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In this section of 4x4News

Qt Services Launches P38 Rockslider!

21 Mar 2004

Qt Services have now added to their comprehensive range of diff protection with the eagerly awaited launch of the new Rockslider for the Land Rover Defender 110/130 rear P38 axle for post 2002 model year.

Developed by Qt's, Dave Marsh, the new design offers unrivalled protection with the following innovative features:

  1. Protection prop shaft drive flange.
  2. Smooth ramp at the front of the axle casing, minimising the chances of becoming snagged on rocks or stumps.
  3. Flush base allowing the axle to slide over obstacles when bogged.
  4. Rear diff pan protection when dropping off stumps and reversing.
  5. Access to axle oil filler and drain without the removal of the guard.
The P38 Rockslider is easily fitted in under 30 minutes and comes complete with all fixings and comprehensive fitting instructions.

This new guard is available from Qt Services and our international supply network priced at £50 plus VAT and carriage.

For further details on this and any of our product range contact Qt Services on 0044 (0)1503 240770 or Email

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Alaska - Arizona (Women On the Move Against Cancer)

17 Mar 2004

In February O4 Sarah Turner departed the UK for Canada to meet up with her Toyota Land Cruiser, which would carry her to the frozen Arctic and back to the Arizona Desert, raising money for WOMAC (Women On the Move Against Cancer) along the way.

Sarah completed over 9,000 miles in just one month, travelled from 0 to 11,500 feet above sea level and met temperatures between -52C and +25C. Travelling alone the success depended up the reliability of the car and the attention to detail beforehand. Despite picking up some poor quality diesel along the route, which caused the Land Cruiser to run badly, all went to plan.

The route included the Dempster Highway, the only public road in North America to cross the Arctic Circle, 120 miles of ‘ice road’ to the Beaufort Sea, the Alaskan Highway and desert regions of Utah and Arizona. Following the Rockies from top to bottom the trip saw some extremes of weather which changed from desert to snow in just a few miles, and back again.

To give you a deeper insight, Sarah’s diary and photographs are available online at BBC web site

Sarah would be happy to provide words and/or pictures for publication on all or part of the trip, the vehicle preparation or equipment that made it all possible. A donation from the proceeds of which will go to WOMAC.

Contact Sarah direct: Tel 07974 818708

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JEEP® LAUNCHES COMMERCIAL CHEROKEE

15 Mar 2004

Jeep® has launched a new commercial version of its Cherokee in the UK. The Jeep Cherokee Pioneer boasts more than 1954 litres of load space and a payload of 359 kg.

The Pioneer, based on the 2.5CRD Sport model, is available from just £17,503*. Multi-stage front airbags, headlamp levelling, air conditioning, ABS, electric front windows and a single CD player all come as standard.

The completely flat cargo area in the commercial version is created by replacing the rear seats with a full length galvanised metal floor that is finished with a hard wearing minimum slip carpet for load security. The rear quarter glass and rear door glass have also been removed and replaced with body colour aluminium panels.

For added safety and convenience, a removable floor to ceiling metal and mesh bulkhead is a £200 optional extra, and for easy access to the cargo area, the rear doors can still be opened.

Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler Group in the UK, said "The new Cherokee Pioneer is aimed at people who need a car with great off-road capability and the ability to carry a large load, whether in the cargo area or on a trailer.

"The Pioneer maintains a smart and professional image, while the sophisticated four-wheel ABS disc system featured on the Cherokee means it has great stopping power, and this in turn means it can safely tow a braked trailer weight of up to 2688 kg."

  • For VAT registered customers, who can claim back the tax, Commercial Vehicle On the Road Price for the Pioneer is just £17,503. On the Road Price of £20,328.
  • Jeep Cherokee Pioneer is available in white or black, with metallic silver optional (£210).
  • Optional removable metal bulkhead costs £200. Optional alloy wheels cost £320.
  • The Cherokee Pioneer is powered by a 2.5 CRD engine with a five speed manual gearbox. It reaches 62 mph in 13.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 101 mph, with 31.4 mpg (combined cycle). The 141 bhp engine produces 251 lb ft of torque at 2000–2400 rpm.
  • The cargo area is 1.2 m long, 1.2 m wide and 1 m tall.

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OFF-ROAD FIRST RESPONDERS CRACK IT WITH TOYOTA

15 Mar 2004

A volunteer Community First Responder team which provides emergency cover for walkers and other users of the remote Staffordshire moorlands is making good use of a new Toyota Land Cruiser LC2 – now that an intensive off-road course has allowed drivers to improvetheir ability to rescue people trapped in difficult access areas.

The volunteers who make up Wetton & Alstonefield Community First Responders recently won a Queen's Golden Jubilee Award for their work. Only the second self-funding team of its kind in the UK, its 25 members stand by round the clock ready to respond to any type of medical emergency.

In a month they can receive as many as 20 calls, so the volunteers need to be able to drive in rugged terrain inaccessible to regular ambulances, and often snowbound in winter.

Their previous vehicle was an elderly Jeep Cherokee and, because most of the responders were untrained in off-road driving, they often had to leave it on the nearest road and proceed on foot, losing valuable time and carrying capacity.

"We're delighted with the Land Cruiser," said the team's co-ordinator John Clarke. "It fulfils our requirements exactly and everybody likes driving it because it's so easy." The team had considered all the appropriate 4x4s on the market. "One of us already had a Colorado and had been impressed by it, and we all knew Toyota's reputation for reliability."

The 3.0 litre diesel automatic was bought outright with the help of one of the first grants for a vehicle to be agreed by the Countryside Agency, the government-funded body set up to improve the quality of rural life. The grant followed a partnership agreement from eight Staffordshire parish councils.

Stoke-on-Trent Centre Pinkstone Toyota supplied the Land Cruiser at cost, and the £25,000 grant, plus another £10,000 raised among the community, allowed the paramedics to have it fitted out to their own design, including satellite navigation, ‘blues & twos’, an extended spinal-board stretcher, and racking for a wide range of resuscitation and other medical equipment. "It's a professional vehicle!" said John Clarke.

Sponsor Pinkstones will service and maintain the Land Cruiser free for the next three years. And to cover the training issues, Toyota Fleet and Pinkstones set up a comprehensive two-day training course for the responders at local quarry Trentham Gardens. Twenty members of the response unit, as well as some Staffordshire Ambulance staff, received instruction from Toyota's 4x4 trainers Powertrain.

Two Toyota Land Cruisers, an Amazon, two Hilux’s and a RAV4 were made available for the event. The responders honed their skills driving the vehicles in conditions even more challenging than those on the moorlands, including a daunting 60ft vertical ‘death slide’.

"We were very impressed with the training course, which was well organised and highly successful," said John Clarke. "All the vehicles performed extremely well, everybody was able to do it and we all came away buzzing. The event also turned out to be a valuable team-building exercise."

