Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 4023 and U 5023 Euro 6

For work or for leisure – the natural habitat of the new Unimog U 4023 and U 5023 starts where roads finish. New engines and a lot of new features are put this biggest Unimog on the top of all 4WD vehicles. 

 

Finally, Euro 6 engines are available also for Big Mog – there are a lot of European companies who are waiting it. Despite the complexity required to meet the Euro 6 standard, Mercedes-Benz is promising to customers of the new Unimog, that low fuel consumption has been reduced by up to three percent with lowered emissions, great reliability, a long life expectancy and long maintenance intervals. Alongside cooled exhaust gas recirculation within the engine, emission control features a successively switched system comprising a closed particulate filter, AdBlue injection and an SCR catalytic converter. Simultaneously with introduction of Mercedes-Benz diesel engines Euro 6, the extreme off-road version of the Unimog also underwent a complete redevelopment to feature a mid-engine design. The engine has been shifted a meter to the rear, which helps not only accommodate the assemblies that Euro 6 made necessary, but also enables direct power take-off from the engine. This means that devices can work independently of the vehicle being driven. Transmission power take-off also remains possible.

The new high-torque OM 934 BlueTec 6 engine; a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of 5.1 l offer an output of 170 kW (231 hp) and a higher torque of 900 Nm, which is available consistently over the entirety of the principal driving range from 1200 rpm to 1600 rpm. the new Now, the engine brake is a double-speed decompression brake which, in the case of the OM 934, develops braking power of up to 180 kW. Each cylinder in the engine has its own engine brake unit. So, safety has also well been improved. Unimog’s outstanding handling characteristics in difficult terrain are well known. In the new generation, these have been improved even further, thanks to the altered position of the engine.

 One of Mog’s specialties is the transmission. And that has been remarkable optimized and uprated, resulting in shorter shift times whilst also extending its service life. As in the previous version, eight forward and six reverse gears are available and there is also an optional off-road group for off-road use in the speed range between 2.5 and 35 km/h. The transmission is operated from now via a steering-column lever, which is also used to control the electronic quick reverse (EQR) function. About transmission, we must say that the biggest differences between the two models U 4023 and U 5023 come in the form of the portal axles (and frames), which thus affect the axle loads and gross vehicle weight. In the case of the U 4023, this is a maximum of 10.3 t, for the U 5023 a maximum of 14.5 t.

 Portal axles, the low centre of gravity and extremely good angles of approach and departure (44 degrees at the front, 51 degrees at the rear), as well as the ramp angle (34 degrees) and its slope-climbing ability (45 degrees) all add up to make the Unimog an extreme off-roader. In addition to this there is the maximum fording depth of 1.20 m and a lateral inclination angle of up to 38 degrees. Driving in extreme situations with the all-wheel drive system engaged is supported by the selectable differential locks and the tyre pressure control system. The Tirecontrol plus tyre pressure control system has been completely redesigned. The preconfigured tyre pressure for the type of deployment can now be set simply and conveniently on the display by selecting the appropriate programmes. “Road”, “Sand” and “Rough Terrain” modes are preset.

 Finally, the cab it is also new. Ok, it is a classic since it looks very similar to first one, from 1974! But the new version of the cab is now 120 mm longer than its predecessor and it is also slightly higher. The Unimog cab can be tipped to simplify maintenance and repair tasks. Together with the relocation of the transmission controls from the centre console to the steering-column lever, this results in substantially more generous space conditions inside the cab. Inside, the Unimog benefits from a new range of equipment including a multifunction steering wheel, adjustable steering column, steering-column lever, multifunction buttons, instrument cluster with a large display, and an upgraded heating and ventilation system, all of which create optimum conditions for the driver. The changed position of many controls in the overhead console makes it much easier to move across from the driver’s to the co-driver’s seat. Also, because the seats are mounted in the low-vibration area, behind the front axle, together with the new cab mounting concept, driving becomes very comfortable, particularly off-road. All in all, the driver and passengers can enjoy real truck comfort in the new Unimog, which is not something to be taken for granted in a specialist vehicle of this type. It is a Mercedes-Benz anyway! If desired, a new camera monitoring system can also optimise all-round vision.

 On the outside, the dynamically designed radiator grille and the new bumpers featuring state-of-the-art lights clearly indicate that a new Unimog generation is in operation here. Or there. Or everywhere!

News Source: http://mercedesblog.com/official-mercedes-benz-unimog-u-4023-and-u-5023-euro-6/

Land Rover Shows One-Off “Paul Smith” Designer Defender 90

Seems like the marketing folks at auto companies just cant get enough of cross pollination with fashion designers or apparel makers. From the granddaddy of the all, the Eddie Bauer Explorer, to Columbia Sportswear Jeeps, to less well know collaborations like Gucci AMC Hornets, the formula seemingly never gets old.

