Innehållsförteckning för November 2023 från NZ4WD

NEWS It's driving international media into a frenzy, even though it's a year away. The next-generation Nissan Navara is due in showrooms by the end of next year – sharing its platform with DNA from the next Mitsubishi Triton. Even more interesting, it may herald the arrival of a hybrid 4WD ute. The 2025 Nissan Navara is due to be unveiled next year – and could be in down-under showrooms by the end of 2024. The first new-generation Navara in a decade is due to roll off the Thailand production line in the middle of 2024. It will be nine to 12 months behind the vehicle on which it is based – and has been developed alongside – the new Mitsubishi Triton. The 2024 Navara will receive some major updates…

NEWS The US-based Hoonigan workshop that has produced some of the wildest performance cars for the late Ken Block has also delved into the strange world of online gaming. One of the most loved ‘first person shooter’ (FPS) science fiction games is the dystopian Halo series. And one of the most obsessed-over tools in the game is the instantlyrecognisable Warthog. It's a battle vehicle often piloted by series protagonist, Master Chief. New Zealand's own Weta Workshop produced its own version more than 15 years ago. Microsoft tapped the Hoonigan crew to build them a real-life version to celebrate the pending launch of Halo Infinite for Xbox One. It's no static display however, and the team has even taken the monstrous build out to the desert to give the rig a…

NEWS So, when the epic overlanding adventure arrives at base camp, the question arises: what do we do now? For many, the NZ Fishing, Hunting, and 4×4 Expo based in Rotorua offered a variety of answers. Its mission: “to celebrate the great outdoors and all the incredible activities that come with it, from fishing and hunting, to off-roading in your favourite 4×4”. Organisers offered the chance to “discover a world of outdoor adventure all in one place. Explore mods, boats, lures, hunting clothes, fly fishing techniques, and camping gear for your boat and 4×4.” Held at the Distinction Hotel in mid-September, the expo was more than just a retail event for outdoor enthusiasts. There was an outdoor display area – mainly 4WDs and boats – and an indoor area which…

LOAD CARRYING Many double cab 4WD utes live double lives, working hard all week and adventuring at the weekend. The Utemaster TrailCore Service Body will help get the work done fast, meaning more time to enjoy life's adventures. They are a spacious, practical and modern Service Body for 4WD lifestyles. A TrailCore 4-in-1 flooring system is a ground-breaking advancement in the design of a Service Body. Rather than a box built on a flat floor, the TrailCore follows the shape of the chassis in the middle and is raised on the sides to allow for wheel travel. Benefits include: • Ergonomics. Modern utes are getting taller and taller, and having the drop-down floor design in the centre section makes it easier to lift loads in and out. • Maximising space. There…

WINCHING AND RECOVERY GEAR It happens when least expected. Crawling slowly down a clay-based track in the bush, or crossing an innocent looking creek. The fun 4WDers enjoy means getting stuck is going to happen. Whether just spinning tires in a little bit of snow, or axledeep in mud, preparation is key when it comes to offroading. Whether out alone or with friends, drivers need to be prepared to do a recovery. The last thing anyone needs is to end up bogged or hung up on a stump in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. This is why it's important to carry the most common off-road recovery gear for every trip. The more recovery gear you have the easier the recovery will be. With so many types of…

WINCHING AND RECOVERY GEAR Xtreme Gravel Gear's range of 4WD recovery equipment is meticulously engineered for off-road experiences, ensuring drivers can tackle challenging terrain with confidence and ease. The XGG Recovery Ring boasts unrivalled strength, crafted from premium materials capable of withstanding the harshest pulls and tugs, ensuring you have the ultimate lifeline in the most challenging situations. XGG Snatch Straps are meticulously woven with high-tensile nylon, and have high stretch capacity, providing vital kinetic energy required for quick and safe vehicle recoveries. With an emphasis on durability, these straps promise to be a steadfast companion, enabling drivers to navigate the roughest trails with absolute peace of mind. For those who demand versatility, the XGG Sand Trax Recovery Boards are crafted from UV-resistant, high-density polyethylene. These boards feature aggressive treads…