"Everyone was so enthusiastic once they realised just what these vehicles could do, and what they themselves were capable of as drivers," said Pinkstone Toyota's Business Centre Manager Martyn Davies. "Before the course, four-wheel drive capability had meant getting their vehicle onto a grass verge! The team needed a real 4x4 and now they have one – and the individual ability to get the best out of it."

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HONDA - CR-V IS PRACTICAL PARENTING TOP 4X4 CHOICE

11 Mar 2004

What’s the best 4x4 for young families? Look no further than the Honda CR-V which recently received a special Editor’s Award from Practical Parenting magazine.

In its March 2004 issue the publication looked at choosing a bigger car to suit the needs of a growing family, testing 12 of the best estate cars, 4x4s and MPVs. The CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC SE emerged as one of just two vehicles to gain the coveted 5 star Editor’s Award.

Honda’s latest 4x4 was given a gruelling workout by testers Laura Makin and partner Kingsley Ilett, mum and dad to Alexandra, 7 and twins Maisie and Phoebe, 15 months.

The family admired the CR-V’s substantial looks and user friendliness. They were impressed by the trio of 3-point rear seat belts and found it an easy vehicle in which to locate the child seats. But the feature which really won them over was the independently sliding and folding rear seats. They also noted that the boot easily accommodated a double buggy plus the family’s luggage.

Laura said: "It’s easy to drive and there are cupholders, a cool box and lots of compartments. We liked the car we tested so much, we’re hoping to buy one!"

The Practical Parenting Award is the latest of a series of endorsements for the Swindon-built second generation CR-V. Furthermore the Honda is the only 4x4 so far tested to achieve a Euro NCAP 4 star occupant safety rating with a 3 star rating for pedestrian safety.

Other recent awards gained by Honda include "Best Hot Hatch" for Civic Type-R in the What Car? Awards – and "Best Supermini" for the Jazz and "Best Diesel" for the Accord i-CTDi in the Top Gear Awards. Honda as a brand was also listed 16th in The Sunday Times "100 best companies to work for in the UK", the only car company represented.

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CHRYSLER AND JEEP - JEEP® OFFERS UP TO £2,200 SAVING ON CHEROKEE

10 Mar 2004

Motorists can now save up to £2,200 on a new Jeep® Cherokee from Chrysler and Jeep dealers in the UK.

Customers buying a Cherokee during March* are being offered a £1,000 discount on the entire Cherokee model range, plus a free leather interior worth an additional £1,200 on the Cherokee Limited model.

The Cherokee range, awarded a 4 star Euro NCAP rating in 2003, now starts at £16,995 on-the-road for the 2.4 Sport, and all models come with a three-year/60,000 mile warranty and three-year European Roadside Assistance.

The Cherokee range includes the 2.4 Sport and 3.7 V6 Limited petrol engines and 2.5 and 2.8 CRD Sport and 2.8 CRD Limited. Multi-stage front airbags, headlamp levelling, air conditioning, ABS, electric front windows and a single CD player all come as standard across the range.

* £1,000 discount is available on all Cherokees registered by 31 March. £1,000 discount plus free leather on Cherokee Limited only, registered by 31 March.

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BMW - The new high performance BMW X5 4.8is

3 Mar 2004
BMW Great Britain is enhancing the X5 success story by announcing details of the new X5 4.8is as well as a range of product enhancements across the X5 model line up. These additions supplement the new styling, engines, gearboxes and xDrive, BMW’s new four-wheel drive system, that were introduced in December 2003.

Priced at £57,450.00 OTR, customer deliveries of BMW’s flagship X5 4.8is start in May 2004.

The X5 4.8is will add further lustre to BMW’s successful SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) story. The X5 commands some of the best residual values in the industry and achieved record UK sales of over 8,500 units in 2003. With its combination of V8 performance, practicality and road holding, the X5 4.8is is also expected to enhance the X5’s existing levels of customer satisfaction. In 2003, both Top Gear and WHICH? magazine published surveys showing that X5 customers were more likely to recommend their car to a friend than any other model on the market.

High performance in the marketplace is linked to high performance on and off the road, with the new X5 4.8is powered by a 4.8-litre V8 engine developing 360 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine is derived from the 2002 International Engine of the Year already fitted in the BMW X5 4.4i, BMW 545i SE, BMW 645Ci and BMW 745i models. Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, the new car powers from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 153 mph. BMW’s patented VALVETRONIC induction system and bi-VANOS camshaft timing technology ensure that fuel consumption is a relatively frugal 20.9mpg on the combined cycle.

Keeping power and traction perfectly balanced is the responsibility of BMW’s new xDrive four-wheel drive system. Standard across the BMW X5 and forthcoming X3 ranges, xDrive uses a centrally mounted electronically-controlled clutch to distribute power to the axle with most traction. In conjunction with this clutch, BMW’s standard DSC system can reduce power and even brake individual wheels to ensure the car benefits from all available grip. This sets new standards for traction from a 4 x 4 system and ensures that any loss of footing is dealt with in an instant, rather than waiting until the car becomes physically unstable.

Externally, enhanced sporting styling to the front and rear valances differentiates the new BMW X5 4.8is from the standard X5. The new car also features a unique V-spoke alloy wheel with 9.5J x 20-inch wheels on the front and 10J x 20-inch wheels on the rear, fitted with 275/40 R20 and 315/35 R20 tyres respectively.

Colour also sets the car apart, with the 4.8is the only model in the X5 range available in Le Mans Blue and Imola Red. Also available are Titanium Silver, Sterling Grey and Black Sapphire. Inside, Cream Beige Nappa leather and Nappa leather / Alcantara trim are only available on the BMW X5 4.8is with Black Nappa leather also offered.

Enhancements across the range

From March production, all BMW X5 models will receive significant enhancements to the standard and optional equipment. Brake Force Display becomes standard, alerting drivers behind to emergency braking by the BMW in front. This innovative braking system illuminates further brake lamp bulbs, intensifying the lights under heavy braking or when the ABS cuts in. BMW’s Tyre Pressure Warning System becomes standard on all models: it constantly monitors tyre pressures and alerts the driver to a sudden or progressive tyre deflation via the Check Control system.

Enhancements to the BMW X5’s optional equipment include the introduction of the new Panorama Sunroof. Replacing the standard sunroof and priced at £1,095.00, this large two-panel sunroof offers heat-reflective tilting glass panels, a large sliding front panel and independently sliding headlining panels.

Also new are Adaptive Headlamps, priced at £275.00. Launched on the BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible and more recently on the BMW 5 and 6 Series, Adaptive Headlamps use the car’s speed, steering and yaw angles to swivel the bi-xenon headlamps (standard on 4.4i and 4.8is; optional on 3.0i and 3.0d) by up to 15 degrees. This aims the headlamp beam in the direction the car is travelling rather than the direction the car is pointing.