The Brits are never far behind and here’s Land Rover’s latest take with a designer Defender from Paul Smith. Don’t expect a Raptor with a cocky accent as this thing is mostly a 27 (!) hue paint treatment, wheels and a leathered up interior. Although the David Smith brand is dwarfed by other bigger apparel names, he is well known as a designer of men’s casual clothing and evidently a huge Defender fan.

Starting with a stock, out of the box Defender 90 and then adding the aforementioned paint job, he adds satin black 16-inch alloys and Paul Smith emblems festooned about the bodywork. The black plastic interior is swathed in multi-colored leather seats, blue seat belts, and a designer clock of all things.

Mechanically, the rig is bone-stock with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder making a whopping 130 horsepower, a relatively beefy 274 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission. Overall, the Defender has the goods to go mudding with the best of ‘em while keeping up with the hipsters hanging out in front of the club.

Whether this remains just a styling exercise remains to been seen. Land Rover has not announced what the future holds for this colorful Defender. However, Paul Smith is an avid Defender enthusiast so maybe the truck will find a spot in his garage as an added perk.

News Source: http://www.offroadxtreme.com/news/land-rover-shows-one-off-paul-smith-designer-defender-90/

This H1 Hummer Is Built To Take On Anything

If there was ever a king of the mountain in the off-road world, it would have to be the AM General Humvee which featured full-time four-wheel-drive, independent suspension on all four corners, an astonishing 16-inches of ground clearance, and was as wide as a city block. While it may not have been the best choice for tight or technical terrain, the Hummer H1 earned its merit as the g0-to choice for the military and (rich) hardcore off-road enthusiasts everywhere.

H1s aren’t exactly common by any stretch of the imagination and as such, when you come across one, you have to give it a good once over and just marvel at the design that looks just as mean in motion as it does sitting still. Such is the case with this 1997 Hummer H1 that was sold on eBay a while back for an astonishing $115,000 – the price of a nice house in most of the United States. While very off-road focused stock, H1s weren’t exactly the most common vehicle to be heavily modified, but this one really throws that theory out the window.

Advertised as a wide-body H1 (weren’t they wide enough to begin with?), this ’97 features 46-inch tires, KMC Rockstar wheels, Predator bumpers, a custom roof-rack, and a wide-body kit. In addition, there were numerous LED lights wired up, a winch at the front incase you were to get stuck (not likely), and a menacing flat-grey paint scheme that makes it look like something you would see in a Hollywood blockbuster about government-contracted security teams.

So we have to know, do you think there was ever an off-road vehicle that Trumped the H1 Hummer? Or is it the ultimate off-roader? Let us know in a comment below.

News Source: http://www.offroadxtreme.com/news/this-h1-hummer-is-built-to-take-on-anything/

2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible X – Design, Features, Engine, Price

Toyota has recently revealed its new generation of Hilux – Invincible X. It is going to be a pickup truck that will give fierce competition in the market. A significant number of personalized options have been added to the new 2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible X. It is going to be a tougher and a stylish truck ever launched by Hilux and this is going to be the element that will influence the decision of the pickup truck buyers.  

2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible X: New Design and Features

 Although many people would say that a better fashion sense for Hilux won’t be needed because these trucks aren’t meant to be the fashionable car but all would agree that a little personalization is not a bad thing at all. That is why the consumers can choose from 4 different designs in the wheels, the chrome side bars, and hi-over bar at the bar, the snuff plates, the lamp clusters and more.

 The new model has retained all the best qualities of Hilux due to which unbreakable reputation has been maintained over the years. However, some new styling options have been offered to add personalized touches making it a super tough pickup of all. The best thing is that there is no extra cost involved for these personalized touches. The 2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible X is going to get 17 inch alloy wheels with an invincible rim and a Rica 5-spoke design. This 7th generation truck is going to be the one last shot of adrenaline. Chrome is around the door handles, air takes and the rear tail lights. Other significant changes that will be seen in the market include the sport seats, fog lights in the front, the dusk sensing headlights, the vehicle stability control, rear privacy glass, heated door mirrors, the rear view camera and the ever famous 2-screen infotainment system of Toyota. The sports front seats, cruise control, climate control, airbags, vehicle stability control, the heated door mirrors which are electronically adjusted, and the touch screen controlled multimedia system having Bluetooth further enhance the performance of this new generation pickup truck. The leather seats are available in 4 colors and they will have an X logo embedded. That means consumers can even customize the interior and features.

 2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible X: Engine and Towing

 Moving on to the engine, 2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible X is going to feature 3-liter D-4D diesel engine that is capable of powering 169 hp with either 5-speed auto or manual transmission. This model is going to be engineered for all conditions. It will have 4-wheel drive system with towing capacity of 2.8 tones. Many automaker experts are saying it is going to be “invincible” truck yet because of its too much tempting design and strength. It is going to give tough competition to many trucks out there.

