4x4 Archives

New Land Rover Defender’s Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle system provides ‘future-proofing’

Throughout its 67-year life, the original Land Rover Defender was offered only with petrol or diesel engines. That’s not unusual since it was developed from a product of the late 1940s, long before the era of zero emissions and greater consciousness to preserve the environment. Its powertrains were robust, as required by customers, and had been improved to deliver better performance and meet progressively stricter emission control regulations.

However, when it came to developing the successor, the world had become a very different place. From the 1970s onwards, air pollution – blamed largely on exhaust emissions from motor vehicles – persuaded governments to introduce regulations forcing carmakers to reduce emissions. These regulations, especially in the more developed countries, kept getting tougher and tougher. And with rising fuel prices, there was also a need to reduce fuel consumption even if there was indifference to concerns about fossil fuel supplies diminishing and running out at some point in the future.

Electrification the way to go
For Land Rover, as for other carmakers, it was clear that there were limitations to engineering the internal combustion engine to meet toughest regulations. The better solution was to use electrification, an approach that had become increasingly viable since Toyota and Honda introduced hybrid powertrains in the late 1990s. Pure electric powertrains remain expensive due to the high technology costs but hybrids are now into the mainstream and almost every carmaker has adopted the technology.

So for the new Defender, it was clear that while less developed markets would still require conventional engines, the future dictated that there must be a hybrid powertrain under the bonnet. This led to the development of Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology that is available from launch while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range next year. This will offer silent zero-emissions driving in EV-mode, giving Land Rover owners an entirely new experience off-road.

MHEV with 48V system
A key feature of the Defender’s MHEV is its 48-volt battery pack consisting of 14 x 8Ah lithium-ion pouch cells that can store up to 200Wh of electricity. The MHEV system is not new to Land Rover, having first been used in the Evoque and has been further refined. Separate from the normal vehicle battery, it generates up to 142.5 Nm of torque which enhances acceleration.

A DC/DC converter installed at the back provides energy to the battery pack as well as the vehicle’s conventional battery. There’s also a Belt-Integrated Starter Generator which ‘harvests’ electrical energy while driving. Whenever the driver lifts off on the throttle pedal, electricity is regenerated to the battery pack where it can be utilized.

2019 Land Rover Defender — *The new Defender’s platform has been engineered for conventional petrol and diesel powertrains as well as hybrid powertrains.*

The in-line 6-cylinder 3-litre Ingenium petrol engine features both a conventional twin-scroll turbocharger and an advanced 7 kW electric supercharger. In combination with the other advanced technologies, total output is 400 ps/550 Nm with a claimed 0 – 100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 10.4 kms/litre.

Software updating – without going to the service centre
The extensive array of electronic systems in the new Defender mean that ‘future-proofing’ is necessary and software updates can be sent over the air periodically. Up to 14 onboard electronic control modules, more than any previous Jaguar Land Rover vehicle, can receive updates, without the need to visit a Land Rover service centre. In this way, the Defender will get better with age. Customers in remote locations can still get the updates – all that’s required is a data connection via a satellite-phone.

Although electronic systems installed in motor vehicles these days are ‘hardened’ and able to withstand the harsh conditions during daily use, they have to endure even more severe and extreme conditions in a vehicle like the Defender. Given that many owners will go off-road and over the roughest terrain on the planet, Land Rover engineers had to conduct rigorous testing all over the world and in the most extreme conditions. Serious attention was given to electrical connections and the effects of impacts on components like the battery pack. Even in the 21^st century, the original 4×4 reborn has to maintain as well set new standards for toughness and capability.

Click here to read more about the New Land Rover Defender

2020 Nissan Patrol gets advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies

Long before ‘SUV’ became a segment in the auto industry, Japanese carmakers were already producing such vehicles, except they were usually referred to as dual-purpose vehicles or 4×4 vehicles. Such vehicles originated in the 1950s and were developed on the heavy-duty ladder-frame platforms used for commercial vehicles so they were robust and could carry heavy loads.