Finally, for those venturing off the beaten track, the new BMW X5 can be specified with a digital compass for the interior mirror for an additional £60.00, which uses an LED display in the mirror to provide the direction of travel.

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4x4 EXPERIENCE CONSTRUCTION GETS UNDERWAY

2 Mar 2004
Construction work is now underway on the 4x4 Experience that will feature at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live at the NEC in Birmingham in May. Some 72 acres of woodland adjacent to the NEC are being developed to create a custom built off road course, the largest at any motor show in the world.

Visitors to the show will experience genuine offroad conditions in vehicles from one of seven manufacturers with Honda, Kia and Volkswagen confirming participation alongside Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo.

Advance ticket prices are available on-line at the box office on 0870 730 2004 until 9 May. From this date, all tickets revert to on-the-door prices.

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QASHQAI - NISSAN’S NEW TAKE ON THE CROSSOVER

2 Mar 2004

At a glance

  • Four-wheel-drive Crossover concept unveiled today at the Geneva Motor show
  • Compact for the city and robust for the great outdoors
  • Advanced electronic all-wheel drive and good ground clearance
  • Rear hinged back doors and...
  • ...no B-pillar for superb access to passenger compartment without compromising strength
  • Unique side-hinged seats maximise interior space
  • First project from newly-established Nissan Design Europe

Nissan believes the end could be in sight for conventional cars in the compact sector of the market. And if the market share of the traditional hatchback is indeed numbered, its place might well be taken by striking crossover vehicles designed to live a dual life… vehicles like the Nissan Qashqai.

"Qashqai is a bold new design that pioneers a new sector of the market. Aimed at a young pre-family buyer, Qashqai is a dual-role compact crossover concept: during the week it is a tough city dweller at home on the mean streets, but at the weekend it heads for the hills for freedom and adventure."

Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President, Design Division, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

First from NDE

Qashqai is the first concept car to have been developed by Nissan’s recently-opened design studio in London, England. Nissan Design Europe (NDE) is one of the company’s design ‘think-tanks’ dedicated to developing future generations of advanced designs for European markets

Qashqai, unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show, is ample proof that Nissan’s multi-cultural design team is thinking ‘out-of-the-box’. Unlike anything on the roads today, Qashqai combines the sleek lines of a sporting hatchback with the attitude and authenticity of a serious 4x4.

Escape
Named after a desert-dwelling nomadic tribe living near the Zagros mountains in South Western Iran, Qashqai is seen by Satoru Tai, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe, as an Urban Nomad. "It is aimed at young professional people who enjoy living and working in the city during the week but who want to escape at the weekend."

Arch graphic roof
Among its striking features are the swooping coupé-like roof, high waist-line and the aerofoil shape of the side glass. The arch graphic of the roof line has become a recurring Nissan design theme and can be found on many Nissan production cars including Primera, Micra and 350Z as well as on a number of design concepts.

Qashqai’s four-wheel drive underpinnings are obvious from the ample ground clearance, tall body and huge wheels. The concept is 1570mm tall, 1860mm wide and 4310mm long. It sits on a wheelbase of 2650mm. Its four-wheel drive credentials include 237mm ground clearance and compact overhangs front and rear – 854mm and 806mm respectively.

The wheels – 20 inches in diameter – were made especially for Qashqai by Michelin and feature the French company’s unique PAX run-flat system.

Rear-hinged back doors
But it’s the unique design features that set the concept apart. While the front doors open conventionally, the back doors are rear-hinged… and both open to virtually 90 degrees. As there is no central B-pillar, when both side doors are opened simultaneously access to and from the passenger compartment is much easier than in a conventional car.

There is, however, another reason for adopting this unusual layout. Securely fastened to a central monorail – a solid aluminium chassis backbone designed to ensure the concept enjoys uncompromised structural rigidity despite the lack of B-pillars – are four individual seats.

Unique folding seats
Those on the passenger side of the vehicle not only have backrests that fold, clamshell-style, onto the seat base, but are also cantilevered so that they can be stowed upright, flush with the central chassis backbone. This, in turn, leaves ample space to store a mountain bike within the passenger compartment – with an obstruction-free side-loading zone, the bike is simply picked up and slotted into place with nothing having first to be dismantled.

Qashqai also has a conventional luggage compartment at the rear of the car but, again, there’s a novel opening arrangement for the rear hatch.

Split tailgate
The split tailgate features a glazed upper ‘bubble’ and metal lower panel. For loading small items, the glass panel can be opened independently and the luggage slotted into the boot. But for loading larger items, the centrally hinged bottom panel moves forward and then down, to slide out of the way underneath the tail of the car. Once again this allows much easier access to the load area: with a conventional split tailgate, it is necessary to stretch uncomfortably across the lowered portion to reach and remove a suitcase.

Secure storage
The boot area also houses a special ‘strong box’ allowing valuables to be locked safely away when the car is left unattended.

Other notable exterior features include the lights. The vertical rear lights run up and over to the tailgate to accentuate its tall stance, while at first glance there don’t appear to be any lights at the front at all.

‘Invisible’ headlamps
In fact, the headlamp clusters – they incorporate the turn indicators and fog lamps as well as the LED headlamps themselves – echo the striking rectangular style as featured on the 350Z, but are covered in a newly developed ‘clear-ink’ paint that matches the car’s body colour but becomes invisible once a light is shone through.

At the front, the familiar three-section Nissan grille features a sporting mesh effect deep within the apertures.

Glazed roof
The airiness of the cabin is thanks to the twin full-length glazed roof panels above both pairs of seats. The central section houses a roof console with controls, interior lighting and ventilation outlets and extra storage space.

The interior of the concept also underlines the dual role to be played by Qashqai. The asymmetric interior design envelops the driver to create a sporty environment, but the passenger side of the car is more open to give a feeling of freedom and space.

Car of the future?
Satoru Tai says: "Qashqai is a serious design study which shows one direction future Nissan’s vehicles could take. It is aimed at young people who are not constrained by convention; it’s a car that can adapt to its environment just as quickly as they can."