 2016 Toyota Hilux: Price

 The expected price for the 2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible X will be £23,842 for manual model and £24,842 for automatic mode. It is expected to come out in the markets in 2016. Toyota Hilux Invincible X is now available for orders in UK. For those who are interested to buy it can book their orders readily.

News Source: http://2016pickuptruck.com/2016-toyota-hilux-invincible-x/

2016 Ram Rampage – Design, Performance, Price

The 2016 Ram Rampage is here, and it will be a truck with the best features, changes and upgrades ever. Due to its fascinating specifications, this truck has won the title of the best SUV car. The 2016 concept has been touted to make it the most powerful truck of the future. And it has certainly made its way.

2016 Ram Rampage: Exterior and Interior Design

 The 2016 Ram Rampage has a u-shaped chamfered element and trailing sides. The body has been designed from aluminum. The exterior and interior both are exceptional. The front door of the truck is hinged, and the back door slides to open. The interior is durable, functional and most of all effective. The manufacturers say that everything they have included is there for a reason. The area of the control panel has a stain silver finish framing, there is navigation system present, and adjustable steering control that can let the drive balance the spokes.

 A ladder like console is present that offers package full of entertainment. Skylights have been installed to welcome daylight to the passengers in the back seat as well. The seats installed are quite comfortable and sporty. A fabricated folding framework having stain silver finish is used to make the seats. Polyurethane coated product is applied on the dark charcoal seats. 5 passengers can easily adjust in the new generation Ram Rampage. The truck has a phenomenal freight lugging capacity. There is a dual bed flooring made for this purpose. The truck offers tidy space which no other pickup has yet provided to consumers.

 The double muscle body shape of the 2016 Ram Rampage is because of the flared fenders which are complemented by the 22 inch light weight aluminum tries. There is a reserve angle at the back door and a triangular glass that gives a sporty coupe look to the truck. It is the first truck that is a perfect combination of the best specifications, quality and performance.

2016 Ram Rampage: Engine and Performance

 Under the hood is going to be 5.7-liter V8 engine that will be capable of producing 345 horsepower and strong torque. There is a huge improvement in the engine of 2016 as the previous model had 3 liter V6 engine. The fuel consumption rating is going to be between 15 and 18 mg. It is going to be an automatic transmission engine. The truck is going to give the best execution of all due to its brand new engine capability. It is expected that the car might come in hybrid option as well. Other features that will enhance the performance of the car include LCD display, navigation system, HD speakers and various other mind blowing features. Color options in the 2016 Rampage are low. But seriously, nobody can turn their eyes off this amazing truck.

2016 Ram Rampage: Price and Release

 The expected price for the 2016 Ram Rampage is $20,000. The 2016 model of the truck will be released in summer 2015. So, it is just a matter of a few months and this amazing truck is going to make its way to the showrooms.

News Source: http://2016pickuptruck.com/2016-ram-rampage-design-performance-price/

Patience is a virtue: Next Land Rover Defender may not arrive until 2018

 

The fact that Land Rover is ending production of the fan-favorite Defender isn’t news, and neither is the fact that a replacement is in the works.  

Yet some of the details about that replacement appear to have changed.

The next Defender won’t arrive until 2018, a bit later than previous reports suggested, although it will be sold in the U.S. again, Automobile Magazine says.  

Until now, it appeared Land Rover could launch the next-generation Defender as early as next year, and possibly even preview the new model with a concept at one of this year’s auto show.  

Instead, the Defender will return in time for Land Rover’s 70th anniversary, with a wide variety of body styles, powertrains, and trim levels to appeal to everyone from farmers to wealthy urbanites.  

The Defender will reportedly switch to a new unibody architecture called D7u for better on-road manners and a lower curb weight, but keep the current model’s live-axle suspension.  

And while it will include luxuries like an infotainment system and a unique version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response control system, the Defender apparently won’t be a full-on luxury vehicle like Land Rover’s other models.  

Striking the correct balance between a vehicle that’s refined enough for a wider customer base yet true to the original Defender’s spirit will be quite a challenge.  

At least five body styles are reportedly part of the plan, including two-door models with both hard and convertible tops, a four-door model, and pickup truck versions of both.  

Powertrains are rumored to include turbocharged gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines from Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium line, plus a 3.0-liter V6 with at least 300 horsepower. Six-speed manual and nine-speed automatic transmissions will be on offer.  

All of that should make the next Defender a competent off-roader like its predecessor, even if we will have to wait a bit longer for it. 

News Source: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/land-rover-defender-relaunch-may-be-pushed-back-to-2018

2016 Ford Raptor – Platform, Design, Engine, Price

Ford is planning in a way to shock its enthusiasts by presenting another truck from the family of Raptor. This will be a fresh and reshaped Ford Raptor 2016. It is expected to be a gigantic truck and currently it is in the phase of production. Ford has allocated enough funds for this purpose and time is also spent on designing and making this next generation of Raptor. The 2016 Ford Raptor is expected to earn a lot of fame and sales keeping in view its specs discussed hereunder.  

