Military Trucks Archives

Road Test Review – 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara – By Carl Malek

When it comes to bearing the weight of the world on ones shoulders, few can match the burden carried by the legendary Jeep Wrangler. Sharing roots with the Willys Jeep that played a key role in turning the tide for the Allied Forces during World War II, the Wrangler has made a name for itself for offering buyers amazing off-road capability in a package that has still retained much of its core values over the years, while also resisting the urge to outright abandon its functional design cues. But with a new decade now upon us, the iconic Wrangler has …

Jan 26, 2020 Read more

ECD Auto Design Shows New Defender 110 Azure Custom w/ Lux Upgrades + 430HP V8

This latest custom Defender 110 from ECD Automotive Design pushes alot of my buttons. First off, it is already completely finished, is in the USA, and has a huge list of mods and design tweaks. Most exciting is the engine swap to a GM crate LS3 making more than 400 ponies and sent to the wheels via a six-speed automatic. No word on pricing for this one-off but links below for more info! ECD Auto Design Defender 110 Azure ECD Automotive Design – Project Azure Specifications Model – Custom Defender 110 Engine – 6.2L LS3 V8 with 430 hp Transmission – 6-speed automatic Exhaust – Borla Performance …

Jan 31, 2019 Read more

2018 Rezvani TANK – 500HP Designer Assassin – 15 New Pics

You’d be shocked how fast you can throw $50k at a custom Jeep. And probably shocked that you can actually spend $50k on a stock, factory Wrangler right from a dealership floor. When you add those two totals, you’re already past $100k without even a toe in the sand. Rezvani has made it easier to have the ULTIMATE off-road supercar right from the start. No fiddling with settings, stance and lifts. The Dodge 392 6.4-liter V8 upgrade alone is worth about $30k on a factory machine. Rezvani has gone far, far beyond an engine swap and customized bodywork, though. The …

Oct 13, 2017 Read more

2017 Mansory GRONOS 6×6 G-Wagen

The Mansory Gronos G-Class goes right into the “Because.. Of Course” folder. The design upgrades are fairly deep with an all-new face and fresh rear bumper as well. Much more modern than the factory G-CLass. But nothing compares with the raw curb appeal. A truck whose fenders are at eye level needs little upgrade. And of course, this 6×6 version is an even more capable forebearer to the trendy 4×4-squared. WIth an extra locking diff there is a big traction advantage in the 6×6. Its external pickup bed is also a favorite feature among its Falcon-loving owners. Here are three …

Aug 24, 2017 Read more

Own the 007 Spectre 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX!

A Defender pro-mod by Q himself! Or was this the villain car in that Alpine chase. Oh yes. Bond is actually driving a crashed plane at the time. This SVX machine will let its new owner be a Bond hero daily. 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX “Spectre”

Aug 17, 2017 Read more

2017 Toyota LAND CRUISER – HD Road Test Review + 3 Videos

Driving the incredible Land Cruiser for a week is a major dream-come-true for any car reviewer. So legendary! So rare! Practically speaking, Land Cruiser is also a test of skills to describe – and do this unique machine justice. But all the while? A huge grin on my face and a major thrill to accept this challenge. What makes Land Cruiser so special? For one, it sits proudly atop the Toyota hierarchy in terms of pricing. This is the most expensive Big T by far. Continuous production since 1951 is evidence of enduring appeal. And sure, Land Cruiser’s worldwide acclaim …

May 29, 2017 Read more

2017 Nissan ARMADA Platinum – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

In a segment long dominated by the Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, the 2017 Nissan Armada arrives to take them both head on. With a huge interior and plenty of horsepower under the hood along with a very unique style, it is bold challenger, yet does it truly measure up? Yes and it might just surprise many large SUV buyers. Fresh off a one-year hiatus, the 2017 Armada is back with new looks, improved V8 and loads of safety and security tech. It continues Nissan’s push to be more than a low-budget volume seller and instead be a major …

Mar 21, 2017 Read more

2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4 at Amelia Island Concours [45 Photos]

Ever wanted a truck that was so outrageous it might stop traffic dead on sight? Welcome to the G-Class 4×4-squared. This G550 4×4 even upstages the G65 parked right beside it. This “normal” twin-turbo V12 G-wagen looks like a child’s toy parked next to the 4×4! The G65 and this G550 are actually priced pretty similarly. The 4×4 comes in G550 and G63 variants, with this G550 coming in at about $220k. The G65 is just a few thousand more and will be MUCH quicker. But not nearly as outlandish. 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4

Mar 14, 2017 Read more

2017 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet – Ragtop V12TT G-Wagen!?