Street language
One final feature of Qashqai’s interior design pays homage to its birthplace and underlines its urban roots. NDE’s home near the Grand Union Canal in London’s Paddington is a unique building called the Rotunda. Constructed from reinforced concrete in 1966, its original role was as a maintenance depot for British Rail. So striking was the design that it won an Architectural Design Project Award in 1966 and the Concrete Society’s Award three years later and it is now considered one of the most important buildings of the post-war British Modern movement. As a result it carries a Grade II* listing from British Heritage.
Although derelict when taken over by Nissan Design Europe, because of the architectural listing many of the features had to be retained during the building’s make-over… including some period graffiti daubed on the walls. And this graffiti inspired the motif to be found on the bold slash of colour that rings the passenger’s side of the cockpit. Predominately red, the fabric covered panel that runs clockwise from the centre of the dashboard to the centre of the rear door has a very unusual pattern developed from the wit and wisdom of London’s youth…

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LAND ROVER DISCOVERY DEFINITIVE EDITIONS

23 Feb 2004

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 24 February 2004 – Three distinctive new Discovery models named Pursuit, Landmark and ES Premium are now available, replacing the Discovery range with three new ‘Definitive’ editions.

The entry level Pursuit Td5 is available at £24,995 and £25,995 with five or seven seats respectively. Complete with standard features such as air-conditioning, a single slot CD player with remote steering wheel controls and 16" Style 3 alloy wheels, the Pursuit boasts an eye-catching exterior look and a comfortable and entertaining interior at an attractive price.

The seven-seat option also comes complete with self-levelling suspension to ensure all seven passengers enjoy a comfortable ride.

The Landmark Td5 is available only as a 7-seat option at £28,995, and boasts 18" Style 5 alloy wheels in addition to the specification included on the Pursuit. Internally, the CD player is upgraded to an 11-speaker premium hi-fi with CD auto-changer and rear controls. In addition, the Landmark includes park distance control, power-fold door mirrors, a heated front screen and passenger airbags.

At the top of the range is the ES Premium, which comes with the option of the Td5 or V8i engines with automatic transmission, both priced at £33,995.

Building on the same specification highlights as the Landmark, the ES Premium comes with satellite navigation, active cornering enhancement (ACE), 18" Style 6 alloy wheels and a Harman/Kardon hi-fi with CD auto-changer. In addition this model boasts heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror and three paint finish options of metallic, black and micatallic. Its exterior finishing is enriched with chrome inserts and stainless steel side runners.

Commenting on the Definitive editions, Land Rover UK managing director Phil Popham, stated: "The Discovery has never been so well equipped and available at such attractive prices. Dealers are also offering some very competitive finance packages across the UK so there really hasn't been a better time to buy Britain's best selling large 4x4."

The new Definitive Edition Discoverys are available now at Land Rover dealerships throughout the UK.

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MADE TO MEASURE L200 CLUB CAB JOINS MITSUBISHI’S PICK UP RANGE

19 Feb 2004

P>Mitsubishi’s 4Work commercial vehicle brand currently offers commercial buyers the widest range of 4x4 commercial vehicles on the market. And it’s just got bigger with a new member of the family, the L200 Club Cab, joining the award-winning pick-up range.

Priced at £12,999 CVOTR the new L200 Club Cab GL slots neatly into Mitsubishi’s pick-up range and is designed to appeal to those customers who require a commercial vehicle with exceptional load space coupled with secure in-cab storage and the flexibility of rear bench seating. As an everyday work vehicle the Club Cab can tow up to 2700kg and swallow loads of up to 1110kg. Powered by Mitsubishi’s trusted 2.5litre turbo-diesel intercooled engine, the L200 Club Cab is a robust 4WD workhorse able to tackle the toughest terrain.

Standard specification on the L200 Club Cab includes central door locking, engine immobiliser, driver’s & passenger’s airbags and tinted windows plus the extra benefits of rear bench seats with fold up function and a rear ‘hidden’ compartment. The added safety of ABS is available as an option for £400 and metallic paint costs £200 (excl VAT). Customers can also choose from a range of specifically designed 4Work accessories including tow bars, rubber load liners, heavy duty mats, load area guards and waterproof seat covers.

In terms of power, L200 buyers have the option of Mitsubishi’s dealer-fit Power Upgrade Pack option. Priced at £595 (plus VAT and labour), it boosts power from the standard 115bhp at 4000rpm to 138bhp at 4100rpm, and torque from 177lb ft at 2000rpm for the standard engine to 202lb ft at 3100rpm.

Lance Bradley Sales and Marketing Director stated "From selling around 2,000 commercial units annually four years ago, we have grown the business to achieve just under 13,500 total 4x4 commercial vehicle sales in 2003. We dominate the pick-up market, taking 46% of the segment last year, and are increasing our foothold in the 4WD LCV market with the likes of Shogun, Shogun Pinin and Shogun Sport Commercial models."

Basic Model Outline:

Mitsubishi L200 Club Cab GL 2.5TD

Price:

£12,999 CVOTR

Engine:

2.5 TD

Load Specifications

Gross vehicle Weight (Kg):

2830

Kerb Weight (Kg):

1720

Max Load Capacity – Gross (Kg)

1110

Towing Capacity – Braked (Kg)

2700

Dimensions:

Exterior (mm) – Length x Width x Height

5125 x 1695 x 1775

Bed Interior (mm) – Length x Width x Height

1830 x 1470 x 400

Ground Clearance (mm)

215

 

Mitsubishi launched its 4Work commercial vehicle brand in September 2002 and now offers an extensive choice to customers including the compact Shogun Pinin, stylish Shogun Sport, flagship Shogun and top-selling L200 pick-up. Designed to allow every business user to tailor a vehicle to exactly meet their needs, the range combines load-bay flexibility, strong economy, robust build quality, peerless reliability and wallet-friendly prices.

A competitive budget-oriented pricing strategy means that on-the-road prices range from £10,999 (CVOTR) for the Shogun Pinin 1.8 MPI Classic 3-Door, through to £26,425 (CVOTR) for the flagship Shogun 3.2 Equippe Auto, which means there’s a 4Work model to match any budget.

All Mitsubishi’s commercial vehicles are covered by a 3 year / 100,000 mile warranty, 6 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty and, for total peace of mind, 3 year pan-European breakdown and home accident assistance.

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EXPEDITION-QUALITY ROOF RACK LAUNCHED FOR THE LAND ROVER DEFENDER

11 Feb 2004

Owners of the go-anywhere Land Rover Defender 110 can now extend their vehicle’s load-carrying capability with a discreet yet highly robust tubular roof rack developed by Safety Devices. Replicating the Safety Devices design that became standard fit for the Defenders used in Land Rover’s recent G4 Challenge series, the ‘New Expedition’ roof rack combines high strength with low-profile good looks, serving the needs of casual off-roaders and hardened expedition users alike.

The New Expedition rack is split-level to closely follow the contours of the Defender’s roofline while maximising available stowage space. Each rack is constructed from tubular steel, coated in a zinc-enriched primer to resist corrosion and then finished in rugged, satin black powder coat. Fitting is quick and easy, simply requiring the rack’s clamps and stainless steel fixings to be tightened to the vehicle’s gutter rail.

