When you don't want the commonplace SUV or truck
Searching for an SUV that was built in a supercar facility, or hunting for a unique truck? I saw both at the Chicago Auto Show's media day this week.
If you've looked high and low for a special pickup, Chevrolet and Realtree have you covered. The two brands have teamed up to release a rig that, despite having camouflage accents, will readily stand out.
Called the 2021 Silverado Realtree Edition, the limited-run hauler is the second collaboration for the pair of companies. The first was in 2016. This new rig follows a similar formula to deliver outdoor enthusiasts the perfect companion for their off-the-grid adventures.
The trucks start off as the Custom Trail Boss model of the Silverado 1500. That equips them with a 2-inch factory suspension lift and 20-inch black wheels wrapped with Goodyear off-road tires. The Z71 Off-Road Package is added, too, bringing monotube Rancho shocks, hill-descent control, automatic locking rear differential, skid plates and an AutoTrac two-speed transfer case.
For power, customers can choose between a 5.3-liter V-8 with a six-speed transmission or a 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
From there, the package adds Realtree camo graphics in the company's latest Timber design. The hood and rear edge of the rear fenders get the treatment, along with the interior door trim. The Realtree logo is also integrated into the truck's sides and bed liner. Other touches include black Silverado and Z71 badging, black rectangular dual-exhaust tips, 4-inch black round assist steps and all-weather floor liners.
To make sure the truck is tough and ready for use, it comes with Silverado's Durabed, which offers tons of cargo capacity, 12 tie-downs and a high-strength, roll-formed steel bed floor.
Pricing and total production for the special edition truck hasn't been announced but look for it to go on sale later this summer.
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2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition
Acura's 2020 MDX PMC Edition is one fast crossover SUV. The model combines top-of-the-line luxury features with sporty elements and then given a crown-jeweled touch of exclusivity.
The PMC name comes from the brand's Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, where Acura's NSX is built. As you might imagine, each of these special MDXs are assembled there, too, put together by the very same technicians.
That's not the only similarity shared with the NSX. Each MDX gets painted in Valenicia Red Pearl nano-pigment paint, a color previously available only on the NSX. Acura states the lustrous hue is the highest quality, most vibrant paint they're ever offered on a production car.
From there, the special edition gets tons of gloss black accents, including 20-inch wheels and center caps, roof panel, roof antenna, exterior mirror caps, door handles and front grille, which is set off by a body color surround. Around back, the exhaust is given black chrome tips.
Inside, Alcantara leather inserts are added to the black leather seats, which also get black piping and red stitching. The stitching is carried over on to the door panels, center console, headrest and front center armrest, too. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and complemented with metal-finished paddle shifters. There are special floor mats and to showcase the limited run, a PMC Edition numbered serial plaque is mounted on the center console.
Other included top features are Acura's sporty A-Spec exterior and interior sport appearance package, LED headlights, fog lights and puddle lights and heated and ventilated front seats and heated outboard second-row seats.
Under the hood is Acura's 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6, which delivers 290 horsepower. It's mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and the brand's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
Acura is only building 300 PMC Edition MDXs for sale here in the U.S. with another 30 heading to Canada. They're starting to show up in dealerships and will carry a sticker price of $63,745.
If sedans are more your thing, Acura has a PMC Edition TLX, too.
• Share your car's story with Matt at auto@dailyherald.com.