HOLY ****! You are not going to believe the latest G-Class mutant from Mercedes-Maybach. It is dubbed the G650 Landauletand incorporates the hardcore suspension and chassis mods from the 4×4-squared, a monster V12TT powerplant… and an open-roofed limo cockpit! So much to take in. Soak up the official details and 25 photos of this incredibly fun new way to spend $750 large. Love it! 2017 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet The new Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet: Strictly limited: open-air luxury both on- and off-road 13. February 2017 Stuttgart *Fuel consumption combined: 17.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 397 g/km Stuttgart. A …

Feb 12, 2017 Read more

2016 Lexus LX570 – Road Test Review + Sport Plus DRIVE VIDEO / 100 Photos

Welcome to the shockingly good 2016 Lexus LX570! This mid-cycle upgrade brings new styling all around, a fresh cabin and a healthy new dose of F Sport-infused performance. This all moves the Lexus flagship dramatically upmarket versus its Land Cruiser sibling from Toyota. And you are looking at more than just a crisp jawline, industry-best LEDs all around and ultra-lux cabin upgrade versus its much-cheaper sibling. The improvements are truly substantive, despite the two trucks sharing much of their glasshouse and door shapes. First thing to note in the LX? This bluff new face up front is gorgeous and sets …

Aug 07, 2016 Read more

1894 SILSBY Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine – RM Auctions Amelia Island 2016 Highlights

Motorized, steam fire engines were some of the highest-tech wagons on the roads between 1850 and the dawn of the motorcar 50 years later. The need for mechanized, high-volume water pumps to extinguish urban and industrial accidents was what drove such huge innovation at the time. These high-tech water wagons didn’t know at the time that their steam-engine solutions would spur internal combustion. For this machine, the steam boiler drove a turbine, which then drove a water pump. Hoses attached to the input would pull water through the system and out the main fire-fighting nozzles and ladders at high pressure and volume. …

Apr 09, 2016 Read more

Top 7 Soviet Concept Cars – GAZ Streamliners, Armored Snowmobile, JetCar and HoverCar!

GAZ is best known these days as the maker of the iconic Volga limousine, but the Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod (Gorky Car Plant) was also tasked with creating one-off prototypes and concept vehicles throughout the Cold War period. Their feasibility for mass production still remains questionable all this time later, but they are wacky and show clever ingeniuty. And a willingness to experiment! Here are six extra curious models, starting with the most recent and moving back in time from 1962 to 1950. You may note the striking evolution of GAZ vehicles in this same period. From streamlined aero prototypes at first, …

Apr 01, 2016 Read more

Review + Videos – 2016 Nissan TITAN XD 5.0L Cummins TDV8 – The CRUSHER is HD Truck of the Year!

As you may have noticed, there is usually lead time for these full reviews after the cars leave the CRD speed fleet. Time to process and refine the review content is usually really helpful, despite that seeming counterintuitive. Not in this case. Titan XD jumps the line, and is firmly top-of-mind a day after its departure. The Titan XD blew us away so thoroughly with its unique skills and capabilities that we’re tempted to name it HD Truck of the Year. Not just tempted, it’s done. This is our HD TOTY for 2016. Diving in deep yesterday for the drive videos helped crack …

Mar 31, 2016 Read more

7 New JEEP Concepts Hiding Among Easter Jeep Safari Madhouse! +30 Live Photos

There is alot of love and alot of great tradition on display for this year’s seven-pack of all-new concept vehicles for the MOAB Safari. One in bright green will be churning up much of the excitement… and that is the Trailcat! An ultra-intense race truck aimed at the glacier-climbers of Iceland… this off-roader really does pack the engine of the Hellcat. 707-horsepower through a stickshift will make quite the entrance wherever it goes! In terms of production feasibility… this dusty desert party of Jeeps also has some clear winners beyong the Trailcat. The Crew CHief 715 is the clearest production …