The New Expedition has been designed to facilitate the addition of a number of practical accessories. Each rack incorporates five built-in lamp mounts (four forward facing, one rear) and brackets for attaching an optional Safety Devices exterior ladder. The company can supply a 9mm plywood floor featuring a non-slip weatherproof coating and holes to assist drainage and the lashing down of luggage or equipment. To aid aerodynamics and reduce wind noise, each rack can also be supplied with a small bib spoiler that fits between the rack and the front of the vehicle’s roof.

Safety Devices boasts a long history of providing roof racks, roll cages and other vehicle safety equipment for Land Rover expedition use, supplying many of the Camel Trophy and Trek series events, as well as last year’s G4 series.

All roof racks produced by Safety Devices are manufactured using computer-controlled cutting and bending equipment to ensure accurate fitment, with welding carried out to the exacting standards of The Welding Institute (TWI).

The Safety Devices New Expedition roof rack costs £676 (inc. VAT). Costs for optional extras are as follows: flooring £441; bill spoiler £88; rear ladder £159.

Further information is available from Safety Devices on 01353 724200

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HYUNDAI EXPANDS SUCCESSFUL RANGE OF 4x4s WITH NEW TUCSON

4 Feb 2004

Hyundai’s all new sports utility vehicle, the Tucson, was today unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, marking the company’s expansion of its successful range of 4x4 vehicles, all three with its pioneering 5 year warranty.

The Tucson (pronounced Tooson) marks the entry level to Hyundai’s 4x4 range and complements the existing Santa Fe and Terracan. The Tucson will compete against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Land Rover Freelander and Nissan X-TRAIL.

As well as conquest sales from other four-wheel drive cars, Hyundai expects to attract customers who perhaps have not previously considered a 4x4. The added attraction is that the Tucson is a five door-only vehicle, competing against three-door opposition.

Torque on demand 4x4 system

The Tucson has a monocoque construction, and sits on a highly modified version of the current Coupe platform. There will be three engine options, including petrol and diesel, and two and four-wheel drive choices. Hyundai expects the diesel version of Tucson to be particularly popular in a segment where more drivers are switching to diesel. Customers will be able to choose between a five-speed manual transmission or four speed H-matic semi-automatic.

The Tucson uses a ‘torque-on-demand’ 4x4 system. The car runs in front-wheel drive until it detects loss of traction, then the 4x4 cuts in. It will then revert to two-wheel drive when adequate traction is detected. Additionally, at speeds up to 30kph, the driver can select permanent 4x4 for extra control when required at the touch of a button.

The Tucson will go on sale in the UK in the autumn, with prices starting at around £15,000.

No details of specification are available at this time.

Hyundai’s pioneering five year, unlimited mileage, fully transferable warranty will come as standard on the Tucson when it is launched in the UK later this year.

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6x6 ARMOURED PINZGAUER BREAKS COVER

29 Jan 2004

The first Pinzgauer 6x6 armoured variant has been unveiled. The project, a joint venture between British Pinzgauer manufacturer, Automotive Technik and specialist armoured vehicle builder, MacNeillie’s of Walsall, fills an important gap in the current Pinzgauer range.

A number of military procurement organisations have already indicated strong interest in the vehicle and a demonstrator is close to completion. ATL and MacNeillie’s also expect the version to be attractive for specialist civilian and emergency services applications.

The basic rolling chassis is common with the latest soft-skin Pinzgauer 6x6 variants, already in service. Current users include all three British Armed Forces. The new armoured variant has been designed to meet NATO and international standards of protection, whilst retaining the Pinzgauer’s legendary agility, speed and performance, particularly off-road.

The MacNeillie monocoque bodyshell has been built to the European CEN standard, Class B6 for ballistic protection. This includes resistance to 7.62 x 51mm NATO ball round at 10 metres. This puts the unit’s armour well within the protection required for the AK47 and AKM Kalashnikov Assault Rifles.

The underside is protected by floor armour, with a material extensively used for protection against bomb blast and fragmentation. This level of protection is designed to withstand two NATO L2A2 hand grenades detonating simultaneously only 150mm below the floor pan. These grenades would normally carry a lethality radius of 5 metres.

In support of Automotive Technik’s development of the armoured variant, the Group’s venture capital partner, Close Venture Management, has completed a further injection of £1.2 million, bringing its total investment in the firm to date to £2.7 million.

Automotive Technik Director, David Findlay says, "We hope that the new variant will be a strong contender to fulfil the increasing demand for light armoured, high performance, rapid intervention vehicles and personnel carriers. The vehicle has performed exceptionally well both in engineering and ballistics tests and trials.

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ISUZU - UP TO £3,700 OFF LAST OF ISUZU TF PICKUPS

29 Jan 2004

Savings of up to £3,700 are on offer for the last of the Isuzu TF Pickup range which has just been replaced by the all-new Rodeo.

It means, for example, that farmers, tradesmen and the construction industry can replace their fleets for a fraction of the budgeted cost.

Only four-wheel drive versions of the well-proved TF remain in either Single Cab or four-door Crew Cab body styles. Both are powered by a tough and frugal 2.5 litre intercooled Diesel Turbo engine which can haul a 2,000 kg braked trailer.

The Isuzu TF 4x4 Crew Cab can now be put on-the-road for £11,295 (excluding VAT) – a saving of £3,700 – while the 4x4 Single Cab comes down by £3,200 to £10,295 OTR.

In addition, the TF Pickup has a 1,000 kg-plus payload allowing registered business to reclaim the V.A.T.

As a further incentive, the TF has an unusually-long 12,000 mile service interval. This is supported by a three year/60,000 mile ‘bumper-to-bumper’ mechanical warranty, six-year anti-perforation warranty and three years’ worth of ‘at home’, roadside and European repair and recovery.

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Smart 4x4 - The smart utility vehicle, scheduled for 2006, will be called smart formore

19 Jan 2004

The name of the fourth smart model range has been decided:

The smart utility vehicle (suv), scheduled for the year 2006, will bear the name smart formore. This fourth smart model range will also mark the company’s entrance into the US market. With the introduction of the new model, suited to all road and driving conditions, smart will be represented in the world’s largest automotive market for the first time. The four-wheel drive smart formore will also be launched in the company’s other core markets at the same time.

From the beginning of 2006 the smart formore will be built in the DaimlerChrysler plant in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. The plant has a capacity of 60,000 cars per annum. In a full sales year, smart plans to sell half of these in the USA and half in their other core markets.

"With the smart formore we will be applying the typical smart characteristics of innovation, functionality and joie de vivre to the SUV sector. The new smart model will be a distinctive vehicle, unique in the market – so unique that we translate ‘suv’ as smart utility vehicle," explained Andreas Renschler, President of smart gmbh. "The smart formore will provide a driving experience loaded with adrenaline – off road as well as on, expressive design and a high utility value. It is the ideal model to launch the smart brand in the US market."