Weekend Drive We started with a run up to the Mangahao dams, just out of Shannon, the one trip I have done a number of times recently but always enjoy for the scenic experience. After the recent wet weather, the road was a little cut up, but nothing challenging, and the views were of fresh green hillsides after the wet weather we had recently experienced. It was interesting this time to see the lower lakes quite empty, however the top reservoir was very full and obviously about to be used to fill the others, so we did not risk using the access track a few hundred metres from the dam to get onto the river bed for our coffee break. The next road we visited was, as I expected from…

4WD Sport A total of 60 cars – one of the strongest fields in the 2023 JG Civil New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship – has dramatically reset the points table after a crash-and-bash day of racing at the Tect Park near Tauranga. Going into the final over Labour Weekend at Kurow, all classes are now led by North Island competitors. Experienced racer Daynom Templeman took enough wins to go to the final with the maximum 92 points in class one for unlimited race cars. He is North Island class one champion. Also heading for the finals with top points in class three for cars with engines up to 1.6 litre was multiple class champion Brendon Old. He was second in class on the day behind Jason Midgely. Connor Nicklin followed…

NEWS Ford New Zealand has confirmed the launch of a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger ute. Like Toyota's recent Hilux announcement, the company has opted for the PHEV over a jump directly to full battery electric. Simon Rutherford, Ford New Zealand's managing director, says as New Zealanders make the shift towards electrified vehicles, the Ranger PHEV will play a crucial role in Ford's global mission to decrease transportation emissions. “It's designed to cater to our diverse customer base in New Zealand, and we believe it will appeal to retail, business, rural, and urban customers alike.” By 2025, Ford plans to offer electrified models of all its range except the Everest. Given that the Everest is based on the Ranger, a PHEV version can't be far away. Deliveries of the…

Toyota has got serious about its big pick-up: a Tundra hybrid is being massevaluated and may join the four-cylinder Land Cruiser 70 Series. While the reduction of carbon emissions may not be the first thing people think of when they see Toyota's big Tundra or Land Cruiser 70 Series utilities, the move to hybrid and four-cylinder power respectively represent an important step in Toyota's approach to electrification and CO2 emission reductions. In a Toyota first, 300 examples of the Tundra will be converted to right-hand drive locally by Toyota partner Walkinshaw Automotive Group and leased to selected potential customers for a real-world evaluation and validation programmme. The company says it is continuing to develop hybrid-electric vehicles, and the big news around that right now is Tundra. The 300 prototype vehicles…

Christchurch's GLI Caravans is a family business that started 26 years ago, originally selling and renting motorhomes. As the company grew, its focus shifted to encompass lift-top campers, camper trailers and caravans. The team is knowledgeable and experienced and works with customers to find the perfect caravan or camper trailer to suit their needs. In addition to a wide range of caravans and camper trailers, the company also offers in-house mechanical expertise to ensure its products are always in top condition. It is committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that each and every customer has a positive and satisfying experience when purchasing from us. Having come through the Covid pandemic into a boom time for off-road and off-grid caravans and campers, GLI has pivoted to focus on providing…

These days, more and more 4WD owners are looking to do more with their vehicles. At work and at the weekend, we are out there lugging tools and toys with our 4WDs. There's also the booming trade in off-road caravans and campers to consider. We can take our accommodation into ever more remote base camps. The Covid recovery created this new interest in New Zealand's remote and beautiful places. As a result, 4WDers are more aware of the need to carry loads safely and securely. For example, using cargo nets over loads in wellsides, tie-downs across the net to retain the load in emergency situations, carrying gear in robust tubs that keep the goods safe and out of the weather. Special suspension upgrades work to manage loads and include airbag…

KYB is the first choice for many 4WD owners, being the world's largest Original Equipment manufacturer of shock absorbers and a supplier not only to Japanese vehicle brands but also to American, Chinese, European and Korean manufacturers. The company's K-Flex off road coil springs are designed to suit 4WDers on and off the road. All springs are manufactured using premium grade steel and heat treated in controlled induction furnaces then shot peened for maximum durability. They are then powder coated. The springs will cope with body lifts of up to 50mm and are available for a wide range of 4WDs. KYB's Tena Force line of OEM replacement struts and shock absorber has been designed with today's hard-working, hard-driving tradie very much in mind. Designed and tested to withstand the heavy…

