Chevy celebrates its 100 year anniversary and fittingly touts the Silverado as the longest-lasting, most dependable full-size pickup on the road.  An ad that debuted during the past Super Bowl, shows the Silverado navigating devastation and destruction  at the end of the world.   A group of friends, who are Silverado owners, makes its way to the designated meeting spot but notice one of their buddies is missing.  The missing friend, unfortunately, drives another manufacturer’s truck and doesn’t appear to have made it to the meeting point.  Watch it here.

Aah… a nice size, smooth riding but extremely capable truck that we enjoyed driving around the Metroplex and at the Truck Rodeo.

The 2012  Nissan Frontier PRO-4X finished first place at the Texas Truck Rodeo due to its extraordinary power and off-road athleticism.  You may have seen on a commercial during the past NFL season.   If you missed it, check it out here.   It features the Nissan Frontier traveling down a large snow covered mountain in a manner similar to a snowboarder run to illustrate these capabilities.   Frontier continues to offer an exceptional level of on- and off-road performance with the use of a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. A 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is also available (King Cab only). With its strong performance, combined with good fuel mileage (17 city, 21 highway, King Cab 2WD), the Frontier is a fitting truck for work or play.

Toyota introduced today the all-new, seventh-generation Camry with class leading safety, fuel economy and multi-media technology.  The 2012 Camry  employs an elegantly simple but modern form, emphasizing a wider, lower stance than previous models. with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than before.

Introduced in 1983, the Toyota Camry would later establish the template for the modern midsize sedan, setting benchmarks for Quality, Dependability and Reliability, along with a comfortable, quiet ride. Since that time, Toyota has sold more than 15 million Camry models worldwide earning it the honor of being America’s best-selling car for nine years running and 13 of the past 14 years.

The Toyota Camry again offers three powertrain choices, all of which have been enhanced for 2012 to provide better fuel economy and more responsive performance. All Camry models with the revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine now offer 178 horsepower, an increase of nine hp, and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are 25 mpg city/35 highway, and the 28 mpg combined is two more than the previous generation Camry. The 2.5-liter engine employs Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), which controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds. The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) helps optimize torque over a broad engine speed range.

The all-new Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of the brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE, with EPA-estimated 43 mpg city/39 mpg highway/41 mpg combined, yields a more-than-30 percent boost in fuel economy in the EPA city and combined driving cycles, compared to the previous generation, thanks largely to the new hybrid powertrain, but also due to lighter vehicle weight and optimized aerodynamics.

Camry will be one of the first Toyotas to offer the Entune multimedia system. For the first time ever in a Toyota automobile, this new system leverages themobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Savvy Publisher Steve Smirnis with Alex Cannon--6 time Indy 500 race car driver and the driver of the 2012 Toyota Camry Pace Car

Toyota recently hosted a press preview, inviting members of the Texas Auto Writers Association to take the new Camry’s on  a text drive at Cresson Motorsport Ranch.

Your Building SAVVY publishers were among 57 journalistst members of the Texas Auto Writers Association assembled for the two-day-long evaluation of new trucks, SUVs and CUVs at the Knibbe Ranch in San Atonio this past weekend.

After test driving the trucks on and off the road, votes were cast to name the following winners ofr 2011 Texas Truck Rodeo:

Ford Wins:  Truck Line of Texas, Truck of Texas for the 2012 Ford F-150, Outstanding Feature of Texas for its EcoBoost engine technology, and  CUV of Texas for the 2012 Ford Edge

Since April, the revolutionary F-150 EcoBoost has accounted for more than 40 percent of all F-150 sales. The EcoBoost engine, which can tow an industry-leading 11,300 pounds, is a $750 upgrade over the 5.0-liter V8.  With its new standard 36-gallon fuel tank, the powerful and fuel-efficient 2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost^® pickup can drive nearly the entire length of California – from Oregon to Mexico – on one tank of gas. Other new technologies and driveline upgrades on the award-winning F-150 line-up nclude the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4×4 system for Lariat trim level and above, and greatly expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines.   We practically had to  elbow our way through the line-up to drive the 2012 F-150 Raptor–always a favorite on the Knibbe Ranch 4 wheel drive off road track! It demonstrates Ford’s focus on raising the bar for off-road capabilities in a production truck.

