Monday, May 31, 2010

Land Rover

Land Rover Defender 38

Skuli's Land Rover Defender. Skuli is now the president of the 4x4 club in Iceland. More pictures of the Skuli's Defender are also in the Glacier Picture story.

EXAGGERATED

Number plate means EXAGGERATED. The body of the Defender was literally cut in halves and the width expanded for roughly some 30 cm (12").

Land Rovers

This comparisons picture gives some idea about the change.

Nissan

Nissan Patrol 38

Ever popular Patrol. It is slightly heavy for 38s and the engine is no screamer. Modifications are simple and the original hardware is durable and gives a soft ride.

Nissan Patrol 44

On 44s the Patrol is an impressive package.

Facelifted 2007 Isuzu D-MAX launched in Malaysia

Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu Malaysia has revealed the latest facelift of it’s Isuzu D-MAX double cab pick-up truck, which has a few improvements in terms of the 3.0 liter engine which now has more power and 19% more fuel efficiency than the pre-facelift version.

Read more details after the jump.

Isuzu D-MAX

For the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0LS Ddi iTEQ Super Commonrail that uses a 3.0 liter turbodiesel engine, the 4JJ1-TC 2,999cc intercooler turbo DOHC 16 valve i-TEQ Super commonrail engine. Fitted in the manual transmission model, it now makes 280Nm of torque peaking just above idle at 1,200rpm and stays steady all the way to 3,400rpm. Peak horsepower is 136 PS at 3,400rpm.

For the 4-speed automatic transmission, the engine is tuned somewhat differently, probably to match the behaviour and transmission losses of a slush box. It makes a higher amount of torque – 294Nm, but this torque peaks relatively later at 1,400rpm. But I’m sure the 280Nm at 1,200rpm is there too, so you don’t really lose anything. This 294Nm stretches up to 3,000rpm where it dips to the manual’s torque levels. This looks like some kind of overboost between 1,400rpm and 3,000rpm. Horsepower is the same as the manual version.

The 3.0 liter models’ i-TEQ Super commonrail engine is not exactly the most powerful turbodiesel available on sale in Malaysian pick-up trucks today, but Isuzu is confident it is the best as how good an engine is is not always related to how much power it produces. Many other factors such as fuel economy and reliability also come into play, especially for those who need a hardcore workhorse that never fails them. However, I can’t help but feel it would be nice if Isuzu had introduced the 4JJ1-TCX 3.0 liter engine with variable turbine geometry instead as it makes a higher 163 PS and 360Nm.

Isuzu D-MAXThe engine block uses a melt-in liner using a process called High Frequency Induction Hardening that melts the cylinder block liners into the block. This “double-padded” built-in protection keeps the cylinder walls in pristine condition for a longer time.

The pistons used are made from a high performance alloy and has thermal flow cooling channels designed into them to ensure they won’t expand under extreme heat and come in contact with the walls of the engine. The camshafts are chain and gear-driven for a maintenance-free operation and the cams themselves drive roller valve rockers for quieter and smoother operation. The engine is also 1.5 decibels quieter than the previous engine at idle, and the truck is 1.3 decibels quieter at 100km/h.

Features that the 3.0 liter model has over the 2.5 liter model is the 4X4 transmission of course, as the 2.5 is a 4X2. Other premium features in the 3.0 include a key-coded immobiliser while the 2.5 only has a normal immobiliser, a 6-speaker system instead of a 4 speaker system, an integrated 2-DIN AM/FM/MP3/WMA player instead of a 1-DIN Pioneer AM/FM MP3 player, driver and passenger SRS airbags, ABS with EBD equipped with G-sensor, an LSD differential, turn signals on the wing mirrors, and finally a projector headlamp system instead of the 2.5’s multi-reflector headlamp lense.

