Autoblog

How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury, Off-Road

We are fully confident in saying that this will be the most amazing thing you see all day. First of all, it's a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen - in AMG spec, no less. And it's being shown off in high-definition video glory, blasting through the desert, jumping over sand dunes, and generally being awesome. But here's the kicker: It has six wheels. Three axles. And they're all driven. Holy $%!#.

Under the hood is AMG's usual 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, and total output is rated at 536 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. That's impressive and all, but do keep in mind that the G63 6x6 weighs in at 8,322 pounds or, you know, the weight of two E-Class sedans. Combine that with its 18 inches of ground clearance, 37-inch tires and five locking differentials and you've got a vehicle capable of, well, everything you've ever imagined or will ever imagine for the rest of your life.

But the goodness doesn't stop once you open the doors. Oh, no. This thing is fit for a king - or a sheik, more appropriately - with ultimately luxurious seating for four. The rear bench seat has been removed in favor of two bucket seats with a fixed console in the middle, and the rear seats have been moved back beyond the usual B pillar to allow for more legroom.

According to Autoweek, the G63 AMG 6x6 will actually be for sale. Speaking to the magazine, the the head of G-Class development, Axel Harries, says that the off-road monster will likely be the second-most expensive Mercedes-Benz model, behind the $457,000 SLS Electric Drive. Right now, the automaker is looking to build maybe 20 or 30 units annually.

If the apocalypse is indeed coming, we'll take one of these to ride out the storm. Scroll down to watch a video of the G63 AMG 6x6 blowing your mind.

Continue reading How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle

How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Going high-tech, the 4x4 way

Matt DeLorenzo — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Technology, Jeep, Land Rover, Luxury, Off-Road

Is It An Off-Road Adventure Or Just A Walk In The Park?

I remember having to get out and lock hubs and shift into neutral to engage low range.

Coming off press previews of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover and the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that involved some heavy-duty off-road rock climbing, I'm simply amazed at the capabilities that these vehicles possess. But even more impressive (or troubling depending on your perspective) is the relative ease with which you can operate these vehicles in seemingly impossible terrain.

Not that I'm a hardcore off-roader, but I've been in my share of 4x4's over the years and remember having to get out and lock hubs, shift into neutral to engage low range and learning that the accelerator and brake pedals can be your best friends or worst enemies in either moving along or getting hopelessly stuck.

Thanks to the wonders of electronics, advanced transfer cases and electric limited slip differentials, instead of manipulating levers or locking hubs, one merely has to punch a button or turn a knob to engage the right strategy to deal with whatever conditions encountered on the trail.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Going high-tech, the 4x4 way

Going high-tech, the 4x4 way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil

George Kennedy — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault, South America, Off-Road

The São Paulo Motor Show continues to heat up and bring us interesting new vehicle unveilings. Next year, we may have to tough it out and trek down to Brazil for the 28th edition of the auto show. The most recent development from São Paulo is the Renault DCross concept. In what appears to be a gussied-up Dacia Duster, the DCross gets a bright green and matte black paint scheme, a raised ride height, roof racks and a spare tire atop the concept. If off-roading is your thing, the DCross, at the very least, looks the part.

Little else is given in details other than what we can gather from the photos. The concept, which catches the eye far more in the live shots than in the OEM image, was joined on the Renault stand by the Fluence GT, Clio 2013, and Captur concept.

Will this concept predict the future for a Renault SUV/CUV? We're not sure, but its bullish looks seem ready for the Dakar Rally. The 2013 edition of Dakar is not until May of 2013, but the DCross already has us thinking of the grueling endurance race, held Peru, Chile and neighboring Argentina. Read up on Renault's debuts from Brazil in the press release below.

Continue reading Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil

Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab Special Edition announced

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep has lifted the lid on two new special editions for its lineup, both focused on energizing the brand's spiritual base of off-roading enthusiasts.

