KEY POINTS:
Ford has just unveiled a new version of its blokey Harley-Davidson F-150 truck.
The alliance of the pair is super-special this year, with both iconic American brands celebrating their 105th anniversaries.
It's the third supercharged version of the high-spec pickup, with ten configurations produced since 1999.
Over 60,000 Ford Harley-Davidson trucks have been sold since the first tester model not surprisingly caught the imagination of the American market.
Unfortunately, as the desirable F-150 is not part of Ford New Zealand's official line-up, it was confirmed today by the company that only special imports of the vehicle will appear in New Zealand, and only through third party importers.
But that's not to say it's not a great bit of macho machinery.
Of course, Americans love their options - so there are a couple of engine configurations available. Standard is the 223kW 5.4-litre Triton V8. But that's a bit soft compared to long-time Ford tuner Saleen's blown and intercooled V8 that thunders out 335kW and 677Nm of torque.
It comes in 4x2 or all-wheel-drive versions, the choice probably made based on how much a buyer values what our police would call 'sustained loss of traction'.
Obviously, this is a label-basher's ride and a lot of the changes are purely cosmetic - a chromed-up billet grille, blacked out headlights, colour coded everything and body kit goodies.
The 22-inch forged polished aluminium wheels with the unique 'Alliance' logo definitely add a bit more bling factor, and forged '105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-150' badges are on the fenders and tailgate.
Colours are the traditional black on black, amethyst monochromatic, or a new black and vintage copper, which goes with the black and dusted copper leather interior.