Isuzu D-MAX

And of course, one thing that you will notice immediately when you get into the truck is the 3.0 liter model has a self-illuminating meter panel that Isuzu calls e-LUMAX that works much like Toyota’s Optitron, while the 2.5 liter model has a traditional backlit instrument cluster. But before you actually get into the truck, this is where you’ll discover the 3.0 liter model has keyless entry, although this is something I only read on the fact sheet supplied at the launch and have not tried out myself so I’m not sure how it works.

Steering is rack and pinion, and the front suspension uses independant double wishbones with torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses semi-ellipcal leaf springs. The truck has a short front overhang – claimed the shortest in the industry – to improve departure and approach angles. For offroading, it can handle a side slip angle of 48 degrees, a 34.6 degree front approach angle and a 23.3 degree departure angle. Maximum uphill or downhill inclination is 47 degrees. Ground clearance is 225mm.

The brakes have been upgraded with larger front disc brake calipers – now sized 45.5mm instead of the previous 42.8mm, and these are twin piston calipers. The dual circuit brake servos have also been upgraded to a 9 inch size.

For both manual and automatic transmission models, shifting from 4X2 mode to 4X4 mode is simply via a button on the dashboard, and 2H to 4H can be shifted on the go at speeds under 100km/h.

Isuzu D-MAX

The pretty basic-trimmed Isuzu D-MAX 2.5LS 4X2 is only available with a manual transmission and goes for RM71,475.30 for individual private registration inclusive of road tax and insurance as well as metallic paint. The solid paint version goes for RM71,175.30. There is no automatic available for the 2.5 liter model.

The premium Isuzu D-MAX 3.0LS Ddi iTEQ Super Commonrail manual transmission goes for RM89,776.30 for individual private registration inclusive of road tax and insurance, while the auto costs more at RM96,758.30. The solid paint versions cost RM89,476.30 and RM96,458.30 respectively.

The 2007 Isuzu D-MAX facelift is available in Mercury Silver, Eclipse Blue, Gamma Gray, Starry Black Mica, and Angelic White, of which the first three colours are new options for the 2007 model.

More images after the jump.

Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu D-MAX

Infiniti Pictures

2009 Infiniti FX50

Infiniti (Japanese: インフィニティ Infinitī?) is the luxury car division of Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Infiniti officially started selling vehicles on November 8, 1989 in North America and its global operations have since grown to include the Middle East, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, China and Ukraine. Infiniti began sales in additional European markets in late 2008 [1]. Today, the Infiniti global network includes more than 230 dealers in 15 countries.

The Infiniti name is not used in Japan, so most Infiniti models are sold under the Nissan marque: G37 sedan/coupe (Nissan Skyline Coupe), M35/45 (Nissan Fuga), EX35 (Nissan Skyline Crossover) and Q45 (Nissan Cima), the latter which was discontinued as an Infiniti model after 2006. The Infiniti FX has no Nissan equivalent and is not sold in Japan.


Infiniti

A new name in automotive luxury, a new line of performance cars headed by the ground-breaking FX, and a whole new ownership experience arrive in the UK from September with the launch of Infiniti.

UK prices and specification, announced today, position the FX at the heart of the large crossover market where its dramatic styling, comprehensive standard equipment and peerless quality are ready to stand comparison with any rival. The three-model FX line-up starts at £42,600 on the road (OTR) for the FX37 GT and rises to £53,800 for the FX50S. This performance champion of the range can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds.

As well as a complete specification aimed at the enthusiast driver, the FX offers something else as well: an ownership experience to make every FX customer feel like a VIP. Infiniti can promise this partly because it is not aiming for large volumes – unusually the company is happy for its products to be a rare sight on Britain’s roads. Infiniti expects its customers to appreciate this level of exclusivity, too.

The FX is exceptional as a full-size five-seater crossover for its relatively light weight – aluminum parts make it the lightest SUV in its class – and engine technology that takes V6/V8 efficiency to new levels, benefiting both performance and economy.

