down under thunder

Australia, with its vast lands and plateaus, is perfect for the 4×4 experience. With a recent shift to truck buying (two of the best selling vehicles of 2017 were trucks), more and more manufacturers are seeing the benefits of investing in adding performance to their trucks. But what options do Australian truck buyers have when they want a little more out of their truck?

Forgoing the aftermarket, let’s find out and see if the Australian performance truck market can compete with America’s.

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