1950s Nissan Patrol — *First generation of the Patrol in the 1950s.*

Over the years, these vehicles evolved as market needs changed and one of the models which has remained in constant production all these years has been the Nissan Patrol. Some 1.9 million units have been sold around the world since the model debuted in 1951. Known for its durability, reliability and all-terrain performance, the Patrol remains the flagship of Nissan’s 4×4 line-up.

Advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies
Recently, the model (currently in its sixth generation) was updated with enhancements that offer customers higher levels of sophistication, comfort, safety and connectivity. In particular, as with other new Nissan models, the Patrol gets the latest advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies.

This extensive suite of advanced safety and security technologies is complemented by Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and an Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system.

Strongest V6 and V8 engines in the segment
At the same time, the new Patrol retains its class-leading power with customers having a choice of the strongest V6 and V8 engines in the segment. The base 4-litre V6 produces 275 bhp/394 Nm while the 5.6-litre V8 produces 400 bhp/560 Nm.

An All-Mode 4X4 system lets the driver switch modes to handle different highway and off-road conditions. It also has a Hydraulic Body Motion Control with improved suspension and vibration reduction. Two hydraulic systems connected by cross-link hydraulic pipes to the 4-wheel independent suspension’s hydraulic cylinders absorb road bumps and help reduce body lean when cornering. This helps minimize fluctuation of view of those on board and provides a more comfortable ride. Unlike other similar systems, this does not need a power source, so there is no effect on fuel economy.

More connectivity
Inside, a new centre console incorporates dual displays featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the occupants to make the most of their smartphones. New diamond-stitch quilted leather seats with added padding provide a luxurious feel, as does the new hand-stitched steering wheel. Climate control and powered lumbar support are optionally available for the front seats. Significant reductions in noise and vibration result in a quieter, more pleasant cabin. Improved cooling and air flow distribution systems lead to quicker cooling, ideal in hot climates.

“The Patrol is one of our longest-standing and most cherished models, with a long and proud heritage,” said Joni Paiva, Regional Vice-President of the Africa, Middle East and India region at Nissan. “The new Nissan Patrol represents the peak of luxury and ultimate capability and will continue to provide authentic experiences to its loyal customers in the Middle East and around the world.”

Given the large engine sizes it comes with, the Patrol is offered in markets where fuel prices are not a big issue for motorists. For this reason, Nissan has introduced the Patrol in the Middle East first and then other markets and this will be the case for the latest Patrol.

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Sales of Toyota Land Cruiser cross 10 million mark

While the Jeep and Land Rover usually come to mind when thinking of 4×4 vehicles, Toyota’s Land Cruiser also has a place in the history of such vehicles. And according to the latest data released by Toyota, cumulative sales of the Land Cruiser – the company’s longest-selling model – passed the 10 million mark at the end of August 2019.

The Land Cruiser went on sale in August 1951 and initially, it was called the Toyota ‘Jeep BJ’, the ‘Land Cruiser’ name coming into use in 1954. It would remain in production in the following decades, providing durable and reliable transport on all kinds of terrain around the world.

1951 Toyota 'Jeep BJ' — *The first Land Cruiser*

Land Cruiser introduced Toyota brand
In many markets, the Land Cruiser was the first Toyota model to be sold and the company was not shy starting with small numbers. In fact, in the early years, fewer than 100 units were exported annually. However, by 1965, 10 years after full-scale exports commenced, that figure rose to 10,000 units each year as more and more customers discovered the toughness of the Land Cruiser.

At present, the Land Cruiser is sold in approximately 170 countries and regions worldwide, with annual global sales standing at approximately 400,000 units. The majority of vehicles are produced in Japan, with local assembly also done in Kenya and Portugal.

The Land Cruiser contributed significantly to increased trust in the Toyota brand around the world and created a foothold for the company to expand its exports. Although Toyota wanted to sell passenger cars in the USA in the late 1950s, it found that the Land Cruiser was a more appealing product to American customers and focussed on marketing the 4×4 vehicle.