Mar 12, 2016 Read more

2017 Nissan ARMADA Swaps From Truck Basis To Bomb-Proof Global PATROL Models

This 2017 Nissan Armada is a go! You’re forgiven for recognizing this exact vehicle as the international Patrol model, or the US Infiniti QX80. That makes sense — they are all on the same next-gen platform that is stiffer, more refined and just as gigantic as the current truck-based Armada. The new Armada majors on active safety along with its extreme, go-anywhere capability. The drivetrain of the new Armada loses only 10 horsepower versus its very-potent QX80 sibling: 390HP. All through a seven-speed automatic with available 4WD. 2017 Nissan ARMADA ALL-NEW 2017 NISSAN ARMADA DESIGNED FOR FULL-SIZE …

Feb 11, 2016 Read more

2016 Mercedes-Benz ZETROS – Next-Gen Heavy Hauler Combines 6×6 Grip, 110-Ton Max GVWR

We love the Special Trucks section of the Mercedes Commercial Vehicle website. Just the name is a bit exciting! It speaks to their obscene engineering and armageddon-proof construction strength, as well as their purposes for buyers. Few two are exactly alike thanks to MB’s Custom Tailored Truck group — that is able to upfit the three truck bases into virtually anything. Luxury motorhome, fire-fighter, crane/loader, locomotive…. pick your purpose! Unimog, Zetros and Econic are the Special Trucks crew, and each is exceptionally special indeed. We all love the new Unimog — or any ‘mog, actually — with its sleek new …

Feb 02, 2016 Read more

2016 GMC SIERRA All Terrain X – Black Ops Hero Doubles Down on LEDs +10HP Sport Exhaust

Dreams really can come true! Especially if they are blacked-out GMC pickups! =] Just a few weeks after we dechromed a Sierra HD All Terrain in photoshop, along comes this stunning new 2016 Sierra ATX. GMC Yukon Denali – VIP Rendering GMC Sierra HD – Black pack Renderings The newest Sierra 1500 club-member is is concept-cool take on the outdoorsman pickup theme. This time, the truck is seriously specced up for black ops. New 18-inch wheels, mud rubber, custom side steps, bed box with LED-ready setup for off-road spotlights and LED main headlights. These are above and beyond …

Jan 28, 2016 Read more

Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs

This amazing one-off Bronco has a special ops / Lambo Rambo vibe in all the best ways. That’s no accident: this beaut by Chimera Customs was made to taise money for the Armed Forces FOundation. ANd did it deliver! A cool half-mill bought this desert jackal in 2013. The 2016 estimate is a snip then, at just $125k. Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs Lot T205// Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1969 Ford Bronco Built by Chimera Customs Engine 406 CI Trans 5-Speed Color Black Interior Black ESTIMATE: $100,000 – $125,000 Chimera Customs of North Palm …

Jan 20, 2016 Read more

Mecum 2016 – 1977 Ford BRONCO SPORT 5.0 Roadster in White/Blue

The truck that launched a million model toys? This Bronco Sport Roadster! Mecum 2016 – 1977 Ford BRONCO SPORT 5.0 Mecum Auctions Lot T153// Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1977 Ford Bronco Fuel Injected 5.0L, Automatic

Jan 20, 2016 Read more

1961 Dodge POWER WAGON WM300 Pickup – An American Hero: As-New, In Box

What makes this Power Wagon special? Few in person will need concrete reasons to love it: the pre-war curves to the roof, fenders and hood all speak to the design charm of extreme utility. The truck is an icon worldwide as one of the US Army’s main troop transports and 3/4-ton haulers. Back at home, few Power Wagons stood the test of time after less than half returned from foreign theaters of WWII. Sold off as army/navy surplus and widely adopted for farm and mining use, the Power Wagon legacy literally went to dusty rust with the introduction of salted roads and …

Jan 19, 2016 Read more

Best of NAIAS – 2016 Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept – Nightclub Cool + Baja-Tough Mods for Raptor-Killer

Update: We’re slightly confused now about the Titan Warrior Concept. All the below still applies… but the Warrior is so different from the production truck. Much more-so than the Raptor is than the standard F-150. So perhaps the Warrior is more of a dream-truck than a realistic Raptor hunter/killer. It is still cool as fahk regardless., though. =] The Ford F-150 Raptor is so hot that no other brand can resist trying to beat its baja chicness on showroom floors. A solid basis for a real Raptor-killer from Nissan? The 2016 TITAN XD — a full-size pickup so strong that it makes …

Jan 11, 2016 Read more

1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition Is Retro Delight; Sharp Bumps And All!