With the name smart formore, smart is following the naming logic which it began with the four-seater forfour. The basic principle of this logic is to give names which have a direct connection to the uses of the vehicle concerned. Therefore from 2006 the smart formore will be added to the range of new smart model names: the smart fortwo coupé, smart fortwo cabrio and smart forfour. The smart roadster and smart roadster-coupé are to retain their original, well-known names, since these already describe what all smart models have to offer - sheer driving pleasure.

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This is not a Land Rover, it's a Santana available now in the UK

16 Jan 2004

"What you see here is not a Land Rover, but as close to one as twins separated at birth, same basic DNA, different upbringing". Andrew Pearce, Farmers Weekly, First Drive article, July 2002.
Santana Motor SA has had a long association with Land Rover having built in the region of 300,000 'Series' vehicles from 1958 through to 1985. By the end of this period the vehicles being built were quite different from the parent company, and in 1990 all links with Land Rover ceased. Production continued of a range of Land Rover derived vehicles designated the Santana 2500 until the early nineties. In Spain, Santana Land Rovers of all ages are a common sight and have gained an almost legendry status. From 1985 to the present day, Santana has been building 4x4s for Suzuki, including the Samurai, Vitara and Jimny.
It is from this background of 45 years of experience in building 4x4 vehicles that Santana has come into the market with a new heavy duty 4x4 commercial vehicle.
Linares, the location of the Santana factory in southern Spain, was the home of Hannibal (Anibal in Spanish) famed for crossing the Alps with a troop of elephants. Hence in Spain, the vehicle is badged Anibal, while for the rest of the world it retains its development code number of PS10.
Design philosophy
Designed with military and industrial customers in mind, the PS10 is a true work horse. Simplicity and practicality are uppermost in the design. Heavy duty transmission and axles and a powerful 2.8 litre turbo diesel engine, combine with features such as the easy to clean interior, with rubber matting throughout, to make the PS10 an immensely practical all purpose vehicle.
PS10 assembly
Santana has learnt and adopted much of the Japanese philosophy of car manufacture, and the production techniques used in building the PS10 are quite different from its forebears. The assembly process takes the complete body, mounted temporarily onto the chassis, through a 6 stage, total emersion rust prevention paint process, prior to the final body colour being sprayed onto the body and chip guard being applied to vulnerable areas of under body such as the wheel arches. This process ensures that paint is applied to all metal surfaces both on the inside and outside of the chassis, bulkhead, doors, etc. Once this process is complete, the body is removed in one, running along an overhead track while the chassis is built up with the engine, drive train, suspension and axles. The body is then re-fitted in one piece onto 14 rubber shock absorbing mounts. The final assembly starts with the fitment of the one piece insulated roof, and then interior trim, seating, and electrical systems and final quality control inspection.
At the controls
Simple, easy to clean dash board, clear instrumentation, light pedal pressures, light responsive steering, larger one piece windscreen and improved ventilation system all combine to make the PS10 pleasant to drive over long distances.
Engine
Powered by the Iveco Unijet 2.8 litre common rail intercooled turbo diesel engine, the PS10 has the power to give good on road performance and economy, and high torque at low revs for towing and off road control use.
Transmission
The main gearbox is the renowned Santana LT85 5 speed gearbox, configured to give selection of 4x2 and 4x4 on the move in high ratio, coupled to a transfer box to give a further 5 speeds in low range for-wheel drive.
Suspension
Santana pioneered the use of Parabolic leaf suspension, the simplicity and robustness of which gives good on road ride comfort, while exceptional axle articulation make the vehicle a true off road performer, able to match any similar 4x4 in the rough.
Interior
The seat boxes of earlier models have gone, allowing the reclining front seats to be mounted inboard giving increased elbow room and more fore and aft movement for taller drivers. The rear seats too have been moved back with a consequent benefit to passenger comfort and space.
One piece resin roof
The double skin, one piece insulated resin roof keeps cabin temperature cool in the midday sun, while preventing leaks and condensation in winter weather. The material has the added benefits of good sound deadening properties and is easy to clean and will withstand knocks and damage when loading and transporting awkward loads or tools and equipment, or the family's pet Labrador.
Load space
An increase in the interior width of the cargo area and greater accessibility from the wider rear door make the new PS10 a more practical and capacious.
Chassis mounting blocks
The 14 rubber mounting blocks reduce noise transmitted into the cabin from the road wheels and transmission and take out shock loading from rough road surfaces.

For further details
All Terrain Services, Ambleside, Heol Las, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4PR
Telephone: 01792 862669 Email: Email
| SANTANA PS-10 Prices | SANTANA PS-10 Details | SANTANA PS-10 Technical Spec. |

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LAND ROVER BASED BOWLER WILDCATS OUTPERFORM DAKAR RALLY SUPERSTARS

14 Jan 2004

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 14 January 2004 – At the close of stage 12 of the 2004 Dakar Rally, five of the eight Land Rover based Bowler Wildcat vehicles remain in the running, proving that these vehicles are based on one of the best 4x4s by far – the Land Rover Defender.

Leading the charge in what is rapidly becoming one of the toughest competitions in the Rally's history is Belgian driver Jackie Loomans, who protected his 14th place throughout stage 12 (out of 144 starters and 71 remaining), putting the Wildcat delegation several places ahead of many of the factory works teams from Japan and Germany.

Commenting on his progress up the field, Loomans said: "We don't look to the others, we don't look at the standings – we just do our own thing. We have only suffered a puncture so far, and if our luck continues in this way for the remaining five stages this can be an excellent Dakar for us."

Stage 12 also saw the Belgian awarded the 'Total Fair Play' trophy, for donating his spare tyre to a fellow competitor who was only two places behind the Wildcat at the time.

The Bowler Wildcat is a purpose built race vehicle designed to compete in top level off-road racing events using standard-build Land Rover components from the Defender and Discovery models. It is designed and built by a small Derbyshire company, Bowler Off-Road, which is supported by Land Rover.

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Volvo struggles to keep up with demand for XC90

7 Jan 2004

DETROIT - Volvo’s XC90 off-road sports utility car has been so popular in Europe and the United States that the Swedish car company can’t make enough of them.

Original plans to build 50,000 XC90s a year have been scrapped with production reaching 60,000 in the vehicle’s first year – and that’s still not enough.

The success of the model has been the engine for increased Volvo sales worldwide which reached 415,000 in 2003, up two per cent on the previous year. The biggest increase was in the United States where sales rose 22 per cent to 135,000.

Brit Gerry Keaney, who heads up Volvo’s global sales, said at the Detroit Motor Show that the Swedish company plans to increase sales to 600,000 a year round the world by 2008.