Infiniti takes an intelligent view when it comes to specifying its products, standardizing the sort of features luxury buyers expect … and some they don’t, including Scratch Shield paint. A long equipment tally means less time wasted by the customer ploughing through an options list.

For example, every FX comes not only with leather upholstery but also electrically adjustable, heated AND ventilated front seats. Yet Infiniti still offers a high degree of personalisation possibilities, not least through a wide variety of colors and trim.

Exceptional equipment across the FX range include Infiniti’s new Connectiviti multimedia platform. Comprising a host of entertainment, information and convenience features in a notably user-friendly format, Connectiviti is an integral part of every Infiniti FX in the UK. The 30GB hard-disk drive satellite navigation version, Connectiviti+ (optional on the FX37 models and standard on the FX50S) comes with smart route recalculation and speed camera warnings, as well as access to 22,000 hotels, restaurants and points of interest in a world first tie-up with Michelin Guides.

The buying and running of an FX also aim to raise the bar with the inclusion of Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience. Although new to UK customers, this initiative has been part of the Infiniti offering since the brand’s inception 20 years ago. The unique Infiniti experience starts out with a visit to an Infiniti Centre. Elegant and welcoming, the Centres aim to capture the ambience of a boutique hotel rather than traditional car showroom. The emphasis is on hospitality, just as it is in the country Infiniti comes from: Japan.

The first Infiniti Centre in the UK will open this September on the outskirts of Reading, near to the M4, with other sites to follow shortly afterwards. In all, Infiniti expects to have around 12 Centres open across the UK within the next two years. With an online experience second to none and VIP service which offers annual free collection and delivery of an Infiniti up to a 150 mile radius, customers will never feel far from an Infiniti Centre.

Indeed, with an emphasis on recognising Infiniti customers as individuals, everything is done to make choosing, buying, running and owning an Infiniti FX as rewarding and stress-free as possible. But if that sounds a little dull, remember Infiniti’s minimum 320PS power output … which thanks to a sports-tuned exhaust, sounds truly glorious.

Infiniti
Infiniti Pictures
Infiniti Pictures
Infiniti design
Infiniti G35 Coupe

Isuzu rolls out new D-Max pickup

Isuzu rolls out new D-Max pickup

Isuzu hardly has a leg left to stand on in North America, but elsewhere in the world its trucks are being bought by the hundreds of thousands. The D-Max shares its underpinnings and much of its sheetmetal with the brand's i-280 and i-350 pickups, as well as our own Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. The new model gets a refreshed front end and new 3.0-liter CRD turbo-diesel. Inside Line reports that Isuzu is gearing up to build 350,000 units at its plants in Thailand where the the brand has ruled the commercial vehicle market for 23 years and the pickup segment for 10 years.

The D-Max also has a 7-passenger SUV spin-off called the MU 7, which also receives the freshened face and new diesel engine.

Isuzu VehiCross

Concept Isuzu VehiCross first appearance before the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in autumn 1993. Unintended Isuzu vanguard faces a car pastors can be explained by the fact that it has created English designer Simon Cox.

Isuzu aVehiCross
Isuzu VehiCross

Credit same Japanese company that it had listened to the enthusiastic feedback from visitors and not clamping revolutionary appearance Isuzu VehiCross, decided to run it in production virtually unchanged. The first mass-produced car and smuggle available for sale in Japan in spring 1997.

Isuzu VehiCross
Isuzu VehiCross

Isuzu VehiCross symbiotic full off-road chassis, of the International Classification of T1, and its enchanting forms of the body. Exterior so it is unusual that it is difficult to believe that the serial version and not a model of a car style future. The dynamic contours of the body front roof pillars and narrow side windows are likely to sport coupe. At bonnet complex form a black box, it does not reflect that could cause glare driver. Powerful plastic panels (painted in weight polypropylene), spanning the entire bottom of a car pastors and forming its "nose" and "feed".