Although this Bronco Baja Edition by Stroppe looks amazing, the idea of actually taking it down through Baja California is … daunting. Sure, you might not get robbed right away. And with retrofit A/C and a body-off restoration, the truck will definitely pull its own weight. But the bumps. Dear God, the bumps. You will need an ass cushion the size of Mama Cass to be comfy in this beast at speed over rough trails! We’d follow behind in an LX570, just to make sure you get there safe. =] 1971 Ford Bronco Stroppe Baja Edition MECUM 2016 Auctions …

Jan 01, 2016 Read more

Concept Debrief – 1999 RINSPEED X-Trem M.U.V.

Flashbacks can be good…. and they can be bad. The one thing both have in common: a livid, full-color reminder of something you otherwise never think about. Livid and vivid certainly describes the Rinspeed X-Trem MUV from 1999. The firm was embracing a bit of Americana in the late 90s, and this monstrosity was the ultimate expression of the bright, loud and obnoxious USA, at least as seen from new Geneva. Less an expression of actual American wants/needs for trucks, and much more a reflection of SoCal life as seen on tv and movies. The whole machine attempts to embrace …

Dec 18, 2015 Read more

2016 G-Class Adds New Colors, Black Packs and Designo Cabin + We Rename The Colors V Offensively

After the G-Class Crazy Colors Edition, Mercedes is pulling back a bit and going more tasteful for its latest factory-customized SUV flagships. EVEN among this color-mad photochopper… the G63 Crazy Colors are OTT. We would need much deeper tints for the windows to venture out in Raspberry Beret Purple or Psychotic Break Green. And it appears buyers are suddenly shy and demure too. Those deep-thinking G-Class fans apparently want to class it up a bit for 2016. Suggested names for these new colors? Casket bronze, Arabian Racing Pyrite, Rivercorpse Blue and Dirty Diaper Brown. Just snarking… The new shades are …

Dec 04, 2015 Read more

South African RED BULL Concept Truck is Defender 130 APC

Stealthy? Not to our eyes! This futuristic armored personnel carrier is a really sleek bit of design, even if its radar signature is huge. The truck is a bit mysterious at the moment. It appeared online about a week ago in a few obscure spots, but has since been removed from at least one official Red Bull channel… RedBull.co.za in South Africa. Nada from LR or RB press people about it, nor even a name beyond “Armored Event Vehicle.” The only thing we know is the chassis underneath: a Land Rover Defender 130 donated its LWB rails to this …

Dec 02, 2015 Read more

2017 ZAROOQ SandRacer – Pricing, Tech Specs and 50 Pics of New Emirati Off-Roader

Zarooq just held its launch press conference! Very cool premier of an exceptionally promising rear-engine rally race truck — the SandRacer 300. Teased since last summer, this new project is a partnership between global racing legends, skilled engineers and marketing savvy. All built and optimized for us in Zarooq’s back yard: the massive dunes of Arabia. The latest details make us even more excited about the project: rear-drive with a 3.5-liter V6 mounted in the mid-rear, the SandRacer is priced from about $100k at launch and will be road legal in the Middle East. The Zarooq’s otherworldly design outside …

Nov 28, 2015 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2005 Fiat OLTRE

It is somewhat azmusing that the 2005 Oltre-Fiat concept truck’s name means “over” in a direct Italian to English translation. Of course, Oltre also means ‘above and beyond’ and ‘over’ and ‘onward.’ Many adventurous descriptions for a seven-ton monster of a military truck. “Over” of course now also applies to the Oltre-Fiat’s extremely gaudy, Hummer-esque lines. An obvious attempt at glamorizing the blocky IVECO running gear down below, the entire upper bodywork is bright white. Yes, it is an eyesore and hideous by 2015 standards. But in 2005 at the Bologna auto show, the Oltre-Fiat proved that high-fashion military vehicles …

Nov 26, 2015 Read more

Land Rover DEFENDER CHALLENGE Race Series Wraps Epic 2015 Season, Crowns Winner!