"We hope to build on the success of the XC90 with the introduction of the V50 and the updated S40 this year. In two years we will also be introducing our replacement for the C70 convertible," he added.

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Land Rover - Detroit Show Speech - Range Stormer

click to enlarge5 Jan 2004

Matthew Taylor, NAIAS, PAG Press Conference

Begins with Matthew Taylor walking out to L320 concept on stage

How can I match a dramatic entrance like that? Click here for enlargement of image

What a vehicle! Not a bad effort for our first true concept car - I hope you'll agree.

This is the vehicle, some of you will remember, that we previewed at the Frankfurt Show last September. Just one drawing flashed up on a screen - and yet one or two of you were kind enough to make it, rather incongruously, the star of the show.

At the time we promised that the actual vehicle would follow soon after. Well, we try hard at Land Rover to keep our promises and ladies and gentlemen, here it is making its world debut in Detroit.

The Range Stormer will not go on sale. But it hints strongly at a new full-size Land Rover - our first sports tourer SUV. While not as extreme as the concept, the production vehicle will be the fastest, best handling, and most spirited vehicle we have ever made. And thanks to our heritage with the Range Rover, one of the world's best-regarded premium SUVs, I think you'll agree that we are well qualified to do this.

This is also the beginning of the next phase of Land Rover's evolution under Ford's ownership. The first phase immediately following the acquisition was marked by the successful launch of Range Rover and developing a more distinctive family look for our products. But now our plans really begin to gather pace.

The next phase, which starts here today, is all about new product. It is a period that will be marked by all-new vehicles, new technologies, and even us entering a new segment.

Our goal is to make premium vehicles with the greatest breadth of capability in the world. Land Rovers are vehicles that are at home in the most sophisticated quarters of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world; vehicles that are quiet and comfortable and fuss-free on freeways or country roads; vehicles that can do the job of premium cars on normal roads - yet with the added virtues of a panoramic - command - seating position, great spaciousness, and enhanced primary safety due to the extra security of an advanced 4x4 drivetrain.

Our new vehicles will be true to our roots but continue to use Range Rover as an inspiration. They will be the best off-roaders in their class. But they will also be great on-road. Enhanced on-road sophistication, handling and performance will be the hallmarks of the new breed of Land Rovers, as epitomised by the superb Range Stormer you see before you.

It also gives you an impression of how we can make Land Rover more relevant to more people but without losing the core characteristics of what a Land Rover should be.

The world's most capable vehicles, with the greatest breadth of all-round ability. Class-leading off-road. Excellent on-road. An impossible combination? Of course not. The Range Rover shows the way. So will the production model inspired by the Range Stormer.

But let's just take a couple of minutes to look at the Range Stormer concept in more detail...

It is powered by a supercharged PAG sourced V8 engine, specially adapted to the needs of Land Rover. That means it has greater low-end torque, improved water-, mud- and dust-proofing, to allow it to wade through rivers and cross continents, even when there are no roads. Power is fed to all four wheels, through full-time 4x4, by a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

It bristles with technical innovation - just as upcoming production Land Rovers will. A major new world-first technology, shown on this car, is Land Rover's patented Terrain Response. This is an advanced, electronic control that improves the vehicle's go-anywhere ability, and makes life simpler for the driver.

At Land Rover we believe that high-tech should always aid, and never baffle, the user.

Terrain Response on Range Stormer is controlled by a simple rotary switch that offers the driver a choice of six settings. Simply choose the terrain you're on - eg ruts, normal on-road or dynamic on-road - and the car's many traction features are optimised for those conditions. This includes suspension settings and ride height, hill descent control, locking diffs, engine management, even gearbox settings. One simple switch and your vehicle is primed for optimal on- or off-road performance.

I can tell you now that this is a feature you will see on future production Land Rovers, and is another example of pioneering Land Rover technology aimed at making it easier and safer to go anywhere.

The Range Stormer also previews a brand new Land Rover platform, developed by and dedicated to Land Rover. It is incredibly strong, adaptable, and offers superb ride and handling.

And is relevant to other future full-size production models.

The design of Range Stormer also offers a glimpse of the future. It carries typical Land Rover and Range Rover styling cues - that clamshell bonnet, castellated corners, a floating roof, design language that is part of our rich heritage and will naturally continue. Yet the new language is unmistakably more assertive and sportier. Geoff Upex, Land Rover's design director, is on hand to answer any questions you might have on the aesthetics.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm a lucky guy. To be managing director of this outstanding company at the start of this enormously busy but exciting time is an honour. I have to say that I'm really looking forward to showing you the first of our new production models in a few months time.

New vehicles, new technology, a new architecture, a broader focus that boosts all-round vehicle performance and yet in no way compromises our off-road excellence.

Thanks for your time and your attention this morning. Now let's have a better look at the video...

See also 3rd Jan article below....

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Tomcat Motorsport produces 100th Tomcat

5 Jan 2004

Since buying the Tomcat side of Drew Bowlers 4x4's Tomcat Motorsport have just produced the 100th Tomcat. Since the company was formed they have moved to larger premises and introduced 2 new models to the range. The 93 inch inch wheelbase model was aimed at the fast growing Challenge market and has soon proved sucessful. The 106 rear engined model is for the sreious off roader while still sporting the Land Rover looks.

Steve Wells quoted this week as saying 'the future looks good, we are booked up for 6 weeks in advanced and the challenge vehicles are in big demand as Chris Ould keeps winning events without the use of his winch.

The comp safari motors are winning everywhere and 25% of all entries have been Tomcats and in both disciplines - success breeds success.

In July 2003 Tomcat bought there own GRP body shop and now produce there entire bodywork themselves. As well as the Tomcat panels Lightning GRP, as the new company is known, produces many other quality panels, lights pods etc. for other companies. Pictured is the winning challege Tomcat 93 driven by Chris Ould.

See Tomcat Motorsport

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Honda SUT Concept Debuts at 2004 North American International Auto Show

Honda to produce a production version in 2005

 

DETROIT, Jan. 4, 2004 – The Honda SUT Concept made its world debut this week at the 2004 North American International Auto Show as American Honda announced plans for the launch of an all-new sport-utility truck slated for introduction in calendar year 2005. The all-new model will be based on Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform and will be produced by Honda Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario,

The Honda SUT Concept is a next-generation truck concept that takes a clean slate approach to the light-duty truck segment. Taking advantage of its unibody underpinnings, the Honda SUT Concept integrates a roomy and practical SUV-style interior and a large, useable cargo bed with superior packaging efficiency, ride comfort and handling dynamics and adds in traditional Honda strengths including refined styling, superior ergonomics, innovative design and world-class build quality.

"The pickup market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Honda SUT Concept takes this evolution to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication in a sporty and socially responsible package with Honda durability, quality and reliability."