WINCHING AND RECOVERY GEAR Ironman 4×4 has totally redesigned and upgraded its range of Monster winches, including stronger motors, heavy duty casings, synthetic ropes, competition style solenoids and are the only winch on the market with a motor breather. With two in the range, a 9500lb and a 12000lb, and with the option of steel or synthetic cable there is a winch to suit all needs. Motor breather The greatest new feature of the range of winches is the fully sealed motor with a breather that allows the motor to equalise changes in temperature and pressure by means of a remote breather hose which can be placed high in the vehicle away from water. The Ironman Monster winch is the only winch on the market with this feature. Issues tend…

I first joined the New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association back in 1985 through the Manukau 4WD Club. The club was very active in those days – a group of similar aged folk and a great social circle. In 1988 a national NZFWDA Jamboree was organised by the Otago Land-Rover Owners Club based in Bannockburn near Cromwell. My brother and his wife joined the Manukau club (briefly) to enable participation and the Jamboree was attended by a vast number from all over the country. This was where my love of ‘Central’ was born and to this day I relish the opportunity to hit those old Gold trails. The NZFWDA have a monthly newsletter sent to all members and back in January 2023 ‘Notice’ was served for the Annual General Meeting…

The Aussie-built Ford Performance Ranger Raptor race truck has taken a production class victory at the Finke Desert Race in Australia. The Raptor also won its class at the 2022 Baja 1000. It set a production class record and finished the race from Alice Springs to Finke and back in 5 hours, 56 minutes and 30 seconds. The Finke Desert Race is Australia's toughest off-road race, and the area was used by Ford Performance and Ford Australia engineering teams as they developed the Ranger Raptor. Ford worked with Lovells, Huseman Engineering and Walkinshaw Performance to contest the race. Vehicle servicing, event management and logistical support for the event were provided to Ford Performance by Walkinshaw Performance, sister organisation of leading Ford Supercars team Walkinshaw Andretti United. Covering a total distance…

The first ever 1000km race in the South Island. Full credit to Barry Phillips and Otago for making that happen. That's historic. A massive task, countless weekends spent prepping an enduro course that took in Slim Slee's farm and some of his neighbour's place. Pretty clever too, clustering the race in the same weekend as the national final. A perfect response to those who said it couldn't be done. It's apparent a good number of the entries were specifically attracted by the ‘bang for buck’ and sheer challenge of a 1000km race. Big endurance races are few and far between these days. Forests are great places to race, but owners are naturally a bit nervous about having motorsport in their multi-million dollar assets and apply strict conditions to events. In…

When it comes to accessorising your vehicle, high on the list for most people after tyres, lights and bull bar is a raised air intake – more commonly called a snorkel. There are a few reasons why a snorkel is fitted, the most common is for wading or river crossing, but the original reason behind their design was to get cleaner air from higher up, especially in dusty conditions. Another reason is that the ‘ram’ air effect gives better performance and improves fuel economy; a niggling debate around many a camp fire over the years. I don't think the ram air intake of a snorkel improves performance although the loud rush of air going in under acceleration does make you feel as though it does. Without getting overly technical, generally…

NEWS The 2024 Jeep Gladiator ute has been unveiled, with revised styling, some new tech and more standard safety features. The refresh aligns with a Wrangler facelift earlier this year that gave the midsize 4WD a new front fascia and an updated dashboard design. The freshened Gladiator has a more refined version of Jeep's iconic sevenslot grille, which Jeep says will improve engine cooling. The ute also gets a windshieldintegrated antenna, seven new wheel options, and a new soft-top that now comes standard in the entry-level Sport variant. As the whole world leans into alternative drive systems, the Gladiator retains its 3.6L V6 petrol engine with 209kW at 6,400 rpm and 347Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. Future versions could come with a plug-in hybrid option, but when exactly is…