First up is a production version of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk - an SUV first shown in concept form at Jeep's recent Easter Safari event in Moab, Utah. Available in both V6 and V8 powertrain configurations, the Trailhawk is easily recognizable as a rare bird via its signature appearance package. A black hood decal with red accent stripe dominates the front end, while 18-inch aluminum wheels, black headlamp buckets, gray grille surround, a rear light bar and signature badging complete the visual upgrades.

Of course, the Trailhawk is meant to be the functional front-runner for Grand Cherokee off-road prowess, too. The special edition GC comes standard with beefy, Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires for sturdy, puncture-free trail driving. The Trailhawk also benefits from steel rock rails to keep its body safe. And, as befits the Jeep legend, a Quadra-Lift air suspension is in evidence, along with the standard Selec-Terrain traction control system, a rear electronic limited-slip differential for V8 models, a two-speed transfer case and much more.

Not to be outdone by the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Wrangler is also getting some special edition love. The Wrangler Moab Special Edition starts life as a top-of-the line Wrangler Sahara, in both two- and four-door form, before it is fitted with some extra off-roading kit.

Functional upgrades for the Moab include the same Kevlar tires as on the Trailhawk, along with a standard Trac-Lok rear differential (an electronic locking rear diff is available, too), winch-ready bumpers, rock rails and 17-inch Rubicon alloy wheels. The Wrangler Moab has also been treated to a unique hood, black accents on the fuel filler cap and taillamps, a premium soft top and, of course, edition-specific badging.

Look for both the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and the Jeep Wrangler Moab to arrive at dealers this October.

Continue reading 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab Special Edition announced

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab Special Edition announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Griffin King of the Hammers is a week-long test of trucks, wills

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Off-Road

The Griffin King of the Hammers isn't an event, it's seven days of challenges tailored to Greek deities but instead undertaken by masses of rock crawlers, buggies and motorcycles. There were four competitions during this latest, sixth edition of KOH at the Means dry lake bed in Johnson, California. Hundreds ran the rock crawling and baja-style races, and thousands set up the temporary hamlet called Hammer Town to take part in the action.

But words can barely describe it all, so you'll find a video from Ultra4 Racing of last month's highlights after the jump. If you want more, Truck Trend offers a proper education and photographic perspective on the week that is King of the Hammers.

Continue reading Griffin King of the Hammers is a week-long test of trucks, wills

Griffin King of the Hammers is a week-long test of trucks, wills originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport [w/videos]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Videos, Jeep, New Car Reviews, Off-Road

Trail Rated? We'll See About That...

We've been tracing trail 16 through the ridges and hollows outside of Oliver Springs, Tennessee for the past five hours, inching along through rocker-deep mud, crawling over differential-busting rocks and clamoring up and down slopes made slick with two days' worth of torrential rain. Our wanderings have led us here - facing down one of the steepest climbs of the day. Through the mud-speckled windshield, I can see the path make a quick right turn before bolting up the side of the ridge. Walls of red clay littered with jagged roots and jutting rocks tower to either side of the deeply-rutted path, waiting to open our sheetmetal like maniacal can openers. You'd be hard-pressed to walk the route we're about to take, let alone drive it.

The two-way radio in the center console crackles to life.

"Trail's clear up top. You've got it."

I drop the five-speed automatic into Drive, kick the transfer case into Four High and turn the traction control off before taking a deep breath. Fortune may favor the brave, but so do body shops. My spotter in the passenger seat repeats the word of the day, "momentum," and takes hold of the grab bar on the dash as I plant my foot on the accelerator.

We're boldly going where no bone-stock 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport has gone before.

Continue reading 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport [w/videos]

2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese military truck shows off its all-terrain chops

Noah Joseph — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, China, Videos, Military, Off-Road

The Chinese automotive industry is an emerging force. Never mind all the foreign automakers setting up joint ventures in the world's most populous country, or the recognized European marques being gobbled up by Chinese conglomerates. The Chinese domestic brands are also capable of making serious vehicles with serious capabilities. Like this off-road military truck, for example.

