Buckle up for the State Fair of Texas Auto Show! Today’s Auto Show Media Day included big announcements from a long list of top manufacturers, ranging from unveilings of all-new models to upgrades and new features being added to the current lineup. Home to the largest new car auto show in the Southwest, the State Fair of Texas plays host to some of the latest and greatest in the auto world every year. Whether you’re a diehard car fanatic or you just like to look around at the newest models, this event is the ultimate destination for all things auto. Highlights from each manufacturer featured at today’s press conference can be found below:
Chevrolet
Among all the brand-new vehicles on display at the State Fair of Texas today, Chevrolet unveiled a 16-year-old Silverado with more than 375,000 miles on the odometer. Its owner, Lonzo Anderson of Arlington, Texas, has been named the Official Chevy Truck Legend of Texas. Displayed in a place of honor for the duration of the 2016 State Fair, Anderson’s Silverado is a testament to the most dependable, longest-lasting trucks on the road. Anderson’s Silverado has traveled the equivalent of 15 trips around the globe, all on the original engine. Anderson’s experience is exactly why Chevrolet developed the Chevy Truck Legends customer appreciation program. It is free to join and open to all Texas residents who have more than 100,000 miles on the odometer of their Chevy truck, or have purchased or leased more than one new Chevy truck in their lifetime. Fairgoers hailing from the Lone Star State who fit these qualifications can sign up for the program during their visit to the State Fair of Texas.
Fiat
The Fiat brand display at the State Fair of Texas features the latest addition to the Fiat lineup, the all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic design. Car enthusiasts can check out this unique retro-inspired model at the Fiat display in the State Fair’s Auto Show.
Ford
Ford Motor Company, America’s truck leader, debuted the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor at today’s Auto Show press conference. The 2017 F-150 Raptor will continue to position the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup in a class by itself. Equipped with the all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbo high-output EcoBoost® engine, the Raptor churns out 510 lb.-ft. of torque and 450 horsepower across a wide power band. Mated to an all-new Ford-built 10-speed transmission and exclusive transfer case – and managed by a six-mode Terrain Management System™. Using the same high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body and a fully boxed high-strength steel frame as the current F-150 trucks, the 2017 Raptor is up to 500 pounds lighter than the 2014 model.
GMC
When it comes to horsepower from a diesel engine, the 2017 GMC Sierra Denali HD tops the segment with an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) from an all-new Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel. And when it comes to the torque that enables effortless trailering and hauling, it also delivers more than ever: an SAE-certified net 910 lb.-ft. of torque (1,234 Nm) to make easier work of the heaviest loads. The 2017 Sierra Denali HD was introduced today at the State Fair of Texas Auto Show Media Day. More heavy-duty pickups are sold in Texas than in any other state, so the State Fair is the perfect place to showcase this high-powered vehicle. Along with a 19 percent increase in max torque over the current Duramax 6.6L and segment-best horsepower, the redesigned turbo-diesel’s performance is quieter and smoother, for greater refinement and more confidence when trailering or hauling.
Honda
Fairgoers can check out the latest models from Honda at the 2016 State Fair of Texas Auto Show, which features the all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the second generation of Honda’s innovative midsize pickup truck, redesigned from the ground up to offer both recreational and work users a higher degree of utility and versatility in a modern, rugged and sophisticated midsize pickup with the largest and most flexible cabin in its class; a higher level of confident and refined dynamic performance; and robust cargo-hauling and towing capabilities, including a class-leading maximum 1,584 pound (718.5 kg) payload capacity (varies by trim) and up to 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) towing (RT AWD). The 2017 Ridgeline sports a sleek, sophisticated and rugged exterior design, incorporating new premium features including standard LED taillights, and available features such as LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights.
Jeep
The Jeep brand returns to the State Fair of Texas with a full lineup of new and award-winning SUVs. To celebrate the unparalleled history of the legendary Jeep brand, this year’s display features the luxurious 2017 Jeep Grand
Cherokee Summit and the ultimate in capability with the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. The display also features a 75th anniversary special-edition 2017 Jeep Wrangler with Jeep-exclusive green exterior paint, Low
Gloss Bronze wheels, bronze and orange exterior accents and unique interiors, including exclusive seats with an embossed 75th anniversary logo and a 75th anniversary exterior badge. The latest Jeep lineup will be featured throughout the Fair’s 24-day run.
Nissan
Nissan is returning to the State Fair of Texas to celebrate America’s truck country with free parking for pickup trucks and an opportunity for attendees to take home the “TITAN of Texas” title by competing for the best time on a rugged, TITAN-inspired obstacle course. Nissan will be offering free parking for all pickup truck drivers, regardless of make, every day of the Fair at the parking lot located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Ash Lane, just two blocks west of the Front Gate entrance on Parry Avenue. The tough and rugged parking lot is complete with bigger spaces designed for pickup truck drivers, and will be fully staffed with security and product specialists. Guests will be directed to the “TITAN Off-Road Experience” to ride inside Nissan’s new 2017 TITAN and TITAN XD as they climb hills and overcome obstacles off-road. Every Wednesday through Sunday during the 2016 State Fair, Nissan will be putting the best-of-the-best athletes to the test against past contestants of the TV hit show “American Ninja Warrior” to compete for the “TITAN of Texas” title, as well as a grand prize of $15,000.
Ram
Ram, America’s off-road truck leader, introduced the Ram Rebel TRX concept today at the State Fair’s Auto Show Media Day. Rebel TRX is a 100-mph off-road machine with 575 horsepower – the most powerful half-ton truck the company has ever built. Ripping over pavement at speeds greater than 100 mph is an experience, but the Ram Rebel TRX concept hits triple digits in an off-road environment with the help of a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8. In addition to the Rebel TRX concept, Ram unveiled new updates to three of its most popular models – Lone Star, Laramie Longhorn and Limited models will now offer truck buyers an even wider selection of exterior appointments and content. The Ram 1500 Lone Star – the brand’s top-selling truck in Texas – now has a new Silver Edition option. Truck lovers can check out all of these vehicles at Ram’s display in the State Fair of Texas Auto Show.
Toyota
State Fair of Texas visitors will have a wide range of experiences from Toyota at this year’s event. An added bonus for fairgoers, the all-new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro is making its Texas debut at the 2016 State Fair, allowing attendees to see the world’s most rugged and capable mid-size truck up-close and personal. The Tacoma TRD Pro is joined by two new 2017 RAV4 grades – Platinum and SE Hybrid, which were both showcased during today’s press conference. The RAV4 Platinum is the premium grade for active couples with an adventurous lifestyle who want the ultimate in design, tech and luxury from a compact SUV. The RAV4 Hybrid now has a more aggressive attitude by adopting the SE grade, which features a sport-tuned suspension like the gas model.
Ideal for fairgoers looking to purchase a new car, or simply learn more about today’s available options, the State Fair of Texas Auto Show is full of experts from each of the manufacturing companies, ready to help you with any questions you may have. In addition to checking out the hottest new rides, visitors can enjoy fun interactives and live entertainment throughout the various auto displays at the Fair.
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About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve Fair Park and underwrite museum, community and scholarship programs for inner city youth and students pursuing agricultural careers. The 2016 exposition runs September 30 through October 23 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.