NZ4WD

The February ‘From the Editor’ is the hardest one to write, you will be reading this in late January, well after the last of the leftover Xmas ham and turkey has been consumed and nice tans developed from the warm sunshine. Meanwhile I am sitting and writing it at the start of December, by virtue of the complicated magazine publishing logistics. When you throw Christmas and the great Kiwi shutdown into the mix it, means we have to have the magazine completed ready to print before we stop for our turkey and presents. So, at the moment we seem to be going through the worst Kiwi spring I can remember. Rain, strong winds and thunderstorms make it hard to get that summer feeling. It is however planning time for the summer holidays;…

Custom designed and engineered to explore an efficient battery-electric propulsion system for classic Jeep models, the Jeep CJ Surge electromod concept allows Mopar designers and engineers to gain a better understanding of potential battery-electric vehicle (BEV) parts kit applications. A true Jeep 4x4, the CJ Surge concept is powered by a custom propulsion system. Under the hood, a scalable 400-volt, 200-kW Electric Drive Module mounts to the frame with custom-designed solid motor mounts. Power to all four wheels is supplied by 24 lithium-ion battery modules and torque runs through a two-speed Jeep transfer case with selectable gearing. Battery modules are enclosed in a custom shell mounted in the rear of the passenger cabin. Riding high on 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires paired with a 2-inch lift kit, the stunning Copper Canyon body stands…

GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) and Chevrolet Racing have staged a surprise preview of a sensational new homegrown concept vehicle which provides a sneakpeak at the latest addition to the brand's new model portfolio ahead of its launch early next year. “The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 will be a new model to the GMSV line-up for MY23 and will deliver next-level off-road capability direct from the factory – making it the perfect platform for this latest announcement from Chevrolet Racing,” said Tim Price, Director of Planning, Network and Motorsport, GM Australia and New Zealand (GM ANZ). “What started as a passion project 12-months ago across GM teams in Australia and New Zealand quickly transformed into the creation you see today.” The Off-Road Racer concept was built at the company's Port Melbourne workshop by an enthusiastic…

Hi. Just submitting this photo as so happy with the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300. Just pushing the new Land Cruiser into service on earthworks and construction sites in Auckland. Of course had to give it a bit of customisation with a set of AXR 20 x 9 Guardian wheels shoed with 275/5SR20 Maxxis AT811 RAXR tyres and STEDI Type X Pro Lights. New accessories and extras are difficult to match up as the 300 is so new. Also a lot more electronic bells and whistles to get used to. A bit of a departure from being just your basic workhorse. Great addition to the fleet. Please let me know if photo is not suitable. Took it on its first venture on-site. A bit gloomy but depicts Auckland this spring. Regards, Leo.…

In terms of total right-hand drive RAM trucks produced for the Australian and New Zealand markets at the end of September 2022,18,019 vehicles have been remanufactured at MMF, confirming RAM Trucks Australia's unrivalled market leadership of full-size pickup trucks in this country. To celebrate this milestone, Bob Graczyk, Head of RAM International, visited Melbourne recently to see the significantly expanded production facility which now boats three dedicated production lines running 24 hours per day. “With the expansion of our plant this growth will continue. It's incredible what the team has done at RAM Trucks Australia, Ateco Group and MMF. Outside of the US, we sell more full-size pickup trucks than Ford and GM combined, and Australia representing a market share of more than 70 percent, is a big contributor of that. RAM Trucks…

As announced in the Annual, the winner was Finley (Fin) Yates. He recently called into his local tyre store to sort out the prize. Warren Blair from Blairs Supertyre Distributors wrote to us. “Finley called into the local Kumho tyre agent in Taupo, Motor Treads Ltd. “After talking to Laurence of Motor Treads Ltd, Taupo he has sorted out a set of new Kumho tyres for his Nissan Patrol and will get them fitted once the present tyres wear out. “Finley was excited and could not believe it when NZ4WD Magazine and Blairs contacted him to say he won the photo competition and he could pick a set of Kumho tyres any size and any pattern for free as a prize in winning the competition. Finley is excited about his new Kumho tyres”.…