Built by Wuhan-based Xiaolong Automotive, the XLW2090 is one of a dozen or so configurations the company builds on an adaptable chassis. The three-axle off-road truck packs a 4.5-liter Cummins four-cylinder diesel engine, over 17 inches of ground clearance, a 55.5-degree approach angle and a claimed 7,700-pound payload. That's all well and fine, but what really impresses us is what it can do when the road gets more than a little bumpy. Follow the jump to watch the brief video clip.

Continue reading Chinese military truck shows off its all-terrain chops

Chinese military truck shows off its all-terrain chops originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon wins Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off Road 4x4 of the Year

Chris Shunk — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jeep, Off-Road

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most capable off-roading vehicles on the planet, and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road has taken notice. The Wrangler Rubicon has been named 4X4 of the Year by the magazine, beating the Dodge Ram Power Wagon for the honor.

The award is the third for the Wrangler, and the 12th award in 30 years for the Jeep brand. The Rubicon took the trophy after acing a 1,000-mile trial that evaluates vehicles' performance in dirt, mud, sand, rocks, gravel and highway driving.

For 2012, the Wrangler lineup ditched its old, unloved 3.7-liter V6 in favor of the 285-horsepower Pentastar V6, as well as the various interior refinements that have been in place since the 2011 model year. The changes, coupled with the Wrangler's established off-road pedigree, were enough for it to take top honors from Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road.

Rick Péwé, the mag's editor-in-chief, called the Rubicon "the most competent 4x4 ever produced," adding that the Jeep "allows you to take the trail less traveled without worrying about the journey." Hit the jump to read Petersen's press release.

Continue reading Jeep Wrangler Rubicon wins Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off Road 4x4 of the Year

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon wins Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off Road 4x4 of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xplore Adventure Series vehicles want you to see our National Parks

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Off-Road

Xplore Adventure Series FJ Cruiser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our National Parks are American treasures, and one company wants you to get out there and explore them. We saw its first creation, the Xplore Adventure Series FJ Cruiser, at last year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. That vehicle is going to be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to the National Parks Foundation. Xplore isn't limiting itself to just the FJ Cruiser, however, and parts will soon be available for various Jeep, Ram Truck, Toyota, Ford, GM, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

The parts are available at local dealerships and range from the basic to the burly. Stage one of the Xplore series of parts includes interior upgrades produced with the help of Katzkin. Stage two upgrades feature BFGoodrich off-road tires, aluminum wheels, Bilstein shocks and a Magnaflow stainless-steel cat-back exhaust. If you want to push further into the woods, Stage three bolts on winches, a roof rack, rock rails, a rooftop tent and upgraded lighting. There's also a built-to-order Stage 4 for Jeep and Toyota vehicles, which brings builder TLC into the mix and adds custom paint choices as well as electronic upgrades and expedition-level equipment.

Keeping with the theme of the Xplore name, each Xplore vehicle comes with a one-year National Parks pass, membership in the Xplore club and a subscription to the Xplore Lifestyle magazine.

Gallery: Xplore Adventure Series FJ Cruiser

[Source: Xplore Vehicles]

Continue reading Xplore Adventure Series vehicles want you to see our National Parks

Xplore Adventure Series vehicles want you to see our National Parks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jeep dealers face shortage of hardtop Wranglers

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

2010 Jeep Wrangler - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's one vehicle that has managed to persevere through Chrysler's ups and downs as of late, it's the Jeep Wrangler. This trusty off-roader is still the SUV of choice for enthusiasts who actually need true four-by-four capability, and its iconic design is still very well liked. However, the Wrangler is facing some troubles of its own, as many dealers are now reporting a shortage of hardtop models.