Isuzu VehiCross
Isuzu VehiCross

Panels are bottom of the body, the same metal (galvanized steel) ends in five centimeters below the top of the plastic. Good decision: in the case of small injuries on the roads or parking, plastic items easily replaced without correcting the body. Panels made of a special plastic, they are not afraid of scratches and cracks; replace metal in precisely those places that suffer from damage and corrosion. More stylish bar-undisguised head bolts, which are attached to the plastic parts of the body. Front and rear bumpers are hidden under plastic metal tubes, in a collision of a strike.

Isuzu VehiCross
Isuzu VehiCross

Finally, the pinnacle of originality, spare wheel covers at the back door. First, it is catchy stylistic element, which logically and car is remembered as the back as the front. Secondly, the reserve is always clean. Thirdly, it can be removed only by opening the door, thus addressing the issue of chute. Well, the reserve is not full.

Isuzu VehiCross

Oldies 4x4 Trucks Iceland

Jeep 1954

Original Jeep from 1954. A project to be started soon. Only thing that is not Jeep are the springs that come from a Russian GAZ 69.

1974 Ford Bronco - 38

A nice 1974 Ford Bronco with 38 inch Mudders.

1974 International Scout - 38

The "Cucumber" is a 1974 International Scout. You can see some action pictures of it in the Rookie trip...

TOYERO 38

TOYERO is a Toyota undercarriage with a Mitsubishi Pajero body.

The ramp test of 4x4 Trucks

Testing how far up a steep ramp is a good measure of the articulation and suspension travel you have in a truck.

Einar's Cherokee - 36

Einar was watching over the test and did some demonstrations on how much his Cherokee is able to flex.

Grand Cherokee - 38

This Grand Cherokee on 38 inch tires is able to flex almost as much.

Explorer Sport Trac - stock

My unmodified Sport Trac is rather weak in this area. As you can see it is scraping the ramp.

It is good to have a "before" picture. After the planned modifications this will change a LOT! I am going to put a Dana 44 front and a four link air-spring suspension rear

Toyota 4x4 Trucks

Toyota Land Cruiser 80 - 44 inch tires

An older Land Cruiser on 44 inch DCs.

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 38

Extra long 1991 Hilux Double Cab with the 2.4 liter turbo diesel engine. 5.29 gear ratio and ARB air-lockers front and rear. Land Cruiser 80 suspension front and a four link rear. 6 cm (2.5 inch) body lift. Rear axle is moved 47 cm back for expanded wheel span. Tires are 38" Mudders on 15x14 steel rims.

Toyota 4Runner 44

A heavily modified 4Runner on 44" DCs with beadlocks.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

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Automotive concept

That’s what’s going on with this future car, future AMERICAN car I should say, by designer Colin Pan; long, wide, and fat. Aiming to emphasize the richness of the American automotive design legacy, the “Nebula” is bigtime. Enlarged wheels to reduce vibration and improve fuel efficiency, trunk in the front, and LCD viewscreens along the interior. Works like a starship, runs smooth like one too.

Future starships, I mean, of course. Not the bumpy shuttles we’re still tin-canned in this day in age. The Nebula has what’s very obviously a low, wide windshield. Low visibility right? To make up for the aesthetic choice on the outside, the cabin of the car is surrounded by LCD augmented-reality screens.

Technology aimed directly at making aesthetic coolness safe for use. If this becomes the trend, crazed whacko* automotive concept designers may feel feel to rejoice!

*What I mean of course is genius, brilliant!

Designer: Colin Pan

Future American Icon Car Nebula by Colin Pan 01

Future American Icon Car Nebula by Colin Pan 02

Future American Icon Car Nebula by Colin Pan 03

Future American Icon Car Nebula by Colin Pan 04

Future American Icon Car Nebula by Colin Pan 05

Future American Icon Car Nebula by Colin Pan 06

Future American Icon Car Nebula by Colin Pan 07