NEWS This is not the first place anyone would go looking for a museum dedicated to Toyota's mighty Land Cruisers, and yet there it is. The mission of the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum is to preserve and celebrate the history of the Toyota Land Cruiser and to inspire adventure. The goal of the museum is to acquire and display one of every model of Land Cruiser ever produced, which is well over 100 models. Private collectors and Land Cruiser enthusiasts have loaned the museum vehicles, vintage owner's manuals, more than 1000 scale models, tool kits, marketing materials, memorabilia, and artwork, all of which are on display. The Land Cruiser Heritage Museum is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, just six minutes from the Salt Lake International airport. Stars of the…

FORD RANGER HISTORY NZ4WD has delved into the history of Ford's mid-size ute before, but it bears updating. Debuting as a compact pickup in North America in 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Ranger was later introduced in some South American countries. From 1998 to 2011, the Ranger nameplate was used for models developed by Mazda for sale outside the North American market. In 2011, Ford introduced the first Ranger based on the T6 platform. It was the first Ranger developed in-house by Ford Australia. In that same year, the North Americanmarket Ranger was discontinued, leaving the T6 Aussie Ranger as the sole Ranger model worldwide. In 2019 the Ranger was reintroduced in North America using the globally-marketed T6 model. It is manufactured at the Michigan Assembly Plant. The…

It's a classic Kiwi start-up story with a couple of modern twists. Andy Porter had been working in design for automotive accessory companies. Then when Covid struck and lockdown was imposed, he used the downtime to design and make a deck lid for his own ute. That meant his ute-owning mates were soon pestering him to make lids for their 4WDs, and the Rad brand grew from there. One of the first successes was a guy selling Ford Rangers who bought five. “That was the point that the business really started to make sense, and we have been growing and growing ever since,” said Andy. Now, Rad makes lids for the full market range, focusing on keeping stock of lids for the market ‘rock stars’, the top five ute brands.…

LOAD CARRYING Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the legal maximum weight of the vehicle. A rating set by the original manufacturer, it includes the wheels, as well as everything sitting atop –from the vehicle itself, added accessories, fuel, people, water, food, and the dog. Built into the GVM is also the imparted Tow Ball Mass when towing, and a Rated Axle Capacity, a limit set for how much weight should be distributed to each axle. Because of their work and recreational uses, 4WDs are often pushed to their GVM and axle loading limit when towing or loaded with essential off-road gear. Terrain Tamer released GVM Upgrade Kits for popular 4WDs through 2021 and 2022. The company has now expanded the range to include a fortified parabolic spring version of the…

Kingone Winch has the range of winches to suit any 4WD or commercial machine. Over the years the company has supplied winches to suit customers’ 4WDs from the smallest ATV through Suzukis and double cab utes all the way to the mighty Unimog. The range starts with the ATV3000 and 4000lb units available in 12 and 24 volts, standard with wireless remote and synthetic rope. Great for farm machinery and even boat trailers. One model that has been running hot over the past 12 months is the KDS8000lb winch, designed to fit perfectly on the new Suzuki Jimny, a true cult small 4WD. Whatever winch bar is used it seems to fit easily, plus it packs great features like synthetic rope and wireless remote as standard. With low current draw…

Adventure NZ After having written my previous article about driving up the Harper and Avoca Valleys, I remembered another really awesome trip, close to Christchurch, that takes us completely into the wilderness. I must admit that I felt a little bit bad about telling how I didn't like living in Christchurch, despite having grown up here in the 1970s. A while ago, my great friend, Elliot Neville, proposed driving up to Manuka Hut. A quick aside, Elliot has a start-up company ( www.falconoverland.co.nz) and is working on a system called the “PowerHub”, which will allow people to easily install dual battery systems into either 4WDs, campers or boats. This should be released within the next couple of months. Elliot knows my total lack of ability in all things electrical and…

I once saw the awesome sight of a classic Jaguar, stationary in the middle of an intersection, with a boat on its roof. Boat was not on a roof rack! It was your average power boat that had been on its trailer aft the Jag. The Jag's roof had a V-shaped crease that matched the ship's keel. Seemed the car had stopped suddenly. Boat trailers have rollers to assist with launch and recovery and a post at the drawbar supporting a snug vee saddle to accept the boat's bow. Usually there is a winch to haul in the boat and it's left tensioned to keep the bow in position during road travel. There may be tie-down straps at the stern. Presumably this boat was not attached in any way so…