Lexus LX — *Lexus has also adapted the Land Cruiser to be a luxury model in its range for customers who want a more capable off-road vehicle than the RX.*

First Toyota model sold in Malaysia
The Land Cruiser was also the first Toyota model to be sold in Malaysia (although East Malaysians will argue that there was no ‘Malaysia’ then). In 1956, North Borneo (Sabah) Trading had obtained distribution rights for Toyota vehicles and imported a batch of Land Cruisers to sell. The first customer was in Tanjung Aru, Sabah, who is believed to have paid RM8,600 for a unit with a 3.9-litre engine.

Toyota Land Cruiser 1956 — *In 1956, the first Toyota model sold in Malaysia was a Land Cruiser 20 Series like the one shown above.*

2018 Toyota Fortuner — *Local assembly of Land Cruisers ceased in the early 2000s as demand for large SUVs declined. However, Toyota’s IMV project replaced the model in the segment with a new one called the Fortuner.*

Some 20 years later, the Land Cruiser would be assembled at Sarawak Motor Industries in Kuching and shipped to Peninsular Malaysia as well. The Land Cruiser, together with the Hilux, strengthened Toyota’s image in East Malaysia as they proved to be very reliable vehicles. In the mid-1980s, after UMW Toyota Motor took over Toyota distribution, assembly of the Land Cruiser was moved to its own plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. Local assembly of the model would continue into the early 2000s and then cease as demand for large 4×4 vehicles began to decline.

Like other Toyota models, the Land Cruiser has also gone through generational changes since 1951. Each generation has been referred to as a ‘series’ and the current one is the 200 Series which is the eighth series. Interestingly, while most markets would sell the latest series, there are regions where the 40 Series vehicles continue to be used – some 50 years after they were manufactured.

Toyota Land Cruiser 40 — *Land Cruisers last a long time and this 40 Series unit is still in use 50 years after it was manufactured.*

Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series — *Current generation of the Land Cruiser*

The Land Cruiser continues to be a popular vehicle for off-road transportation. While the older models have a following among enthusiasts, the modern ones are favourites of armed forces and various organisations involved in humanitarian assistance.

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Original launch Land Rover from 1948 restored to running condition

After playing a starring role in Land Rover’s 70th anniversary celebrations last year, the ‘missing’ original launch Land Rover demonstration vehicle from the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show has returned to the road for the first time since the 1960s, following a year-long restoration.

Rebuilt by a team of experts at Land Rover Classic at its Classic Works facility in England, which is dedicated to preserving Land Rovers out of production for 10 years or more, it was renovated using a mixture of traditional skills, original drawings and 21st century technology.

Found in a garden after decades
The historically important pre-production vehicle, which had vanished for decades but was found in 2016 in a garden near the Solihull factory where it was built, has been kept as authentic as possible and returned to its correct 1948 specification – including left-hand drive configuration, prototype braking system and all-wheel drive controls.

This approach required the team to strip the vehicle down to its bare chassis and begin a painstaking process of testing and checking which components could be reused and rebuilt following decades of decay and rust.

“It was important to strike the right balance when restoring the launch Land Rover. While there was a need to replace some parts, we were keen to keep as much of the original vehicle as possible in order to retain the unique characteristics of this 70-year old model. The team has done an incredible job and the end result is a testament to the unique expertise and tireless passion of the experts at our Classic Works facility,” said Calum McKechnie, Head of Land Rover Classic.

While the front axle required no significant repairs, the rear axle showed signs of extreme damage and fatigue. To understand the extent of the problem, the original part was X-rayed and depth-tested using state-of-the-art techniques and found to be strong enough to keep, rather than be replaced. During this process, the technicians even uncovered the original axle number, which was thought to be lost.

Original 4WD system
The original through-dash selectable 4WD system controls, known by enthusiasts as the ‘Organ Stops’ due to their similarity with the controls found on church organs, were also reinstated. The trio of pull-push knobs on the dash panel operate the 2 and 4-wheel drive transmission and High and Low range gear selection. This system was only fitted to some early pre-production Land Rovers, before being replaced by a simpler set-up for production. Land Rover Classic technicians used their expert knowledge to reinstate the original combination of rods, levers and linkages to replicate the design of the vehicle when it made its first appearance in 1948.