2016 Ford Raptor: Platform and Design  

Not enough details are available about 2016 Raptor, however lots of speculations have been made in this regard and anticipations are set regarding launch of this big sized truck. Information which is very authentic about 2016 Ford Raptor is that it will appear very much different from existing model. It is hoped for that the designer is working on using steel ladder on the chassis. There will be an enhancement in size if compared to the existing model however in order to make it fuel efficient weight has been reduced. The forthcoming Ford Raptor will be constructed on a fresh platform using very powerful steel and optimum quality alloy of aluminum. This formula is anticipated to get good response by designing the 2016 Raptor which will be 300 kg lighter. This powerful steel frame will increase performance of auto specifically while driving it off-road. As regard its aluminum body, the car will be kept in control, additionally to increasing the consumption of fuel. The increased suspension for Ford’s trucks is expected to be carried over to upcoming model to look tougher. With all these efforts better performing truck which will be the optimum off-roader, equipped with big tires, with immense bar grille and amazing suspension.  

LED enriched headlights have been added to this 2016 Raptor. Sufficient info is not available about the interior. Eight inches touch screen with lots of infotainment specs placed inside large space cabin is there for the buyer of Raptor 2016. Interior designing shows the esthetic sense of designer as everything placed inside attracts the eyes. This includes flooring and ceiling plus dashboard and lot more.  

2016 Ford Raptor: Engine  

There are large expectations that a powerful engine with 6.2 liter engine capacity will not be available in this Raptor 2016. A 5.0 liter V8 engine will be provided with this model. This engine will be producing 500 hp plus 380 lb-ft of torque. In order to make it less fuel consuming truck lots of mechanical changes have been made. Maker is confident that they will be able to design very economical but powerful vehicle.  

2016 Ford Raptor: Price and Release  

News tell that Ford has not yet announced the date of release of this vehicle but there are large expectations that this model will be released in Dec 2015. Introductory price of this model will be around $50,000. With amazing features and fuel economical nature this price is justifiable and large sales are expected.

News Source: http://2016pickuptruck.com/2016-ford-raptor-platform-design-engine-price/

2016 Chevrolet Colorado – Changes, Engine, Price

As far as modern pickups go the Chevrolet Colorado is hard to match in terms of power and performance. Since 2004, Chevrolet has constantly improved upon the classic automobile to offer something that’s hard to beat. The mid-sized pickup is expected to receive a modest improvement in 2016, so we may expect the excellent 2016 Chevrolet Colorado.  

2016 Chevrolet Colorado: Design Changes  

The new 2016 Chevrolet Colorado features really gorgeous design that has many changes compared to the current version. Its sleek and elegant body toes the fine line between work and play. Appropriately sized, the pickup does not look small compared to its bigger brother ‘Silverado’. The swept headlights look like something out of a super car. The fender is smooth and elegant .Mercifully Chevrolet kept a minimalistic approach to the chrome accents and the truck looks better for it. But the real star of the show is the cockpit, even at speeds in excess of 60 mph; the interior is in plain words ‘quiet’. This is in part due to the cumulative effort of the triple door seals, felt fender liners, the hydraulic engine mount and the shear style body design. The leather encased steering wheel and seats are a joy to use. The cabin is airy and roomy, well suited for long drives. Unfortunately the 2016 model will not offer a regular cab. The new model is available with a 4 door crew cabin and an extend cab with rear doors. The car also comes preloaded with tech including optional 4G connectivity. Advanced options like lane assist and forward-collision warning are also offered as extras.

 

2016 Chevrolet Colorado: Engine Options

 

The 2016 Colorado comes in 2 formidable engine configurations, the standard 2.5-liter four cylinder with 200 HP and 191 lb-ft of torque. For the enthusiast there is the alternative is a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 305 HP and 296 lb-ft of torque. While the 2015 model has a 6-speed gear box, the 2016 is improves its game with 8-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately due to a lack of manual transmission, enthusiasts will have to look elsewhere. With a generous 6.1ft bed, the truck can haul an enormous 7000 pounds, a number that a full sized truck would struggle with a decade ago. What’s incredibly surprising is that regardless of the 4.10 axle ratio in the four-cylinder engine the truck is still quite efficient. At its thirstiest, it will do 17 miles to a gallon in the city and 24 on the highway. The average most people claim hovers somewhere around the 19ish range. Those looking for even greater efficiency can always opt for the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that barely sips fuel on 2 wheel drive.  

 

2016 Chevrolet Colorado: Price and Release  

 

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is expected to hit showrooms in early 2016. According to Chevrolet the price is not yet concrete, but is expected to be cheaper than the Silverado which retails outright for around $27,000. The higher models are also expected to stay below the $35,000 range, which is sure to come as relief to prospective buyers. All in all the 2016 model is shaping out to be an excellent pickup. Truck enthusiasts are no doubt anxiously waiting on Chevrolet to release the new Colorado.

