6×6 Is the New 4×4: This 6×6 Defender–Based Concept Is Seriously Bad-Ass

Concerned that the worldwide demand for outrageous fuel-swilling, six-wheeled, paramilitary off-road 6×6 SUVs couldn’t possibly be satiated alone by the now-ended production of the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 and exclusive variants like the Brabus B63S-700 6×6, British firm Kahn Design has entered the ring with a stretched, LS3-powered 6×6 version of the Land Rover Defender it has dubbed the Flying Huntsman.  

Although the Defender looks mighty bulky in standard form, fitment of the additional hardware required an increase to both length and girth. To squeeze the approximately 430-hp 6.2-liter LS3 GM V-8 under the hood, Kahn added just under 16 inches forward of the A-pillar. (Earlier in the year, the tuning firm applied the same powertrain and stretch to the three-door, four-wheel Defender, emerging with the aptly named Defender 105 Longnose.) The aesthetics are a bit questionable, but we feel the ends justify the means.

Making room for the additional rear axle required a stretch of 31.5 inches to the rear of the vehicle. Width is up by 5.9 inches, although Kahn doesn’t cite any specific mechanical reasons behind this increase; we posit that it’s simply to keep the proportions of the seriously long off-roader intact and to keep it from tipping over in a stiff breeze. The doors are said to have been widened a bit, and the rake of the windshield also has been increased. A full panoramic roof extends from the B-pillars back to keep the sun shining on even the blackest of ops.  

Gears are shuffled by a six-speed automatic ’box, torque running to all six-wheels via a “Hi-Lo” ratio-drive system—what we Yanks refer to as a transfer case—and a variety of locking differentials. The brakes and suspension system have been “upgraded,” which in the realm of high-dollar bespoke vehicles could mean just about anything from simple colored shocks to binders pilfered from an Airbus A380. Addressing the suspension and performance upgrades, Kahn says only, “This modern British icon would be equally comfortable outrunning any roadgoing SUV.”

As you might expect, armored variants equipped to B4, B6, B6+, and/or B7 ballistic-protection standards have been discussed, leading us to an obvious conclusion: How soon till the Kahn Design Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6×6 faces off against a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 in a Michael Bay project?

News Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/6x6-is-the-new-4x4-this-6x6-defender-based-concept-is-seriously-bad-ass/

2016 Nissan Titan Overview

Nissan has a big challenge in front of it, maybe even bigger than when it decided to enter the half-ton segment almost 15 years ago. Remember the Alpha-T concept truck at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit? Not only does Nissan have the oldest and worst-selling half-ton pickup truck in the segment — the Titan — but there's also momentum building in the marketplace for new pickup sales to explode once again. It would behoove Nissan to take advantage of this.

And consider this: in the last two years, every half-ton manufacturer has completely re-engineered or significantly upgraded its products. Can any segment in the auto universe say that? If there's a truckmaker that has everything to gain with its next-generation full-size competitor, it's Nissan. So the reveal of the 2016 Titan next week at the 2016 NAIAS is a highly anticipated event.

We've spent quite a bit of time with the truck team at Nissan to watch how they've approached this daunting project and to see how this truck will either jump into the fray or continue to circle the battlefield.

"We know we can't be at the top of every single category with this new truck," said Rich Miller, Titan team leader, "but where we're not leading, we certainly want to be near the top — we want this truck to compete head-to-head with our competition in every category that a solid pickup truck needs to be in."

Naturally, we'll be fighting for every piece of information and the chance to get behind the wheel of the new Titan. You can be sure we'll be writing about what we find in the months to come. In this package of stories we're sharing information we've gleaned from a recent backgrounder and the most up-to-date press materials from Nissan.

The 2016 Titan will be available late this year, and in order to slowly and progressively ramp up its production mix, Nissan has decided to offer the Titan XD with the new 5.0-liter V-8 Cummins first, and then roll out non-XD models in 2016. It's our understanding that you won't even be able to purchase a gas-equipped Titan until the first quarter of 2016, more than a year from now.

With the 2016 Titan, it looks to us like Nissan is pursuing buyers who want something more than a half-ton but less than a three-quarter ton: a "half-ton plus" or "three-quarter-ton light," if you will. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

News Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/01/2016-nissan-titan-overview.html

Ford F-150 vs. Raptor - Rant

 

With a look at this month's December 2013 cover, you might think we're starting a hate-club against Raptors. But that's not our intention at all. The Raptor has become a worldwide success (with the U.S. getting it and the rest of the world wanting it) and shown automakers that specialty niche versions of their products can, and do, succeed in America's vehicle market. The Raptor is like nothing offered ever before, with not only suspension and traction-enhancing refinements, but also with a special computer reprogramming option (known as "off-road mode"). This option adjusts shift points and throttle response while shutting down a lot of electronic babysitters that can greatly hinder off-road performance. Other vehicles have been offered with special suspensions and traction enhancements in the past, but the Raptor is the first to give a different electronic calibration option with the push of a button. This puts the Raptor in a class of its own.

But the Raptor is still an F-150—a top-selling truck millions of Americans own. All those "other" F-150s are not equipped with an off-road mode, a locker, special fenders, or a distinct suspension, but almost everything unique the Raptor has can be added in the aftermarket. A normal F-150 can be turned into a "Raptor killer" in every way except for that one very special feature: Off-road mode. This is where every truck build involving a newer truck can fall short of the Raptor's high mark. No matter what you do to a new truck (save for gutting all the electronics), you cannot get around things like stability control, anti-lock brakes, or traction control.  

You can add quadruple-bypass shocks, 20 inches of wheel travel, and you may even be able to improve throttle response and reprogram the transmission on a newer truck, but you won't be able to shut down the babysitters without some major ECU work. That's why Raptors stand in a class of their own.