Pre-production Land Rovers were also fitted with a Lockheed braking system, while customer vehicles featured Girling brakes. Over the intervening decades, the rare set-up on the ‘missing’ Land Rover had been removed, so Land Rover Classic referenced period drawings to restore the authentic Lockheed design. This meant engineering replacement master and wheel cylinders, drums, pads and backplates before the brake pipes were carefully hand-fitted to match the routes followed on the original vehicle.

Year-long restoration of flaking paintwork
The flaking exterior paintwork doesn’t look like it has been subject to a year-long restoration but the goal was always to retain the patina of this important vehicle. Minor repairs were made to the original panels to remove tears and sharp edges. Where new panels were needed, they were recreated in original 2 mm thickness aluminium – unique to pre-production models – and painted in the original light green paint, colour matched from the underside of the original seat base, before being aged to complement the original panels.

“Bringing this historically important Land Rover back to life was a huge challenge, given its wear, tear and decay from the elements since the 1960s, but also a real pleasure. Being able to open up our archive and revisit the original Land Rover engineering programme from over 70 years ago was a great privilege for the whole team,” noted Michael Bishop, one of the engineers on the restoration team.

With the original badge missing, the team went to great lengths to ensure this was recreated exactly as it was more than 70 years ago. To do this, they digitised a photograph of another Land Rover on the stand at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show. In-house Computer-Aided Design specialists then transposed the photograph to calculate the size of the lettering and its position on the front wing to cast an accurate replacement.

Interesting discoveries…
Interesting discoveries during the work included an original sixpence coin from 1943 which had been deliberately left under the galvanised capping of the rear tub, as a hidden memento. The team also worked with the Forestry Commission to identify the wood type used for the sections at the rear of the front seats. These ash elements were then replaced like-for-like.

With a fully-rebuilt engine incorporating specially-made pre-production-specification high-compression pistons, the result is a vehicle that drives just like it did when it left the factory and retains the unique patina acquired over more than 7 decades of use and disuse.

All-new Land Rover Defender makes global debut in Frankfurt

When you have been selling a vehicle that is engineered to be as durable and reliable as possible to be driven anywhere on the planet, it’s probably unnecessary to change it frequently. Especially for many of the customers who buy it, the fundamental design and construction remains good enough for their needs. But there still comes a point in time when the original design is just ‘too old’ and the world has changed too much, so it’s time to retire. That’s probably what happened with Land Rover’s Defender, which was produced for 67 years up till 2016 (although the Defender name only came into prominence in 1990).

Over 67 years, the vehicle evolved and met changing demands while remaining true to its ‘Best4x4ByFar’ promise. Armed forces loved it and so did adventurers, wealthy farmers and celebrities. Like the Mini, it was the sort of vehicle that was acceptable at every strata of society, though in different forms.

Now, 3 years after the last Defender was given its farewell at the Solihull factory, where the vehicles have always been built, Land Rover has revealed an all-new successor at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new 4×4 made its first appearance by descending an extreme 42-degree incline at the show – a feat broadcasted live to a global audience of eager fans.

The unstoppable New Defender is the most capable and durable Land Rover vehicle ever made, it is claimed, and its debut in Frankfurt marked the end of its first adventure, to the Valley of the Castles in the Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan – one of the most land-locked places on earth.

An icon reimagined
A distinctive silhouette makes the new Defender instantly recognizable, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles. Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer at Land Rover and ‘Guardian of Land Rover DNA’ said: “The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it. This is a new Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”

“The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it. This is a new Defender for a new age.”

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover

The range will have 5 variants – Defender, S, SE, HSE, First Edition and top-of-the-range Defender X. Depending on market, customers will be able to personalize their vehicle in more ways than any previous Land Rover vehicle, with 4 Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban packs each give the Defender a distinct character to help owners to make the most of their world. Exclusive First Edition models featuring unique specification will be available throughout the first year of production.

The New Defender completes the Land Rover dynasty and will be available in 90 and 110 bodystyles, with up to 6 seats in the 90 and the option of 5, 6 or 5+2 seating in the 110.