According to Automotive News, parent company Chrysler is stating that a "supplier constraint" is what's causing this overall shortage. Meridian Automotive Systems Inc., the company that originally manufactured the roof units for the Wrangler, filed for Chapter 7 liquidation last year, so production of the hardtops was shifted to a different supplier - Continental Structural Plastics Inc., located in Detroit. Chrysler says that tops are extremely complex to manufacturer, so the move in suppliers has put a significant dent in overall production.

In the meantime, Chrysler is urging dealers to order softtop Wranglers while it works with the new supplier to ramp up production of the hardtop units. During this shortage, we wouldn't be surprised if Wrangler sales dip slightly, since in most markets the vast majority of customers purchase the hardtop models.

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Wrangler

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Jeep dealers face shortage of hardtop Wranglers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Articulate This! Chainlink 4x4 is frighteningly awesome

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Specialty, Off-Road

Chainlink extreme 4x4 - Click above to watch video

We aren't sure who built this or why - we're not even sure what it's called (we think it's "Chainlink") - but we're quite sure it's brilliant. Perhaps the new champion of wheel travel, the off-roading beast has around seven feet of articulation at each wheel, up and down.

Controlling all that climbing and dipping is a Rube Goldberg gear network: 5.38 gears and centrally-mounted ARB air locker, chain gears at the swingarm pivots, and chains inside the swingarms to work Hummer hubs at each wheel. But just follow the jump to watch it in action and you'll see what we mean. It's spectacular. Hat tip to Mike S!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Articulate This! Chainlink 4x4 is frighteningly awesome

Video: Articulate This! Chainlink 4x4 is frighteningly awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever

Chris Paukert — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Videos, Honda, Off-Road

Wagon Attack II- Click above to watch the (epic) video

More than a few Autobloggers regularly pine for the days when Honda (among other automakers) built simpler, smaller, lighter cars that were still packed with functionality. A sterling example of this philosophy is Honda's mid-Eighties Civic Wagon, the pioneering pent-roof with the brand's then-new RealTime 4WD system. Arguably one of the earliest crossovers, the Civic Wagon was incredibly robust, and more than a few enterprising shadetree mechanics have subsequently realized that they have similar tuning potential to their far more popular sedan and hatchback cousins. Enter the Attack Wagon.

Not only is the subject of Wagon Attack II a thoroughly bitchin' example of what can be done with forced induction and a few bulletproofing sessions, the folks that made the above video clearly went beyond the call of duty to chronicle its awesomeness in high-definition. Click through to the jump to watch the most entertaining - and arguably best quality - car video you'll see today. When you're done watching the 1989 Honda earn its Civic Shuttle namesake (as it was known in other markets) vaulting off Michigan's Silver Lake Sand Dunes and tearing around broken-down airport runways, be sure to check out the making-of video as well.

And yes, we want one now too. Thanks for the tip, Luke!

[Source: WagonAttack.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever

VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor named 2010 Truck of Texas

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the Texas Auto Writer's Association loves Ford trucks: The Blue Oval's F-Series pickups have won the Truck of Texas award six straight times. Actually, you can make that seven straight times now, with the F-150 SVT Raptor taking the top honor this year in the Lone Star State.

We didn't go through the precise reasoning of the F-150's dominance in previous years, but the arrival of the Raptor probably made the choice just too easy this time around. After having driven the Raptor ourselves we knew that there is simply nothing like it, and nothing anywhere near as good as it is, to be found in the OEM pickup truck world. When you throw in the purchase price of $39K for the 5.4-liter, you're going to look hard to find a similarly priced competitor in the OEM or aftermarket. The press is after the jump, and to Ford, congratulations are well deserved.