News Source: http://2016pickuptruck.com/2016-chevrolet-colorado-changes-engine-price/

2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SUV Review

 

What's New for 2016  

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport gets a new 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine.  

Introduction  

Three years after a significant overhaul that included a new, lightweight aluminum chassis, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport broadens the iconic luxury SUV's appeal with an optional diesel engine.  

Land Rover says the 3.0-liter diesel will deliver 25 mpg combined -- a 32 percent improvement over the standard gasoline V6 engine -- and 28 mpg on the highway. The new powertrain is poised to be the deal-maker with luxury shoppers who need to haul toys and play off-road, but don't want to sacrifice fuel economy to get there.  

The trade-off? Speed. The diesel-equipped Range Rover will be slower to hustle its mass than its gasoline counterparts. The diesel will be available on both the standard Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport.  

What's Under the Hood? 

The 2016 Range Rover Sport will offer a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, in addition to its current gasoline V6 and V8 options. The new diesel is rated at 254 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine's grunt peaks at just 1,750 rpm, which should deliver impressive low-end thrust on initial acceleration, during tricky off-road maneuvers, or when towing a large load.  

Land Rover hasn't announced whether the new diesel improves the SUV's maximum tow rating of 7,716 pounds, but it will put the "range" in Range Rover, as Land Rover says the new diesel is capable of traveling 658 miles on a single tank.  

An eight-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox available, and it offers Normal, Sport and Manual shift modes. Four-wheel drive is standard.  

Land Rover claims the diesel Range Rover will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds en route to a top speed of 130 mph. That's fairly slow for a full-size luxury SUV, but not unexpected from an engine with relatively low top-end horsepower. The Sport model can do the same dash in 7.1 seconds.  

Added insulation to motor mounts, the windshield and engine compartment should help quell the typical worries about diesel engines -- noise and vibration -- and deliver standard levels of Range Rover refinement.  

What Kinds of Features Will It Have?  

For now, the diesel-powered 2016 Range Rover Sport will be offered in only the standard-wheelbase HSE trim level, which comes with 20-inch wheels, a sliding panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled leather seats with 14-way adjustments and heated rear seats.  

Like all Range Rovers, the diesel model comes standard with four-wheel drive and the Terrain Response traction system (which optimizes engine, transmission, braking and suspension systems depending on conditions).  

Like its gasoline counterpart, the Sport model focuses more on city and highway comfort rather than all-out off-road ability. A torque-vectoring electronic differential and adaptive suspension give the Sport model more handling prowess than the standard Range Rover, but it still offers a Jeep-like 8.4 inches of ground clearance and it can wade in water nearly 3 feet deep.  

The Sport also offers three-row seating, although it's really only for kids. Land Rover even says as much and they're not kidding. It's pretty tight back there.  

How Much, and When Is It Available? 

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport will be available at dealers this fall. The diesel option should boost the big Rover's sticker price to around $91,000, while the Sport should start at around $71,000.  

When it comes to flat-out luxury, there isn't much that compares to the Range Rover. But that doesn't mean it's the only game around. The Porsche Cayenne Diesel delivers similar power and luxury creature comforts, but raises the quotient of on-road fun and performance. There's also the Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec, which while not as capable as the Range Rover or Porsche, delivers high class and offers adult-sized three-row seating.  

Rivals to the Range Rover Sport include the Mercedes-Benz ML250 Bluetec (smaller engine and output, but 25 mpg combined and cheaper) and BMW X5 xDrive35d.  

Check back for a full review of the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available. 

News Source: http://www.edmunds.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/2016/

Mercedes and Nissan join forces to build midsize pickup

Last month we thought that Mercedes was pulling an early April Fools prank when it announced plans to develop a midsize pickup, but it's completely true and now we're learning more. Mercedes and Nissan have confirmed that they are working together on a new Mercedes pickup that will be based on the Nissan NP300/ Navara.   

The Mercedes pickup will be built by Nissan at its plants in Spain and Argentina. Even though the pickup will borrow its platform from the Nissan NP300, Mercedes is designing it to meet the specific needs of its own customer base. It will also be offered in a double cab configuration, but all the other specs are being kept under wraps for now.   

"Entering the rapidly growing segment of midsize pickups is an important step in continuing our global growth path," Daimler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche stated. "Thanks to our well-established partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, we are able to drastically reduce the time and cost to enter this key segment."   

"Thanks to our cooperation with Daimler on this project, we will be able to share the cost of investment at the Cordoba plant, while at the same time open up new markets in the Latin American region for the Renault-Nissan Alliance," said Renault-Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn. "This project will also allow us to optimize production capacity at the Barcelona plant and enhance our competitiveness in an important segment."