Switch to monocoque construction
Departing from past construction, Land Rover’s new purpose-engineered D7x (for extreme) architecture is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction to create the stiffest body structure the brand has ever produced. Three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs, it has been engineered to withstand Land Rover’s Extreme Event Test procedures and provides the perfect foundations for the fully independent air or coil-sprung suspension while supporting the latest electrified powertrains.

Although hybrids will grow in importance, Land Rover will continue to offer a choice of advanced petrol and cleaner diesel engines in markets where conventional internal combustion engines continue to be needed. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range next year providing the prospect of EV-only progress.

Permanent 4×4 will still be standard, of course, with a twin-speed automatic gearbox. The Defender is also the first Land Rover to feature Configurable Terrain Response, which allows drivers to fine-tune a range of settings to suit the conditions more precisely than ever before. A new Wade program optimizes the vehicle for fording – giving customers even more confidence when tackling flooded roads and tracks with a world-class maximum wading depth of up to 900 mm.

21^st century technologies
Inside, the highly functional cabin design is marked out by exposed structural elements and 21st century technologies, including the state-of-the-art new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The next-generation touchscreen is more intuitive and user-friendly, requiring fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks, while its always-on design guarantees almost instant responses. In addition, Software-Over-The-Air technology, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates, ensures Defender customers always benefit from the latest software, wherever they are in the world.

“We’ve embraced the Defender’s stunning capability and minimalistic, functional interior to reinvent the icon for the 21st century. The New Defender gives us the licence to do things differently, to push the boundaries and do the unthinkable, without ever losing the character and authenticity of the original. From the start, we had an absolute obsession with functionality beneath the skin, from choosing the right materials through to state of the art connectivity. The result is not only the most capable Land Rover ever made, but also a truly comfortable, modern vehicle that people will love to drive,” said Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover.

Depending on specifications, the New Defender will have prices starting from around £40,000 (about RM206,000) when sales start in the fourth quarter of this year. While Land Rovers were once assembled in Malaysia, sufficient numbers are needed to justify the investment for local assembly and it is unlikely that the numbers will be right. So, as with the rest of the Land Rover range, the vehicles will have to be imported from the UK in CBU form, which means higher duties imposed.

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The Last Overland expedition for the first Land Rover driven from London to Singapore (w/VIDEO)

The world was a very different place in the 1950s. World War II had ended the decade before and though there were conflicts here and there, most countries were moving forward and developing themselves. Links between countries had existed for a long time, some for thousands of years as trails between major trading posts and over time, they became roads in a permanent sense.

However, the roads were not as we know them today and though there existed a network across continents, they did not offer safe passage for ordinary motorized vehicles. Eastwards from Europe, the terrain was still in much of its natural state, and only large commercial vehicles could travel over it.

The experts said the journey couldn’t be done
But the spirit of adventure was drawing many adventurous people to see how far they could drive their vehicles. Six students at the Oxford and Cambridge universities were inspired by the 1954 Oxford and Cambridge Trans-Africa expedition in which two Land Rovers bearing the names of the famous universities had travelled to the continent. But instead of southwards, they wanted to drive east to the tip of Southeast Asia, Singapore.

The ‘experts’ told them that they were ‘geographically ignorant and politically naive; the journey couldn’t be done’. Even David Attenborough, just beginning his lifelong career producing documentaries about the planet, called it a ‘madcap adventure’. Nevertheless, the BBC produced three films which preserve that adventure for all time.

The First Overland
Officially called ‘The Oxford & Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition’ – but referred to as ‘The First Overland’ – the vehicles used were the 1955 Series 1 Land Rover. They were also named ‘Oxford’ and ‘Cambridge’. The route was a logical one from Europe, cutting through the dusty deserts of Iran and then along northern India (with a detour to Karachi). This route would follow the Himalayan range and connected to what was then known as Burma (Myanmar today). The entry into Burma would have been an entirely different experience with the dense jungles and high humidity.