The Land Rover Defender might be concluding series production after more than 50 years, but its loyal following around the world is still burning bright. Nowhere more so than in rainy, chilly Britain! Land Rover enlisted the rally experts at Bowler Motorsport to launch an all-Defender rally series in the UK this year, with dozens of race teams bringing their semi-pro skills up to scratch with their race-prepped Bowler Defenders. The final stage sounds like it was a thrilling conclusion to a season full of adrenaline, sweaty helmets and wet race shoes. Crashes were common but typically bruised egos more …

Nov 24, 2015 Read more

Update1 – 2015 Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE Jeep Wrangler VOLCANIC ROCK

Love the look of this KAHN Jeep — with its blacked-out styling and wide, four-slot grille making a mean new face for the offroader. 2015 Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE Jeep Wrangler VOLCANIC ROCK The Jeep Wrangler 2.8 Diesel – Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE stands out with its vibrant Volcanic Rock exterior that is contrasted by door handles, mirrors, and roof, while Satin Black is worn by the fuel filler cap. The Volcanic Rock theme is also featured up front where two shadow chrome headlights sit on either side of the four-slot Chelsea Tuck Company grille with industrial …

Nov 19, 2015 Read more

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS – Galpin F-150 in Gulf Racing Livery Is Best of Group

Some really cool custom Edges and Explorers join the F-150 wolfpack from Ford for SEMA 2015. Initial favorite is off-roader Explorer or the Galpin Auto Sports F-150. Wearing a widebody and custom PPG paints in Gulf Racing colors… the truck is just a few logos and Raptor badges from being the ultimate in HOT new metal headed out to Vegas. No word on if the custom trucks will include a Pepto and Z-pack for your well-being after a few days in Vegas… =] Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Edge Two Popular Ford SUVs Storm SEMA with Wild Versions for …

Nov 16, 2015 Read more

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Preview – Baja F-150 in Gulf Racing Colors Leads Pack

Some really cool custom Edges and Explorers join the F-150 wolfpack from Ford for SEMA 2015. Initial favorite is off-roader Explorer or the Galpin Auto Sports F-150. Wearing a widebody and custom PPG paints in Gulf Racing colors… the truck is just a few logos and Raptor badges from being the ultimate in HOT new metal headed out to Vegas. No word on if the custom trucks will include a Pepto and Z-pack for your well-being after a few days in Vegas… =] Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Preview Edge Two Popular Ford SUVs Storm SEMA with Wild Versions …

Nov 01, 2015 Read more

2017 Zarooq Sand Racer – a 500HP DAKAR LYKAN?

A fresh supercar to report today! The 2017 Zarooq Motors Sand Racer — the launch model for an all-new Emirati sportscar venture. Proudly designed and made in the UAE, the Sand Racer hopes to take the bespoke supercar crazy into the dunes. A bespoke racing chassis mounts its 500HP engine in the rear for optimal offroad balance, while the bodywork is exciting and feels like an authentic rally raid prototype from the Dakar series. That bodywork was penned by the lead designer of the W Motors Lykan Hypersport — bringing plenty of local flavor to the military-style bodywork. The project …

Oct 19, 2015 Read more

First Drive – 2016 RAM REBEL – An Air-Ride Raptor?

The new RAM Rebel is the latest slayer to join the Dodge trucks lineup — this time with its radar locked onto the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Rebel wears unique bodywork for the giant power-dome hood and special, new-shape Rebel grille up front. Most of the numerous other body features are rock-proof black plastic accents — the fender flares, badges and all brightwork is swapped for matte black. This includes the GIANT script on the tailgate. Color options include a few with a black lower body paint look across the doors and bed too, looking hot and functional-yet-macho. Silver is …

Oct 17, 2015 Read more

2016 Mercedes-Benz G500 and G63 Add Power With New V8TTs – Euro Pricing + Tech Specs

The worlds favorite brute ‘ute is back for 2016 with big changes under the hood! Swapping to turbo powertrains for the G500 and G63 adds a big chunk of new power and torque, while dropping weights slightly for good measure. The all-new powertrains are paired with the latest 7-Speedshift Plus automatics for overall sprint pace improvements across the board. The G500 does the sprint in 5.9-seconds now, while the G63 is kissing 5.0-seconds on the 0-60-mph run. All-new ESP and vehicle electronics are part of the new engine packages, promising great improvements in real-world enthusiast driving. The 100-kph sprints for …

Sep 26, 2015 Read more

Peugeot DKR16 Gets Floored Redesign: Group B Fury in 200 New Images + Tech Specs and Dirty Video!