UPDATE: Turns out that the F-150 was actually named this year's Truck of Texas, not the SVT Raptor model specifically. The Raptor was, however, named best "Full-size Pickup Truck". You can check out the corrected press release that Ford just sent out after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 ~~SVT Raptor~~ named 2010 Truck of Texas

Ford F-150 ~~SVT Raptor~~ named 2010 Truck of Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Work, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road

2009 Dunkel Industries RV - Click above for high-res image gallery

As they sat looking over the horizon, they realized they had achieved their dream. The guys from Dunkel Industries had driven themselves to a remote spot where they could just relax and enjoy nature at its tranquil best. What made the journey extra special was that they had gotten there in their very own Dunkel Industries Luxury 4x4. Now, "Luxury 4X4" might have some of you thinking Land Rover or Porsche Cayenne. If that's what you're picturing, then all we can say is "Think bigger." Much bigger. Like, so-big-we-can't-get-it-into-the-frame bigger. The Dunkel version of a Luxury 4X4 starts with a Ford F-650 commercial chassis and winds up as the ultimate off-road recreational vehicle.

As their website puts it, Dunkel industries was built on the childhood dream of never having to stop because the trail was 'more than the RV could handle.' So they created a vehicle with "unlimited versatility" that utilizes a Fabco military-grade 4x4 system, capable of driving the luxurious "custom wood, leather and Fiberglass interior" to places no RV dares to go. And in case you want to bring some smaller toys along with you into the wilderness, the bed is big enough to haul a car. That bed also articulates to serve as a ramp to load dirtbikes or ATVs onto the roof. No trailer necessary and no 55-mph limitations for this beast.

There's a full list of the vehicle's features after the jump, but some of the highlights include a firewood box, a shower, and the camp seating built into the running boards and storage bins all around the truck's perimeter. The ATVs on the roof are a definite crowd-pleaser as well. We're not sure how much this project cost the Dunkel Bros. or if they are going to make them available to the public, but we do know that this would make the perfect Autoblog mobile HQ for any automotive event from Pebble Beach to the Baja 1000. Check out the Dunkel Industries website for additional photos and information, follow the jump for the build sheet and check out our own gallery below.

Gallery: Dunkel Industries Luxury 4X4

Continue reading Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV

Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Land Rover, UK, Tata, Luxury, Off-Road

It's a little difficult to keep track of what's happening at Tata and JLR these days. While the XF sales continue apace and the XJ is promising, the JLR division lost £673.4 million pounds ($1.11B U.S.) last year, and parent company Tata was $520 million in the red at the end of its 2008 fiscal year. Due to those numbers and a so-far unfulfilled quest for financing, Tata has been relentlessly talking up the need to shed production workers.

A report today, however, says that because of "forecasts of strong demand" for the refreshed Land Rover Discover and Range Rover Sport, the Solihull plant will increase production. Workers who've been on shortened hours since the spring will now go back to a five-day work week. That's good news for the employees and hopefully for Tata. Worker at Land Rover's Halewood plant don't fare so well: the Freelander factory will be shut down intermittently because of low demand.

[Source: What Car?]

Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature

Chris Paukert — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Crossover, Land Rover, New Car Reviews

2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rovers have always gone their own way - often literally. While off-roading demands a low center of gravity and muddy trails would seem to warrant hose-out interiors and body-on-frame-construction, the British automaker has long contented itself building tippy-looking unibody boxes with tall greenhouses and opulent cabins - the anti-Humvee, as it were. Further, in recent iterations, they've packed their products with immense electronic systems, air suspensions, dial-a-topography Terrain Response controllers, and so on... the very sort of complexity that ought to be enough to send English sports car enthusiasts running back to their therapists' offices.

And yet, the formula has always worked - vehicles like the Range Rover and Discovery (now LR3) have somehow managed to earn both Kalahari-traversing credentials and valet stand privileges. Other companies have attempted the leather-lined off-roader thing before (Lamborghini, Lexus, Hummer, Porsche, and LaForza come to mind), but while some have added the trappings of luxury to their SUVs, exactly no one has been as successful in marrying their vehicles to the notion of aristocracy - the sort of "Lord and Master of All That I Survey" quality that has remained Solihull's historic preserve. In short, Land Rovers have always been a gloriously and uniquely British contradiction on wheels - a fact that goes some way toward explaining why your author remains more than a little conflicted when it comes to this LR2.