Malayan roads the best
From Burma, they headed southwards along the Isthmus of Kra to the border of the Federation of Malaya. It was a year before Merdeka and Malaya was still a British Colony. Driving ‘Oxford’, one of the original team members, Tim Slessor, recalled that he was delighted when he crossed the border to find – for the first time since leaving the German autobahns – he was on good smooth roads. In fact, while his countrymen would have been responsible for making the good roads all the way to the south, the initial part of it near the Thai border was constructed on the orders of the Sultan of Kedah as far back as 1880. By the time The First Overland Team arrived, the full length of the road from the border to Singapore had already been in existence from 7 years.

Upon reaching the finishing point at the Champion Motors showroom in Singapore’s Orchard Road in 1956, the expedition made headlines around the world by being the first drive from London to Singapore. It took them some 6 months to complete the journey – and remember that they had no GPS and no satellite or mobilephones and certainly no Google Earth.

‘Cambridge’ had been severely damaged towards the end and written off but ‘Oxford’ was returned to Land Rover after the adventure was over. Though it was a historically significant vehicle, Land Rover did not see fit to retain it and it was loaned for further expeditions. After being driven 16,000 kms across the world, it was still as durable as ever and could still go anywhere.

Abandoned on an island
Eventually, it ended up on a small island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean after an expedition. Abandoned, most of ‘Oxford’ was dismantled and left to rust. Then one day in 2017, one Adam Bennett came across it. He recognized the vehicle right away as he had followed The First Overland closely when he was younger. He knew he just had to bring it home and so ‘Oxford’ was brought back and refurbished.

After all the restoration work was done, the vehicle was sent for its MOT vehicle inspection (mandatory for all vehicles that are driven on public roads in the UK). It passed at the first attempt and the authority allowed its original SNX891 numberplate to be reinstated.

Running as well as when new, Adam could have kept it but last year, he decided to gift ‘Oxford’ to Tim Slessor, now 87, who had been thinking of ‘one last adventure’ driving ‘Oxford’ from Singapore to London. Award-winning filmmaker, Alex Bescoby, had also been thinking of doing a documentary on The First Overland but when he learnt that Slessor was planning to drive ‘Oxford’ back from Singapore, the project became much bigger and more exciting.

The Last Overland
This time, they would make the journey in reverse, from Singapore to London, calling it ‘The Last Overland’. As before, they will travel across 3 continents but the route would be different, not just to explore a different way but also because conditions in the Middle East, specifically Syria, make it dangerous for them to be driving there. As it is, where the original expedition team may have had a weapon or two for protection, this expedition will have protection provided by personnel (probably ex-military) from AKE International. And, of course, there are more support vehicles and crews too.

It’s one of the things different from 1956 – the world is a more dangerous place. Where, 64 years ago, curiosity may have been common, there are groups which may see an opportunity to kidnap the convoy members and make money, or make a political statement. And depending on how concerned Queen Elizabeth and Boris Johnson are of British subjects being kidnapped, there may or may not be a rescue operation. But any group that does such a thing is likely to get only condemnation from the world community.

The other change would be that communications are lightyears ahead of the 1950s. There are private and military satellites which can survey even the most inaccessible terrain and if it becomes necessary to get someone out due to a medical emergency, an airlift could be arranged. It would be almost impossible to be ‘lost’ unless something so catastrophic occurred that all communications equipment was destroyed. Of course, having said that, the location of MH370 still remains unknown…

Reporting via Instagram
The entire journey will be reported via the official website and Instagram has been chosen for updates. That’s very different from The First Overland when reports of the expedition’s progress may have taken a month or two to reach London – if a post office could be found along the way. Now videos can be uploaded and at almost anytime, team members can even contact their loved ones from wherever they are.

The aim is to arrive in London, at the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), within approximately 100 days of setting out from Singapore. By then, after leaving the Peninsular of Malaysia, they would have continued through Myanmar, the mountains of the Himalayas, northern Turkey, as well as over twenty countries, including Nepal, China, Uzbekistan, Iran and Bulgaria. Where the first expedition travelled through France, they will head towards England through Belgium.