Now, all that being said, you can still make one heck of an off-road truck from a standard-issue F-150, and for a much cheaper buy-in price (see Kevin Blumer's story on page 48). Most of us cannot afford a new or even used Raptor, but a normal F-150 can be bought and built into something that will bring you almost as much fun, in a customized package you put together. Start with an old enough F-150, and the off-road mode that makes a Raptor so sought after won't even be relevant since those older trucks have none of the frustrating babysitters.

Maybe the Raptor is the end-all new truck to have. But I'm still not sure I wouldn't just want an old truck and $50,000 to see what could be built.

News Source: http://www.fourwheeler.com

Lighter 2017 F-150 Raptor Revealed, Ford’s Most Extreme Off-Road Vehicle Boasts Of 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V-6 And 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

Ford revealed its most extreme off-road vehicle during the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. According to Fox News, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is based on the American automaker's new aluminium-intensive F-150, making it 500 pounds lighter than the old Raptor.

Authority noted that Ford's new 4x4 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission which marks the company's first use of the long-anticipated 10-speeder truck. It is said to be more powerful than the 6.2-liter V8 it supersedes, which is rated at 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

Reportedly, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor features an electronic terrain management system with multiple driving modes which includes Normal, Street, Weather, Mud, Baja, and Rock. Larger Fox Racing shocks for more suspension travel is also mated to this new four-wheel-drive system. An available Torsen limited-slip front differential is expected to offer more flexible power delivery as this new transfer case is designed for added rock-crawling capability.

According to Fox News, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will retain its wide-style body. It is said to be six inches wider that a standard F-150. It also has the bold FORD grille in octagonal shape and has hood and fenders made from dings and scrape resistant materials.

The new F-150 Raptor's interior includes paddle shifters for the 10-speed automatic transmission and roof-mounted switches for aftermarket gear. It also includes adaptive radar cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. Until January 25, the limited-edition F-150 Raptor model kits will be given away at the Ford stand in the Detroit Auto Show according to Autorevolution.com.

"Kids can proudly display these limited-edition 2017 F-150 Raptor models as a long-lasting reminder of their 2015 Ford auto show experience," said Dave Tillapaugh, Ford auto show manager. At the moment, Ford has not announced the pricing for the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor. Reportedly, it will go on sale fall of 2016.

News Source: http://www.kdramastars.com/articles/68876/20150119/2017-ford-f-150-raptor.htm

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class was originally developed for military use back in the late 1970s as a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive conveyance. But over the intervening decades, Mercedes has continuously updated it for civilian use, adding more refinement and luxury features as time has gone on. Yet despite the heated seats and abundance of polished wood trim, there's no denying the G's utilitarian roots. At nearly 3 tons, describing it as an over-engineered, leather-lined rolling bank vault would be perfectly acceptable. It's tall with a healthy step-in height, its doors close with a reassuring clunk, space efficiency is unexceptional and its heft contributes to poor fuel economy and ponderous handling. 

So is it practical? Not really. Capable off road? With three locking differentials? Definitely. Desirable? Oddly, yes. As such, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class isn't the best choice for a single or even two-vehicle household, but if you've got a multicar setup with spots for a variety of cars, the G-Class is one cool super truck to add to the fleet.

Current Mercedes-Benz G-Class 

 

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a five-passenger SUV offered in G550 and G63 AMG trims. Both come fully loaded with many of the luxury items found in most modern Mercedes, such as keyless ignition and entry, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system. There are no factory options, but one can sample from the extensive catalog of custom-order paints, leather colors and interior trim choices. 

The G550 is equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 generating 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The G63 AMG sports a turbocharged version of that V8 that increases output to 536 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted through a seven-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with lockable front, center and rear differentials. The G550 can run from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the muscle-bound G63 AMG does the same sprint in just 5.3 seconds. Both models earn an EPA-estimated 13 mpg in combined driving. What, were you expecting it to be thrifty? 

The Mercedes G-Class masks its utilitarian nature well with a comfortable highway ride, but composure suffers when it's hustled around corners due to its tanklike mass. It can be a handful to drive in the city as well, meaning that suburbanites had better think twice before choosing it as the go-to vehicle for errands.

On the other hand, the G shines off road with old-school competence that can conquer just about any terrain you're brave enough to explore. Antiquated truck-based design is a hallmark inside, too, though it's less welcome. The G-Class's awkward ergonomics and space utilization can't match the friendlier controls placement and layout of newer rivals. It is luxurious, however, with excellent materials quality and finish befitting a vehicle with such a lofty price point. 

Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class first officially showed up on American shores for 2002. It was originally only offered as the G500, sporting a 5.0-liter V8 good for 292 hp and 336 lb-ft of torque. The G55 AMG showed up the next year with its 5.5-liter supercharged V8 that produced 349 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. It was upgraded to 469 hp and 516 lb-ft for 2005. A five-speed automatic was standard on both models until the G500 got a seven-speed auto for 2007. 

Models produced prior to 2007 had lower-quality materials and less advanced interior controls. There were additional upgrades for '09, including slightly different exterior styling, a more advanced COMAND electronics interface and additional standard features like multicontour ventilated seats and an iPod interface. The G550 and its accompanying engine/transmission combo also supplanted the G500 that year, while the G55 AMG was bumped up to 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes discontinued the G55 AMG model following the 2011 model year, replacing it with the G63 AMG in 2013. It's not out of the question to find a G-Class for sale that's from earlier than 2002. The G-Class was originally the offspring of a 1979 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Austrian companies Steyr and Puch. The G-Wagen was imported on a "gray market" basis for two decades before officially arriving on U.S. shores. Powered by a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, early Gs were rugged utilitarian workhorses with a go-anywhere reputation.

News Source: http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/g-class/