Reviewing this nearly all-new 2016 Peugeot Dakar racer almost brings tears to a racer’s eye! And the blatt of the V6TT making 800Nm of torque is just the immersion to make your month. Will this make Peugeot and Red Bull’s year down in Chile in January? You’d be a fool to bet against this breathtaking prototype from the far future. Check out this animated evolution in GIF form showing the huge change in scale, proportions and stance for the newly-renamed Peugeot 2008 DKR16 racer. As we scroll through the past year, the original 2015 spec became the 2015+ configuration for …

Sep 23, 2015 Read more

Jaguar Land Rover – James Bond Launch Party 2015 – 120-Photo Mega Gallery

Updated 9.18.15 with 120 Photos from Frankfurt and James Bond events Balls-to-the-wall action in this new SPECTRE trailer! JLR is clearly featured throughout the film, coming this October, but these three cars are particularly integral to the plot. Which we can now see includes a madcap car chase through Rome: DB10 evading CX-75. But also waist-deep powder in the mountain scenes! A perfect showcase for craftily Q-ed special Jags and Landies. A particularly proud moment, this film, in the Bond franchise already. For the first time in ages, the film is really ‘coming home’ in terms of UK car …

Sep 19, 2015 Read more

007 SPECTRE Bond Cars – Jaguar CX-75, Defender and RRS in Mouthwatering 99-Photo Closeups

Balls-to-wall action in this new SPECTRE trailer! JLR is clearly featured throughout the film, coming this October, but these three cars are particularly integral to the plot. Which we can now see includes a madcap car chase through Rome: DB10 evading CX-75. But also waist-deep powder in the mountain scenes! A perfect showcase for craftily Q-ed special Jags and Landies. A particularly proud moment, this film, in the Bond franchise already. For the first time in ages, the film is really ‘coming home’ in terms of UK car stars. Which all three of these certainly are. Enjoy a few custom …

Sep 15, 2015 Read more

2016 BRABUS G500 4×4² and G63 850 6.0 Biturbo WIDESTAR Are Rambo Twins for IAA

What IAA SUV debut is as tall as a monster truck, yet wears mirror-polished undertrays front and rear? The new Brabus G500 4×4-squared! An upgraded G63 AMG 850 Widestar dramatically ups the power of the standard G-Class, but with a much more road-oriented stance and cornering grip versus the 4×4-squared. 2016 BRABUS G500 4×4² World premiere at the IAA 2015 BRABUS refines the Mercedes G 500 4×4² 368 kW / 500 HP, 710 Nm of torque and exclusive BRABUS luxury appointments for the extreme off-roader Mercedes G 500 4×4²: the new special model of the G-Class …

Sep 14, 2015 Read more

2016 Range Rover SENTINEL Is New SVO Armored Upgrade

Special Vehicle Operations at JLR is delivering some very cool specials lately — in the form of the Project 7 F-Type speedster and RRS SVR. Both coming from an all-new side factory in Oxford specifically created to produce JLR’s most exclusive vehicles. But this armored Range Rover Sentinel takes the cake as a hugely upgraded, hugely customized vehicle. The fortification is a chassis-up job incorporating the original engineering teams and blueprints. Alloy for the chassis and bodywork is now wrapped above massive steel plating on all sides. The armor promises protection up to 7.6MM armor-piercing bullets, up to 15KG of …

Sep 07, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Highlander AWD Limited – Fave Family Truckster Is Tahoe-Tough but Lexus-Smooth

2015 Toyota Highlander AWD Limited Review There is a huge rationality shake-out in the large SUV segment. Buyers are no longer willing to shoulder enormous fuel bills and big-rig parking manners in order to seat seven. Nor are they up for joining the minivan clan — typically using the AWD or all-weather argument to avoid that blatant admission of parenthood. The 2015 Highlander is right at the center of a new SUV ideal for millions of post-van, post-SUV buyers. Why can’t there be a car-based crossover with jumbo cabin space, but AWD and enough ground clearance to glide over gravel …

Aug 27, 2015 Read more

2016 Toyota LAND CRUISER Sports Fresh Design and Big Tech Upgrades

Toyota’s loveable Land Cruiser is fresh for 2016 with a variety of cool updates to the style, performance and luxury inside! The Land Cruiser is all new from the A-pillars forward, with a much larger and truckier grille than the current model. The two-piece intake element now includes thick chrome bars extending into the headlamps. It is clearly a much more butch appearance all around, thanks to that grille and the new domed hood. The upper hood now wears a deep rounded edge between the engine cover and the fenders. A dip in the middle of the hood flows …