The Last Overland expedition began yesterday from Singapore’s F1 circuit in Marina Bay. The ‘Oxford’ was escorted through the streets of Singapore all the way to the country’s border with Malaysia by a parade of other Land Rovers driven by local enthusiasts. Although Tim Slessor was to have accompanied the convoy from Singapore, he was ill on the day of departure. Nevertheless, his grandson is with the team to represent him.

In Malaysia, the team stopped to meet local media in Kuala Lumpur and then made its way to Cameron Highlands to visit the ‘Land of Land Rovers’ where Series I to III models are still being used by vegetable farmers.

Good luck to The Last Overland team and may your journey to London be as exciting as the first, and you arrive safe and sound to tell the complete story.

Toyota’s IMV models – Hilux, Fortuner and Innova – get upgrades

The Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and Innova are collectively referred to as the IMV models, referring to the ‘Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicles’ project in the early 2000s which was one of Toyota’s biggest industrial investments. The project established an optimal production and supply system for the three models almost entirely outside Japan for the first time in the company’s history.

The first generation of IMV models debuted in 2005 and since then, they have undergone constant improvement and upgrading and in 2019, the latest Toyota Hilux pick-up range gets upgraded features as well as a new variant. The Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV have also received enhancements.

Order-taking for the new models begins at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide from today (August 16, 2019).

New Hilux variant
For the Hilux range, a new Black Edition replaces the Hilux 2.8 L-Edition. This new edition has a bolder appearance with an exterior colour theme of black and dark grey. A glossy black finish is applied to the door handles, foglamp covers, wing mirrors and on its 18-inch alloy wheels, while dark grey is used for the bumper guards. Dark grey is also used for the grille with contrasting black to make it even more outstanding.

The Hilux 2.8 Black Edition sits the top of the range with a selling price of RM139,888 in Peninsular Malaysia (private registration, without insurance). Other Hilux variants available include the 2.4 Single Cab M/T, 2.4 STD M/T, 2.4 G M/T, 2.4 G A/T and 2.4 L-Edition A/T, priced between RM90,000 and RM124,888.

The new variant also gets a new infotainment system with 6.75-inch display for a clearer view and easier operation. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available as standard, seamless connectivity is possible for all compatible smartphones (with the required software is installed). This gives the driver access to favourite apps (Waze, Spotify, etc) right on the dashboard, enhancing motoring pleasure.

UMW Toyota Motor is also introducing a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which is strongly recommended. The 3-year subscription fee is free if the customer also purchases the Toyota insurance package. In addition, there is a Rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to supplement the one installed at the front. This additional DVR can provide useful evidence in the event of a rear-end collision.

Customers can also include with their purchase optional Advanced Safety & Security features such as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) on the wing mirrors and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) to detect vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out.

Upgrades for the Fortuner
The Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 VRZ now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, together with a large 9-inch display for the infotainment system. These provide seamless connectivity with most smartphones that have the required software installed. The large display makes viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

The Fortuner 2.4 variant now has 7 airbags as well for added occupant protection all round. The additional airbags cover the side windows, enhancing protection during side impacts as well as reducing the possibility of occupants being ejected from the cabin.

Customers can add a rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to complement the standard front unit with their purchase of a new Fortuner. The devices are professionally installed by UMWT’s own personnel who have been specially trained to ensure that the quality of workmanship is as high as the rest of the vehicle.

The price of Fortuner 2.7 SRZ A/T and 2.4 VRZ A/T has not changed. However, the 2.4 A/T is now priced at RM171,500 (Peninsular Malaysia, without insurance).

Innova upgrades
Like the Fortuner, the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G variants now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard along with the new and larger 9-inch display for its infotainment system. This will make viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

The Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) are available as an option to owners. These two active safety systems can help to reduce collisions with other vehicles which may not be visible to the driver in certain circumstances.

Customers can also include optional Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) at both the front and rear of the cabin (pictured below) . By ordering them prior to purchase, installation can be done at UMWT’s own Accessories Centre. Furthermore, the cost of the accessories can be included in the total financing package.

There are 3 variants of the latest Innova to choose from, all powered by an efficient and proven 2.0-litre petrol engine. The variants are the Innova 2.0X A/T, Innova 2.0G A/T and Innova 2.0 E A/T. There are no price changes for the MPV.