The EcoBoost engine may have also been the deciding factor putting the 2012 Ford Edge at the top of the very competitive Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) category.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee  Retains SUV of Texas Title

The 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit edition is the most luxurious, distinctive and comprehensively equipped production Jeep vehicle ever, elevating Grand Cherokee to the peak of indulgence and refinement.  Its stunning interior with unique Black Olive burl real wood trim and gorgeous saddle leather and equally impressive exterior with fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels along with exclusive 20-inch bright/polished aluminum wheels make it a deserving winner for “Luxury SUV of Texas.”  The Grand Cherokee line, a huge success for Jeep, retained its SUV of Texas title for the second year in a row.

Other category results:

Full-Sized Pickup Truck-First Place, 2012 Ford F-150; Second Place, 2012 Ram 1500; Third Place, Chevrolet 1500 & Toyota Tundra (tie)

Mid-Sized Pickup Truck-First Place, 2012 Nissan Frontier; Second Place, 2012 Toyota Tacoma.

Luxury Pickup Truck-First Place, 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum EcoBoost; Second Place, 2012 Ram 2500 Mega Cab Laramie Longhorn; Third Place, 2012 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD Crew Cab.

Heavy Duty Pickup Truck-First Place, 2012 Ford F-250 King Ranch; Second Place, 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD.

Full-Sized SUV-First Place, 2012 Dodge Durango; Second Place, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Full-Sized Luxury SUV-First Place, Jeep Grand Cherokee; Second Place, Range Rover Evoque; Third place, Mercedes Benz ML350

Mid-Sized SUV-First Place, 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; Second Place, 2012 Toyota 4Runner; Third Place, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Mid-Sized Luxury SUV – First Place, Toyota 4Runner

Compact SUV-First Place, 2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X; Second Place, 2012 Jeep Compass; Third Place, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Full-Sized CUV-First Place, 2012 Buick Enclave;

Mid-Sized CUV-First Place, 2012 Ford Edge Limited with EcoBoost engine; Second Place 2012 Dodge Journey; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox

Compact CUV-First Place, 2012 Toyota Rav4; Second Place, Kia Soul!

Full-Sized Luxury CUV-First Place, 2012 GMC Acadia Denali; Second Place, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue TEC.

Mid-Sized Luxury CUV-2012 Cadillac SRX Premium.

Arthur Barcelo, of Dallas’ Artcelo Custom Design was selected to star in new commercials promoting Ram trucks and the real life success stories of their drivers.  The TV commercials will appear in both English and Spanish.

Drew Pearson is Leader for Team Escalade Texas

Cadillac rolled out its 2012 Escalades in grand fashion this week.  The first 12 Escalades rolled off the assembly line at the Arlington plant and were driven in a caravan to Fair Park by celebrities taking part in Team Escalade Texas.  This multimarket, multimedia campaign involves six charities, 19 celebrities, four cities and one bold drive to change lives. The goal of Team Escalade Texas is to educate fellow Texans about the six chosen charitable organizations as well as to increase interest, volunteers and donations for those charities. Team Escalade Texas (www.TeamEscaladeTexas.com) in underway and continues through Oct ober 30, 2011.

Football great Drew Pearson, who spoke at the press conference, is the leader of Team Escalade Texas. Pearson will travel to all markets to attend events and conduct interviews. Each charity also has been given an exclusive team that supports its individual mission. Each team consists of a charity, three celebrities, a radio station in Dallas and one in Houston that provide station personalities, events, on-air support and more.

Texas Cadillac dealers will produce public service announcement videos for each of the six charities and provide them with paid media support to publicize and promote the PSAs at various location from now through October 30.  During the month-long campaign, people are encouraged to vote, click and hare their favorite charity’s video.  The charity that receives the most votes for its PSA through midnight October 30 will win additional paid media support valued at $150,000.

The teams and celebrities are:

• Cure Duchenne — Team CureDuchenne (http://www.cureduchenne.org)
Daryl Johnston, Rocket Ismail, Dan Pastorini

• Taylor’s Gift Foundation — Team Gift (http://www.taylorsgift.org)
Everson Walls, Danieal Manning, Mike Renfro

• Love Hope Strength — Team Strength  (http://www.lovehopestrength.org)
Mike Modano, Brent Severyn, N.D. Kalu

• Ronald McDonald House Charities — Team House (Dallas: http://www.rmhdallas.org Fort Worth: http://ftworthrmh.org; Houston: http://www.rmhhouston.org; San Antonio: http://www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse-sa.org)
Randy White, Jay Novacek, Matt Bullard

• Special Olympics Texas — Team Champion (http://www.sotx.org)
Carly Patterson, Laura Wilkinson, Zina Garrison

• The YMCA — Team YMCA (http://www.ymca.net)
Brian Cardinal, Derek Harper, Alphonso Roundtree

Exclusively built in Texas, the Escalade is the No 1-selling full-size luxury SUV in America and topped the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (SM)–the highest-performing vehicle in its segment for the second consecutive year.