  

News Source: www.thetorquereport.com/2015/04/mercedes_and_nissan_join_force.html

Mercedes-Benz G-Class review

The Mercedes G Wagen, the three-decade old off-roading icon has been given a new lease of life thanks to Mercedes-Benz World, which is importing updated examples of Steyr-Puch’s classic G-class into the UK. Available in right-hand drive and with a choice of diesel engines for the first time, you can now have one of these rugged, boxy, five-seat hand-built Gelaendewagen 4x4s on your driveway. 

But assuming you’re not a UN peace-keeper or professional mountaineer, the question isn’t so much, “Would you be to mad to buy one” but, “Exactly how mad would you need to be?” A little bit nerve-frayed, or a stark raving lottery-winner? Our test example, a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel G350 Bluetec version gave us a good idea.

And yet the G-class’s driving experience remains determinedly, irredeemably old tech. Optional 18-inch alloy wheels with 60-profile winter tyres combine with the G-class’s rough and ready “trailing link and panhard rod” suspension for an alarmingly choppy ride on typical urban roads. Performance is as plentiful as you’d ever want given the G-class’s approximation of body control and lack of steering precision, with a 0-62mph time of 9.1sec and a 109mph top speed.Mercedes-Benz should be applauded for the thoroughness of its update to the G-class: this oil-burner gets M-B’s seven-speed auto ’box, electro-hydraulic power steering even, and returns an acceptable (for a two and a half tonne off-road behemoth) 25mpg and 295g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle. You get a full Comand sat-nav system as standard as well as heated leather and even ISOFIX child seat anchorages, while rear DVD screens, a heated steering wheel and a TV tuner are all waiting on the options list.

And this is only the 207bhp, 398lb ft version – there’s also a 500bhp, 516lb ft 5.5-litre V8 AMG model available which manages 0-62mph in 5.5sec and goes on to what would likely be a terrifying 130mph top speed.

But whichever version you choose this is a car you’d only ever drive slowly, particularly over larger bumps and dips, for fear of being thrown out of your seat. And regrettably, Mercedes’ electro-hydraulic power steering doesn’t seem to be powerful enough for the G-class: the car’s helm is now seriously heavy and slow to self-centre.

None of which would matter much if you were buying the G-class for its considerable off-road credentials. This car will forge 600mm of standing water – more than a Land Rover Defender – and has approach and departure angles to humble a Toyota Land Cruiser. There are three separate differential locks, too, for peerless traction in slippery conditions, and a low-range transfer case for the seven-speed ’box.

Add to all that the incredible reputation that the G-class has in 4x4 circles for unstoppable reliability and robustness, and if you regularly venture off the beaten track, you might just forgive the car its ‘characterful’ on-road ride and handling.

But whatever you do, don’t buy the G-class because you think it’s a luxury SUV; certain commercial vehicles are significantly more refined and comfortable. While a Range Rover is just about the most comfortable road car you can buy, we would rate a G-class as just about the least comfortable.

As a true go-anywhere off-roader – now with added creature comforts – the G-class has a place for those who can afford the premium. It’s certainly got character to burn and provides a real sense of occasion. But as an everyday road car, it’s both antiquated and compromised.

News Source: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/g-class

Farewell to the king of the off-road, the Land Rover

It was a rough, tough, no-frills, four-wheel-drive bruiser, conceived as a farm vehicle by a British car company emerging battered and bruised from the Second World War.

Nobody, least of all Rover, known in the 1930s for its upmarket saloon cars, expected the cheap-and-cheerful Land Rover to last.

But last it has. When Indian owner Tata Motors finally kills off the Land Rover Defender later this year it will mean the end of the road for an iconic vehicle whose lineage can be traced back to 1948.

“Britain was in a terrible recession and the company needed to earn export dollars,” says Mike Gould, former Land Rover brand manager.

“The company turned to the Land Rover as something they could sell as a utility vehicle, to the farming market and overseas, and earn American dollars through aid programmes.”

From the outset, the Land Rover was an endearingly back-of-the-envelope kind of vehicle. Rushed into production over the winter of 1947-48, the first sketch was drawn with a stick in the sand near the Welsh holiday home of Rover’s engineering director, Maurice Wilks.

But conceived as a stopgap to kick-start car production in a time of austerity, the Land Rover quickly became an industry phenomenon.

In 1948 Rover sold just 1,758. The following year, thanks in part to its adoption by the British armed forces, more than 12,000 Land Rovers left Solihull. By last year the company had sold more than two million Series I, II and III and Defenders.

The secret, Mr Gould believes, lay in the appeal of the Land Rover’s uncompromising devotion to function over form.

“When I was brand manager (in the 1990s) we had a concept to replace it with a vehicle based on the Discovery platform, which would have had more cabin space and been a good-looking vehicle,” he recalls.

But the plan was scrapped, partly as a result of customer feedback.

“One of the most telling comments was made in France,” recalls Mr Gould. “The loose translation was that the Land Rover ‘speaks its vocation’ — in other words, it does what it says in the tin.”