More information on the latest models can be found at toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

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Red Cross Experts Push New Land Rover Defender Prototype To The Limits In Desert Testing

The all-new Land Rover Defender will have its world premiere later this year. In the past, when Land Rover was developing its new models, it would do most of the real-world testing on its own, using its own experienced personnel. Perhaps that was partly to keep details of the new model under wraps till launch.

These days, however, the carmaker must find it also useful to let outside parties check out prototypes. This is especially so if the outside parties operate in extreme conditions and have specific requirements for the transport vehicles.

One such organisation is the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which was visited by the team carrying out the latest stage of its global testing programme of the new Defender.

IFRC fleet experts put new Defender to the test
A prototype vehicle visited the IFRC global fleet base in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Land Rover engineers demonstrated the vehicle’s breadth of capability to their IFRC counterparts both on and off road. Then the IFRC fleet experts took to the wheel to test the vehicle for themselves on the region’s desert sand dunes and the twisty tarmac of Jebel Jais highway in temperatures over 40 degrees C. The Defender also climbed the tallest mounting in the UAE and reached an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres.

The dunes around Dubai were the perfect place to confirm that this is the most capable Land Rover ever made. It sits on tyres with an overall diameter of up to 815 mm, resulting in a very large contact patch. Coupled with a bespoke traction control system, which monitors and adjusts for a large variety of terrain, this makes the new Defender highly capable on sand and incredibly smooth on road as well.

Global partnership since 1954
The test in Dubai coincides with the renewal of Land Rover’s global partnership with the IFRC – a relationship that dates back 65 years, to 1954, when the first specially adapted Land Rover entered service in the region as a mobile dispensary.

This year marks the humanitarian organisation’s centenary as it celebrates ‘100 Years of Hope’. Over the next three years, Land Rover will support disaster preparedness and response initiatives in locations including India, Mexico and Australia.

“The Red Cross supports millions of people in crisis every year, working in almost every country in the world. We operate in some of the most hard-to-reach places on earth, often working in very difficult terrain, so our teams have to be able to cope with anything. That’s why we’re proud to have partnered with Land Rover since 1954, and to be putting their new Defender to the test, as together they help us reach vulnerable communities in crisis, whoever and wherever in the world they are,” said Ilir Caushaj, the IFRC’s Team Lead For Global Fleets And Logistics.

The session with the IFRC fleet experts complements the global testing programme which has seen prototypes covering more than 1.2 million kilometres in all kinds of conditions. Various activities have also been arranged to give the public a sneak preview of the vehicle, including a dynamic appearance at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

Lexus GXOR Concept is for off-roaders who want Lexus comfort and luxury

Concept vehicles are built by carmakers for various purposes; some are intended to test certain styling ideas while others are a preview of a production model that is just around the corner. Sometimes, especially if targeting owners who are enthusiasts, a concept vehicle may show what more can be done or added to make a model more visually exciting or more capable.

Capable SUV made more capable
With the Lexus GXOR concept, Lexus worked with a company called XOverland to create a one-of-a-kind LX460 SUV that has accessories which enhance its looks and performance off-road. As it is, the LX460 is a very capable SUV since it rides on the same platform as the current Toyota land Cruiser Prado.

The customized vehicle starts off with a matte metallic gray and exclusive GXOR graphics. Incidentally, ‘GXOR’ refers to ‘GX Off Road’, which is the name of a group of owners. Lexus surprised them with this special vehicle during one of their recent events.

Accessories fitted
Some of the accessories installed include Lexus F Sport Wheels fitted with General 275/70×18 X3 tyres, Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2.5 CDC with remote reservoirs and billet control arms featuring Delta Joints, CBI Custom Stealth Winch Bumper, Frame Sliders and skidplates, Warn 9.5XPS Winch, and Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards. All these items are available in the market for owners to install themselves.

On its part, Lexus will also have its own off-road package although, being a factory offering, it is more focused on comfort and reliability aspects rather than providing more off-road performance.