Compact SUVs Strive for Sport and Style: 2011 Infinity EX 35 Journey RWD, 2011 Rougue SV FW

U.S. News & World Report named the 2011 Infinity EX 35 Journey RWD “Best Luxury Compact Crossover for the Money 2011.”

The compact category of crossovers is for the person needing a bit more space than a sedan would allow while delivering sporty performance and style.  Rear wheel drive vehicles like the luxury class Infinity do a better job at the sports sedan comparison, but Nissan did a nice job overall with the Rouge in the more affordable category.  Also in the compact category, the Kia Sportage has come a long way.  If you’re looking for cargo space, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is a good choice and also delivers a sporty performance with available seating for seven and has a long warranty.

Nissan hopes to position the Rouge as a crossover with Z-car characteristics in performance, stylish looks, and good affordability, including slightly improved fuel efficiency on the new model.

The 2011 Sportage has evolved into a stylish and well-rounded compact crossover SUV.

Available seating for seven and its exterior size say the Kia Sportage is a midsize SUV, but its price and standard four cylinder engine say compact SUV.

Our 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport text model featuring all-wheel drive, good fuel economy and a roomy interior with awesome panoramic moon roof is a great car for the money and capability.

Options for Everyone in Midsizers

The 2011 Kia Sorento straddles the line between compact and midsize SUVs and provides the perfect example of how KIA continues to surprise with design innovation, quality and value.   The 2011 Sorento has lost its truck-=based platform and has been rated oneof the most comfortable-riding and powerful midsize crossovers available.

The reborn 2011 Ford Explorer may look rough and rugged on the outside, but inside, it feels more like a sedan than a truck.

Ford’s Explorer, Nissan’s Xterra PRO-4X, Toyota’s 4Runner, and Subaru’s Forester 2.5 XT Turbo retain a rugged look outside with improved comfort inside.   All remain strong contenders for crossover shoppers seeking a car that suits their needs for every day in the city but will also cut it on the trip to Colorado.  Toyota’s FJ Cruiser, on the other hand, delivers on style and off-road ability but leaves something to be desired in in the way of on-road handling, not to mention some blind spots that will rattle the urban driver.

The current Subaru Forester started life in 2009 with a Motor Trend SUV of the Year award, and gets better with the 2011 model

The Toyota 4Runner boasts old-school brawn and has the reputation as a durable vehicle -- off-road and on.

The previous off-road model renamed Nissan Xterra PRO-4X definitely delivers the rugged exterior while offering great improvements in the area of comfort.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is fun and capable off-road.

The 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid blends a luxurious interior and a refined powertrain with excellent fuel economy. Though it’s expensive compared to the gas-only RX, it’s been ranked “excellent” as a hybrid SUV.

When it comes to luxury mid-sizers, the Lexus RX has longed reigned popular for its high-end and high-tech interior and smooth performance. While the 450h Hybrid engine is impressive, it adds another $5,000 to the already high price tag. Even with rising gas prices, it would still take a while to recoup that extra investment in gas savings. Also considered a mid-size SUV, the Ford Flex really is in a class of its own and a nice alternative to the mini-van. The Chevy Traverse is another strong contender among the mid-sizers. With 24 MPG highway, The Chevy Traverse FWD offers better fuel economy than any eight-passenger crossover. When it comes to room, Traverse delivers there too, offering more cargo space than any vehicle in its class.

The seven-passenger Ford Flex is a good-looking, high-tech alternative for families who want minivan features without minivan style.

With its stylish good looks, spacious cabin, carlike ride and handling, plus decent fuel economy, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is a popular downsizing option for those used to driving large SUVs.

Cadillac style, the gorgeous and classy Range Rover, and the mystique of Jaguar…who wouldn’t love to drive any of these beauties.  But absent an immediate industry comeback and greatly fattened wallet, the price may put them out of reach for many.  Our primary criticism of the 2011 models so far would have to go to the luxury car makers for one reason.  With customers willing to pay the luxury price tag, it would appear that manufacturers of luxury priced vehicles simply fail to make much effort in fuel efficiency.  Whether the people with the money to buy these vehicles will flinch when gas prices rise will be something to observe, particularly when they fill them with the premium gas that’s recommended.