The Land Rover has stubbornly declined to move with the times. In 2012, when the Defender underwent its final upgrade, Autocar magazine lovingly celebrated its shortcomings.

The driving position remained “cramped”, its “tiny, flimsy” windscreen wipers were “awful by modern standards”, the interior trim was “dreadful” and the incongruous chrome running boards were “one of the few remotely style conscious elements”.

But Autocar concluded there was no point in comparing the Defender to any other car. This was a vehicle “for farms, outbacks, jungles and deserts”, capable of tackling a 45-degree slope — forwards or backwards — and wading through water half a metre deep.

In the 66 years since it first rolled off the production line in the British Midlands, the Land Rover has won the hearts of everyone from farmers to royalty.

“It has been a love affair,” admits Matt Prior, road-test editor for Autocar.

At work, Prior has driven the world’s fastest and most luxurious cars. But at home, the family car is a Land Rover Defender — and it’s not immediately clear why.

“It’s slow, it’s noisy, we do 15,000 miles a year in it, which is far too many, it’s uncomfortable and quite thirsty,” he says. “But we love it to bits.”

Diehard enthusiasts such as Prior are attracted to what he calls the “purity” of a vehicle designed to be hosed out, rather than “It was born out of a very straightforward principle and has never carried more mass and fripperies than it has needed to do the job, and that appeals a lot, especially as cars get more complicated,” he says.

The cramped, cold, noisy, boxy workhorse struck a chord right from the off, and in all the right places.

When the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II embarked on her first tour of the Commonwealth in 1953, a Land Rover Series I went with her. Today, Her Majesty still drives a Defender over the challenging terrain of her Balmoral estate in Scotland.

Like many countries around the world with an historic relationship to the UK, the UAE has a soft spot for the Land Rover, which can claim to have played a significant supporting role in the foundation of the nation.

Quickly adopted by the British army for use in inhospitable climates and landscapes around the world, Land Rover first came to the future UAE in 1951 as the vehicle of choice for the Trucial Oman Levies, the Sharjah-based force set up by the British to protect the borders of the emirates.

In the road-free days of the embryonic UAE, the vehicle quickly became the transport of choice for everyone from fishermen to royalty.

In the years before the foundation of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed relied on a Land Rover for his regular excursions to far-flung desert communities — a partnership commemorated by the Land Rover that has pride of place in the courtyard of the Al Ain Palace Museum, home to Zayed until he became Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966.

The Land Rover was also the natural vehicle for oil companies when exploration and production took off. Ferrying oilmen and their gear to and fro across the desert, it played a key part in helping Abu Dhabi to tap into the vast wealth that lay beneath its sands, and which would transform the country beyond recognition.

One mystery is how the archaic Land Rover, with as many failings as charms, has managed to survive all these years as the company passedthrough several owners, including British Leyland, British Aerospace, BMW and, as Jaguar Land Rover since 2008, Tata Motors.

After all, when it comes to such concepts as precision engineering, “the Defender defies description, really,” says Gould. “If you look at the way it’s built, the dash and the rear body are put on to the chassis and then all the other bits and pieces fill in the gaps, basically.”

Such haphazard precision, unsurprisingly, irked BMW, but the Land Rover somehow managed to outwit its new owner’s attempts to impose Germanic efficiency.

“BMW tried to bring in their own method of quality control, which plays a lot on fit and finish of panels, and the Defender simply couldn’t get anywhere near it,” recalls Gould. “So in the end it had its own quality standards.”

Over the years, the family has grown, each new model sprouting refinements that have taken it progressively further from its roots — the Range Rover, first introduced in 1970, followed by the Discovery (1989) and the Freelander (1997).

The original Land Rover was relaunched and renamed the Defender in 1990, but it is in this line of the family, says Gould, through which “a complete line of mitochondrial DNA runs”.

The last really big change was in 1983, when — to the horror of purists — the Land Rover acquired coil-spring suspension, “but although the vehicle has changed engines a few times the heritage is complete all the way back to 1948.”

A “replacement” may be in the wings — the company has released images of something it calls a Land Rover Defender 100 Sport — but it’s more closely related to a Transformer toy than the original.

“It’s a bit like the latest Mini or Volkswagen Beetle, or Fiat 500,” sniffs Autocar’s Prior. “It’s that sort of caricature, which is fine. But it isn’t a Land Rover.”

Few doubt the real Land Rover could bounce, grind and climb its way far into the future — thanks to rustproof aluminium panels and a galvanised chassis, models built in the ‘50s are still on the road, and there is surely a realistic prospect of some Land Rover, somewhere, in about 2050 eventually becoming the first car to be in daily service for 100 years.

In the end, though, economic reality has brought the Land Rover to the end of the road. With no room even for airbags, modern safety and environmental regulations have proved to be a hill too steep.

Heavy reliance on hand-building has also priced it out of a market now dominated by modern, Japanese rivals, complete with creature comforts.