Aug 18, 2015 Read more

2016 Lexus LX570 Debuts Stunning New Cabin and Escalade-Proof Exterior Flash!

The 2016 Lexus is now as stunning inside as a Range Rover! This is big news for the unstoppable seven-seat SUV in the face of big competition from the new Escalade, Navigator and even the fresh QX80 Limited. Cabin tech and giant flatscreens look ready for South Beach and beyond inside the new LX570, which packs a host of new safety tech as well. The compact new steering wheel and fabulous finishes are perhaps the best ever seen from Lexus — befitting its place at the top of the Lexus lineup with the LS600h. The LX570 pricing is likely to …

Aug 13, 2015 Read more

LARTE Design Lexus LX570 Alligator Bodykit Brings Exotic, Designer Feel to VIP Fave

Considering that the Lexus LX570 is the ride of choice for VIPs worldwide, the exterior of the truck is remarkably demure. Yes, the updated 2014 factory LEDs and grille design help distinguish the LX570 a bit from its Land Cruiser cousin — but where is the visual punch, the sex appeal and pure aggression of the hottest Cayennes, QX80s and Mercedes SUVs? For an LX570 that will take you (*and your family!) safely into and out of hot zones around the world — while looking exotic, exclusive and even more expensive than ever — the Larte Design ‘Alligator’ pack …

Jul 30, 2015 Read more

BRABUS STARTECH SIXTY8 Is Land Rover Defender 110 Sendoff Special

StarTech Refinement just revealed its honorary salute to the Land Rover Defender in its last year on the market: the SIXTY8 Defender 110. Offered as a five-seater or seven, the Sixty8 is a gorgeous upgrade of the 100 Station Wagon body style. A small turbodiesel is the only letdown in an otherwise very thorough upgrade package. The interior is absolutely stellar – a massive improvement. But the exterior is more subjective. This Sixty8 is based on the StarTech Series 3.1 styling, which runs a vertical grille in a retro flowing shape. It’s certainly distinctive, especially in contrast Santorini Black …

Jul 27, 2015 Read more

2016 Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4-Squared Priced from $265k, Arriving In December

The incredibly cool and macho new G500 4×4-Squared is officially available! Orders are open now for this new flagship, with pricing from $230k Euros and 422 horsepower via a new twin-turbo powertrain. The 4.0TT is shared with the AMG GT and delivers better power, efficiency and torque profiles than ever before. This engine is standard on the 4×4-squared as well as the standard G500 for this year, hitting 60-mph in just 5.9-seconds for the normal truck and up to 7.4-seconds as the 4×4-squared. The Squared’s biggest change mechanically is the addition of portal axles. Shared with the AMG 6×6, …

Jul 11, 2015 Read more

Prior Design G-Class Aero Kit Now Offered as a Widebody

Sometimes it seems like there are more customization programs for the G-wagen than there are actual G63’s in the world. Why is this such a popular model for posh custom overhauls outside and in? Our theory is that the type of owner is naturally a wild extrovert already – so giant wheels, bumpers, hood, fenders and LEDs all fit the personalit type nicely. They are also generally super wealthy, too, which always helps sell merch. Secondly, the G-Class is a fantastic starting point for customizers. Its block-chic design and frozen bodywork make it the perfect candidate for sporty bumpers, extra-wide …

Jul 07, 2015 Read more

2015 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 1/2 Ton 4WD Review

American brand icons do not come much more glorious than Chevy. In the automotive realm, Chevrolet has been a constant throughout the last 100 years. A powerhouse in the General Motors stable, Chevrolet has seen off dozens of business lines and market segments. Divested in favor of keeping Chevy healthy, GM left the heavy trucks business altogether and dropped half its brand portfolio in the last ten years. Thus, the recent history of the firm has been shaken up more this century than the ten preceding decades. But the results speak for themselves. Never in my lifetime has …

Jun 22, 2015 Read more

2015 Lockheed Martin JLTV Looks Set to Win High-Tech US Military Truck Contract

We speculated in the previous AM General BRV-O article that the three-way race for the US military’s new JLTV looks pretty clear-cut. That being said… nothing with government work and billion-dollar deals is straightforward or very transparent, so we are just basing these predictions on what we would do if sitting in the Pentagon. With Oshkosh Defense already drowning in orders, a strike-out for this hot ground-transport maker looks more likely in JLTVs than ever before. One of the military RFPs is for high-volume JLTV manufacturing, likely replacing many behind-the-lines Humvees. In this case, AM General’s proven high-volume manufacturing may …