Cadillac has one of the best looks in crossovers, but compare the price tag and operating costs, and you may find that a fully loaded model from a lesser expensive competitor could do the job

2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo AWD Premium

Looks: One of our favorite crossovers

Drive: Critics have claimed that the base engine disappoints due to the fact that the SRX is heavier and larger than most crossovers, but it met our expectations.

Gadgets: In true Cadillac style, it’s loaded with the best.  But unless you have the money and relish the prestige associated with Cadillac or one of its other luxury Euro cousins in the crossover category (Lexus RX 350, Audi Q5, BMW X3 & X5, Mercedes GLK), consider taking a look at some of the lesser expensive crossovers (Chevy Equinox, GMC Traverse), and get them fully loaded for a closer comparison.

Fuel Efficiency: 15 MPG City; 22 MPG Highway

Base Price: $52,360

Total price with delivery charges and test vehicle’s upgrades: $55,555, including trailering package, rear seat entertainment system, roof cross rails, all weather floor mats, pet guard cargo net.

Most drivers would never have the occasion to fully appreciate the off road capabilities of the Range Rover Sport HSE.

2011 Range Rover Sport HSE

Looks: It’s simply gorgeous and classy—the definition of luxury.  But its pristine look is misleading; this one capable on roads the Grey Poupon guy wouldn’t think of being on.

But there’s a good reason that Queen Elizabeth choose the Range Rover when driving the hills and dales of her private kingdom, and those that can afford it will love just knowing what it’s capable of.

Drive: The performance version of the HSE, it comes with a choice of naturally-aspirated or supercharged V-8 engines, a six-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. In spite of having a curb weight just under 6,000 pounds, it has excellent acceleration in the critical 20-to-50 mile-per-hour range and boasts 7.2-seconds zero-to-sixty. Most drivers would never have the occasion to fully appreciate the off road capabilities of this one, meaning that you’re paying for a lot of things that you may never use.

Gadgets: Land Rover’s terrain response system modifies throttle, transmission and suspension response according to the driving surface: road, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, sand, or rock crawl.

Fuel Efficiency: 13 MPG City; 18 MPG Highway

Base Price: $59.645

Total price with delivery charges and test vehicle’s upgrades: $68,495  with premium audio package, luxury interior package and vision assist package.

2011 Jaguar XF Premium

The 2011 Jaguar XF Premium has been called the best looking sedan on the road today.

Looks: Designed by the same designer as the Aston Martin Leather, it’s been called the best looking sedan on the road today for good reason.  Outside, its subtle curves and wide fenders support all the mystique of Jaguar.  Inside, wood and aluminum (all standard) are everywhere.

Drive: The 85hp 5.0 Liter V8 makes allows it to pass its inferiors on the highway with confidence.  Steering and suspension work together to make the car feel much smaller than it is.

Gadgets: loaded, but nicely tucked away delivering the clean and simple look of luxury

Fuel Efficiency: 16 MPG City; 23 MPG Highway

Base Price: $56,500

Total price with delivery charges and test vehicle’s upgrades: $57,375 (just the transportation and handling charge; all the luxuries were standard)

Comfort and safety are two things that weigh heavy in the car buying decision. Volvo makes the mark!

Lane departure warning beeps with even the slightest stray; you know you need to pay a lot more attention when it tells you it’s time to stop for coffee!  Part of the $2100 Technology package that we thankfully did not test in action is Volvo’s pedestrian-detection system.  Aimed at the road ahead, the camera sends pictures to an onboard computer that tries to match them up to the computer’s database of more than 10,000 pedestrian images. If the computer “senses” an individual, it then uses the radar to determine how far away that person is. As the car continues to approach the pedestrian, the collision-warning alarm mounted at the base of the windshield will start flashing and sounding an alert in an attempt to warn the driver of an impending impact. Should the driver ignore the warning, the S60 will automatically employ full braking power until the car comes to a complete halt.

Looks: Smart and modern while maintaining those things that make it Volvo.

Drive: The standard all-wheel-drive system is 95 percent front-drive most of the time.  Care & Drive said it concisely:  “The primary controls, the powertrain, the ride, the sound—even the way the seat is cushioned—all come together in a harmonious and consistent way.” 

Gadgets: Finally, the sensible Swedish designer make a satellite radio that allows you to scroll through the hundreds of channels to find the one you want without all the complexity.  But most impressive are the advancements Volvo has made to retain its reputation for safety.

Fuel Efficiency: 18 MPG City; 26 MPG Highway

Base Price: $37,700

Total price with delivery charges and test vehicle’s upgrades: $46,200 with Premium Package, Technology Package and Climate Package