Nothing, perhaps, better captures the incongruity of the Defender’s defiant existence in the modern world than the images currently promoting the modern Land Rover range on the company’s own website.

Photographed in a desert location, with the towers of Dubai clearly visible in the distance, is a parade of six vehicles. At the head of the convoy is the luxurious Range Rover, followed by the Range Rover Sport and Evoque, the Discovery, the new Discovery Sport and the Freelander 2.

And there at the back of the pack, its shape and lines gloriously out of place, trails the Defender, looking for all the world as though it has driven accidentally into the picture through some kind of rent in the fabric of time.

News Source: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/heritage/farewell-to-the-king-of-the-off-road-the-land-rover

The Real King of Offroad Vehicles: Jeep Wrangler or Toyota FJ Cruiser?

 
Motorists who love going outdoors know that even the latest SUV models are not exactly suited for off roading, especially with car makers prioritizing fuel economy and comfort over performance. That’s why those who like going on adventure trips would rather invest in an off-roader like the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota FJ Cruiser.  

Both the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota FJ Cruiser trace their roots to the Willys MB US Army Jeep that were popular during the World War. Toyota’s FJ Cruiser, for instance, came from the Toyota BJ which was inspired by the American Jeeps that roamed around the streets of Japan after the World War.

 But if you were to choose between the two models, which would you rather pick? This article helps you determine a reasonable choice. But first, let’s take a quick look at each offroader.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser first hit the market in 2007. It is powered by a 4 liter, V-6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This four-wheel drive offroader has a five-speed automatic transmission and can sit five adults comfortably. Its fuel efficiency rating is estimated at around 16 miles per gallon for city driving, and 20 mpg for highway driving. 

Jeep Wrangler 

 

The Jeep Wrangler is powered by a 3.6 liter, Pentastar V-6 engine that churns out 285 horsepower, or about 40 percent more power compared to the older engine of the previous model. Like the FJ Cruiser, it has a five-speed automatic transmission. 

Fuel economy has never been a strong suit of Wrangler, and the Jeep shows just that. The 3.6 liter V-6 engine has a very pedestrian 17mpg rating for city driving and 21 for highway driving.

Comparisons 

 

As you could see, the Jeep and FJ Cruiser have a lot of similarities. Both have V-6 engines with five-speed automatic transmission. Even their sizes are almost identical, although the Toyota car has a shorter wheelbase. The Cruiser, though, is a bit longer overall.

It’s not a surprise then that both have the same performance on the road. 

The FJ can move from standstill to 60 miles per hour in around 8 seconds. On the other hand, the Jeep Wrangler can hit the mark in two milliseconds faster. The same goes for braking and handling. The Jeep Wrangler takes 132 feet to halt when moving at a pace of 60 mph, and the Toyota needs just one foot longer to do the same. 

And even though the Jeep has a smaller V6 engine, it trounces the FJ Cruiser with more power at 285 horsepower. 

It should be noted that the FJ Cruiser is on its way out, as Toyota has announced it won’t be coming up with a new model after 2014. So you would be stuck with the same engine that has been used since 2010. The FJ accelerates well enough, but its engine emits a distracting bellow as it picks up speed. And while the steering of the FJ Cruiser may feel quick, but it is less precise compared to the Jeep. 

The engine of the FJ Cruiser may be outdated but it does not look like an old SUV inside. The interior looks cool, with a dash-mounted clock, overhead console with a hill descent control, and compass making up a set of very functional on-board tools. 

Both vehicles have in-dash CD and MP3 players, although the Jeep Wrangler offers satellite radio as a standard feature. The said feature is an upgrade for the FJ Cruiser. But the Toyota vehicle has radio steering controls as an upgrade option. 

The Jeep Wrangler also offers more interior space than the FJ Cruiser. It has more rear legroom at 37.2 inches, better than the 31.3 inches of the Toyota car. Cargo volume of the Jeep Wrangler is at 46.4 cubic feet, a lot more spacious than the 27.9 cubic feet of the Cruiser. The Jeep Wrangler is a better choice for motorists who would find themselves transporting more cargoes. 

In terms of price, the FJ Cruiser and the Jeep Wrangler have almost identical price tags. The MSRP of the Toyota off-roader is around $33,500 to $34,500 while its counterpart is priced between $26,000 and $34,000. 

The resale values are also pretty much the same, with the FJ Cruiser having a 55 percent resale value while the Jeep has 53 percent resale value. 

So which one is the better choice? Hands down, the Jeep Wrangler is the king of off-roaders. It may have a smaller engine but its 3.6 liter powertrain is capable of producing more power. It also offers more cargo space and is slightly faster than the FJ Cruiser. And since both vehicles are in the same price range, you’d rather go with the more reliable and powerful Jeep Wrangler.

News Source: http://www.0-60specs.com/the-real-king-of-offroad-vehicles-jeep-wrangler-or-toyota-fj-cruiser/