A Next Generation Truck with a Unibody Chassis

Envisioned as a next generation truck, the SUT Concept’s reinforced unibody chassis design allows for new inroads into the light truck market where truck utility is combined with innovative packaging, sporty handling and advanced safety technology.

The SUT Concept features a refined and spacious cabin with seating for five adults and a five-foot long cargo bed with an extra-deep box and significantly reduced intrusion of the real wheel arches for maximized cargo hauling capabilities.

Built around the image of a "cool dad" customer with an active family and hobby life, the Honda SUT Concept represents a fusion of the target customer’s family life stage and active lifestyle – where everyday work life and family responsibilities are combined with weekend sports, hobbies and family activity in one highly practical, rugged and functional vehicle.

The Honda SUT is also designed as the ultimate vehicle for bringing together Honda’s diverse line of products including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), personal watercraft, marine engines and power equipment. "Honda finally has a vehicle that can haul all of the cool Honda toys," said Elliott. "The Honda SUT Concept can accommodate motorcycles, ATVs and personal watercraft better than any Honda vehicle in our history."

Billet Machined Aluminum Design Theme

From the overall stance to the smallest interior and exterior details, the SUT Concept’s next-generation styling conveys a look of strength and agility with a modern, technical appearance. The styling theme was "billet machined aluminum" capturing the idea of a vehicle that has been machined from a single block of metal. The design also takes advantage of unibody design to deliver a fully integrated cab and chassis, lending the SUT Concept a fresh new, twenty-first century appearance.

"People will recognize this as a new kind of truck," said David Marek, chief designer for the SUT Concept. "We wanted to express the unique character of Honda in truck that we take all trucks into the next generation, stylistically.

Design details include a roof with a four-paneled skylight; a cargo bed with integrated lights and speakers; seats featuring a roll bar appearance; storage bins made with climbing rope; and front door liners with integrated Mag-Liteâ flashlights.

High Performance Next-Generation Powertrain

Combining fun-to-drive performance with environmental responsibility, the concept vehicle is powered by a high performance, high torque all-aluminum DOHC VTEC V-6 engine couple with an advanced electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system for outstanding all-weather performance, medium-duty towing and off-road capabilities, along with Ultra-Low Emissions and class-leading fuel economy. With its wide track, rack-and-pinion steering and sophisticated four-wheel fully independent suspension, the SUT Concept delivers a new level of ride comfort and handling sharpness in the light truck segment.

Safety Leadership

In addition to offering a high level of handling stability, the SUT Concept also offers a full array of advanced safety technology. In keeping with Honda’s "Safety for Everyone" concept, the Honda SUT Concept integrates safety features such as side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), front-side airbags with the Occupant Position Detection System, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and pedestrian safety features. With it unibody design, the SUT Concept provides a high level of occupant protection along with reduced aggressivity toward other vehicles in a frontal collision.

Features and Specifications

  • High output DOHC VTEC V-6 engine
  • Advanced electronic four-wheel-drive
  • Reinforced unibody chassis design
  • Billeted aluminum exterior and interior design theme
  • Fully integrated four door cab and chassis with 5-foot pickup bed
  • Spacious five-passenger cabin
  • 5-foot bed with extra deep cargo box
  • High-power audio system with exterior bed speakers
  • Next generation Honda Navigation System
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • Dual Stage, dual threshold front airbags
  • Front side airbags with OPDS (Occupant Position Detection System)
  • Side curtain airbag system with rollover sensors
  • Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
  • Front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters

LAND ROVER UNVEILS FIRST EVER CONCEPT SHOW CAR AT DETROIT AUTO SHOW

3 Jan 2004

Detroit, Mich., USA, 5 January 2004 – Land Rover makes history today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, by unveiling its first ever concept show car, the Range Stormer.

The Range Stormer is a high performance, sports tourer SUV concept car, which showcases a future design direction for Land Rover. It also previews a new production model that will enter a fresh market segment for the company and will be an additional model line in the Land Rover portfolio.

Commenting on the new concept, Land Rover's managing director Matthew Taylor, said: "The supercharged V8 Range Stormer gives a taste of our forthcoming new entrant in the booming high performance SUV segment. The production vehicle that follows will share many of its styling and technical innovations. It is very much conceived to be an on-road, performance machine, as well as class-leading off-road like all Land Rovers."

Geoff Upex, design director at Land Rover, added: "The challenge was to translate fundamental Land Rover design values into a concept for a high performance machine that looks powerful, muscular and edgy. We certainly want to challenge established views of our vehicles, but the Range Stormer is still clearly an authentic Land Rover."

Future technologies previewed with the concept include an all-new platform that will be the basis for future full-size Land Rover models. This advanced, integrated platform, unique to Land Rover, will provide the underpinnings for the production vehicle inspired by the Range Stormer.

Another major innovation showcased is Terrain Response. This smart and simple-to-use new Land Rover technology delivers the best possible on- and off-road composure and control by optimising the entire vehicle set-up, including suspension, powertrain, throttle response and traction control.

The driver simply selects the appropriate Terrain Response setting from the six available and the vehicle does the rest, using technology that offers a choice of settings from 'dynamic' for high speed work to 'deep ruts' for extreme off-roading.

Matthew Taylor concluded: "You'll be seeing an increasing amount of innovative technology in future Land Rovers. But technology that makes the driver's task simpler not more complicated, such as Terrain Response."

The Range Stormer was completed with the support of suppliers Alps (electronic systems), Hella (interior and exterior lights), Alcoa (22" forged alloy wheels) and Goodyear (custom made tyres).

Further information on the Range Stormer is available at www.rangestormer.com

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"Work-out" time for your trailer or special.

2 Jan 2004
Do you want to give your trials motor a real test before attending your next competitive event ? Want to really put it through its paces ? Have you been working on some modifications over the past weeks but don't want them to fail at your next Club Event ?

If your answer is yes we have found the event for YOU !

The 80 acre Farley Quarry Site near Much Wenlock in Shropshire is now open on the second Saturday of each month especially for triallers and 4x4 specials which are well prepared but not road legal.

There are challenges a plenty from the "wall of death" through the "axle twisters", "mud runs", several water sections and of course the infamous "lake" which has claimed many serious waders during the past year.

Military vehicles are also welcome at the SATURDAY OFF ROAD DAYS. The benefits include concrete roadway access, hard standing for parking and unloading, ladies and gents toilets and a hot food van. Site is easily found on the A4169 north of Much Wenlock, less than 10 minutes from the M54 junction 6.

The next Saturday Off Road Day at Farley Quarry in Shopshire is on Saturday February 7th 2004, admission cost is £35 per 4x4 pay on the day and the events are organised by 4x4 Funday Ltd. Telephone contact Richard Walsh 01686 413151. See our web site or Email

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