Edited by Christian Parodi

Pickups are commercial vehicles by definition. This means they’re designed and addressed for a very specific use: that of representing a vehicle suitable for heavy duty, with towing and loading capacity in line with their raw look that doesn’t mind to please your new girlfriend. A pickup must be extremely robust, practical and not worry about a road in poor condition, scratches or dirty materials that can be loaded on its rear trunk. However, we have learned that the most pleasant surprises are often found where you would never have imagined and therefore, taking advantage of all the features just mentioned and off-road skills worthy of the best 4X4s, pickups have always played a huge role as vehicles ideal for an escape into the wilderness. We have chosen 6 new models that move the bar of fun beyond the limit of madness, offering an unmistakable look and performance that will make your brain jump out of the skull. And if you don’t believe me, take a look here.

HENNESSEY MAMMOTH 1000 TRX

The Texan tuner is known for working on astronomical powers, but knowing that your next pickup has far more horsepower than 98% of all the supercars out there makes a pretty statement. Based on the already exasperated Dodge Ram 1500 TRX, Hennessey gets a whopping 1,000 horsepower and 1,355 Nm of torque from the supercharged 6.2 V8 of this beast aptly named Mammoth. Impossible to think that it could pass unnoticed, as it is impossible to imagine it back and forth around a construction site, but the beauty of these pickups is precisely the absolute madness that makes real something so damned far from the rationality we are used.

FORD F-150 RAPTOR R

After unveiling the next generation of the Ranger, Ford has further shuffled the cards on the table by presenting the most extreme version of its icon. It is called Raptor R and just think it will mount the same V8 as the Mustang Shelby GT500, in this case brought to 700 horsepower. Equipped with a volumetric compressor, its 868 Nm of torque would be capable of moving a mountain, provided you find a rope strong enough for the purpose. 10 gears and specific software take care of managing the power on the four wheels, with dedicated components made for this model, including an optimized electronically controlled suspension that relies on Fox shock absorbers even more exciting than before.

SHELBY FORD F-150 SUPER SNAKE

Sticking on the blue oval and always based on the legendary F-150, the Super Snake made by Shelby is without a doubt the ideal pickup for those who need to load bulky and dusty objects and then leave a few centimeters of rubber between some curves. The Shelby treatment speaks volumes and in fact we have a 5-liter V8 raised to 720 horsepower, but above all a set-up that, although penalizing a bit of freedom on rough terrain, will be a joy and delight in terms of precision and driving dynamics. Massive, brutal and with the inevitable stripes. You can’t ask for anything better.

SVE CHEVROLET SILVERADO YENKO/SC

Another brand, another tuner. This is the version on steroids of the Chevrolet Silverado, here under the badge Yenko/SC and with the beauty of 800 horses, because you never know, you could end up having to load some heavier luggage than usual. This Silverado is equipped with a V8 LT1 with forged crankshaft and pistons and a whole host of modifications that make it a more than valid alternative to the equally titillating Hennessey Goliath (700 hp). The icing on the cake, the two pairs of tailpipes at the rear, just to dispel any doubts about the performance at disposal.

GMC SIERRA 1500 DENALI

If, on the other hand, you are a slightly more traditional car-guy willing to give up the performance surplus of the aforementioned models by virtue of greater comfort and luxury, the new Sierra, perhaps in Denali Ultimate spec, could be the pickup you are looking for. Available with 5 different engines, the top of the range is represented by the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower. The GMC Sierra not only sports one of the most massive fronts out there, but the ability to devour thousands of kilometers in one of the most relaxing passenger compartment equipped with latest generation infotainment system and ultra-comfortable leather seats.

TOYOTA TUNDRA TRD PRO

The only non-American pickup on our list is the Toyota Tundra, a 4X4 that is actually built in Texas, the home of pickup trucks. With a new model now ready to make its debut, we wanted to pay homage to this generation for two very specific reasons. Firstly because it is an authentic icon that has been able to win over customers where it was certainly not among the favorites and then because the look of the special edition TRD Pro in Lunar Rock is something literally fabulous. Ecstatically satisfying then, but technically superfine, as might be expected from Toyota, the Tundra is powered by the mighty 5.7-liter V8 i-FORCE capable of generating over 4.5 tons of towing capacity and a maximum power of 381 horses. The next generation is about to follow the contemporary canons that see this sinuous front disappear. Too bad, let’s enjoy this while we can.