Click through to the jump to find how it all shakes out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE

Continue reading Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature

Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Truck, Hatchback, Ford

Fans of Ford's American SVT and European ST and RS models will have plenty to look forward to in the next few years. As part of the company's One Ford program to consolidate its platforms and designs, SVT and TeamRS have been brought together under a single organization led by Jost Capito. Earlier this week, we sat down for lunch with Jamal Hameedi and Hermann Salenbauch to discuss what is going on and what we can expect to see in the next few years. Hameedi is the Chief Nameplate Engineer at SVT and Salenbauch is the director of Advanced Product Creation and Performance Vehicles. We've already seen some of their handiwork in the form of the 2010 Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor, but we'll come back to those in a bit.

We already know we'll be getting a new Focus in laet 2010 or early 2011 that's common with the Euro model we've been craving for years. Naturally, the question of the new Focus RS came up. While no one would commit to anything, there were plenty of smiles to go around and Hameedi and Salenbauch were more than willing to talk enthusiastically about the new sports hatch that is launching right now in Europe. Continue reading after the jump.

Continue reading Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders

Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: We wonder if this voids the warranty

Alex Nunez — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Bentley

Click above to watch video after the jump

The Bentley Continental series is a lot of fun. The cars look good, are appropriately sybaritic and, most importantly, they go like stink. The have all-wheel drive, too - mostly to help keep Johnny Swell's 550-horsepower chariot on the pavement and out of the tree line when he gets delusions of grandeur behind the wheel. We thought that was pretty much the extent of things, but as one UAE driver demonstrates in the video after the jump, the Continental's AWD and trick air suspension let a Bentley GTC hold its own in a 4x4 caravan through sand dunes and over a desert road. With the stock wheel/tire setup, no less. Be forewarned: the music becomes a little grating after the first couple of minutes. Now please excuse us, as we've got a sudden hankering for falafel. Thanks for the tip, lowlow!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: We wonder if this voids the warranty

VIDEO: We wonder if this voids the warranty originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Track Trailer Tvan world's beefiest camper trailer

Michael Harley — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Lifestyle, Australia

Click above for more images of the Track Tvan

If you're one of those take-no-prisoners off-road types, then we've found the perfect camper trailer for you. It's called the Tvan, and it's made by Track Trailer. The company, Australian-based and located outside Melbourne, has been in business since 1982. Their Tvan model is specially engineered to eliminate the problems found with conventional flip-over type campers (which stow the tent on the bed). With the Tvan, the tent is stowed in the rear hatch allowing your bed to be kept clean and dry. Even better, a hard roof over your head ensures a better night sleep.

As Track is experienced building military trailers, much of their heavy-duty technology finds its way into the Tvan. Features such as an asymmetric link suspension with Koni shock absorbers, 10 inches of wheel travel, and a 30-degree departure angle allow the trailer to follow the tow vehicle over nearly every terrain. With a hot dip galvanized steel frame, it is also built to take abuse and last. Of course, the kitchen appointments are stainless steel with abundant power outlets, lights, and ventilation to take the edge off of roughing it. It even comes with a 70-liter "food grade" water tank as standard equipment. Now, we found you the camper, you just have to figure out how to get it here... unfortunately, the Australian company isn't shipping to the States.

Gallery: Track Trailer Tvan

[Source: Squob]

Track Trailer Tvan world's beefiest camper trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Scale-model R/C off-roading

Alex Nunez — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:23:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

We like offroading vids as much as anyone, because they show just how much many of the SUVs we roll in are actually capable of. We're also suckers for cool toys, and the video that follows the jump combines both of these interests to great effect. Pretty cool stuff...enjoy.

UPDATE: Second vid added that shows this year's event. Thanks to Matt (the guy behind it all) for the link in the comments.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Scale-model R/C off-roading

VIDEO: Scale-model R/C off-roading originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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