Jun 16, 2015 Read more

2015 AM General BRV-O Gunning Hard for Latest Military JLTV Contracts

AM General basically owned US military ground troop transport for 25 years with its ever-present Humvee. This $220,000 machine is still a staple for 50+ global armies and has played a huge role in every armed conflict since the late 1980s. But shifting war theatres ushered the Humvee, and AM General, to the back of the pack in the last decade in favor of specially-designed blast-proof trucks. The South Bend, Indiana firm went from cock of the walk to national disgrace with every IED casualty. The huge MRAPs and alphabet soup of FMTVs, MTVRs, LSVs and ASVs have rolled out …

Jun 16, 2015 Read more

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, G63 6×6 and Unimog U5023 Star in Jurassic World

Update1 – With Selected Photo Credits to Baptiste Coudert It has been almost 20 years since the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class made a silver-screen debut in Jurassic Park 2 in 1997 — best known for spinning all four wheels in reverse while trying to pull a research trailer back from the edge of a cliff. The Mercedes SUV product-placement offensive has continued in the X-Men films and a few other since then, but never with the same action-packed, memorable drama as the ML320 in Jurassic Park: The Lost World. The fact of the matter is that the Mercedes SUVs in movies have …

May 21, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium 4×4 with KDSS Suspension

The whole SUV world of has gone soft. Crossovers from near and far have ditched their rugged truck frames in favor of cushy third rows and lazy AWD. What is a real off-roader to do for an SUV with 2015 tech and features alongside totally invincible traction and durability?! You can pick up a Wrangler Unlimited with its four-door hardtop giving year-round thrills, or perhaps the Nissan xTerra? Or you can stick with the one you know delivers: the Toyota 4Runner. This is a truck that maintains the greatest parts of its core appeal for 30 years of US sales, …

May 10, 2015 Read more

2015 Freightliner Inspiration Truck Concept Crosses Hoover Dam Autonomously

Mercedes and Daimler trucks have made Nevada into an auto-pilot test track! After the recent Mercedes-Benz F015 concept showed a self-driving limo, we now have a near-production Freightliner Inspiration Truck Concept. Nevada’s lonely roads are an ideal testing ground for tech like this. Outside Vegas and Reno, the state has the lowest population density of anywhere in the USA. Using a mega-system of sensors, the Inspiration Truck is the first big rig to be road-legal in auto-pilot mode anywhere in the country. Currently, the Inspiration Truck is just certified for auto-pilot driving within Nevada, but this is still a watershed …

May 09, 2015 Read more

2015 JEEP Moab Concepts Are Cooler Than Ever for Annual Easter Safari

Jeep’s off-road concepts for the yearly Easter Jeep Safari are usually some of the coolest from any brand all year. They not only have to be cool and inspiring, but generally have to be up to the task of off-roading in the extreme red rocks of Moab, Utah. Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts always play a big part in the upgrades for the concepts, and the same goes this year. A veritable rolling catalog, the Jeep Performance Parts catalog is incredibly deep — from off-road mechanicals to lighting to custom interior tech — there is something for every Jeeper. This …

Mar 19, 2015 Read more

2015 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Crazy Colors Edition Makes USA Debut in Amelia Island

This G63 AMG option set took us by the eyeballs over the weekend in Amelia Island! This dark red/blue/purple shade is a flip color — it changes from dark red to a deep indigo in different lights. This ‘Galactic Beam’ paint color is actually really cool on the G63 because there are so many hard corners and sharp panel changes. The blocky shape makes the color flip extra pronounced. The lower trims and roof are all a tasty gloss-black, which is actually surprisingly sexy on the big G-wagen. There are four other shades offered, and all bring an extra $15,000 …

Mar 17, 2015 Read more

2015 KAHN 6×6 Huntsman Headed For Production With Available Ballistic Armor and Three V8 Options

The 2015 KAHN Huntsman 6×6 Concept is a HUGE hit! Creating massive buzz at the Geneva auto show this week, the Huntsman 6×6 looks set for limited production in the next year. Kahn Design also will offer two levels of armored protection to shoppers, and even plans to make the latest Ford Coyote and XS V8 engines available to buyers. KAHN 6×6 Huntsman If you like the KAHN Design Defender 105 Longnose Huntsman, you are going to have major bloodlust for the latest concept from the Chelsea Truck Company: the KAHN Huntsman 6×6. Debuting in Geneva next week, the latest …

Mar 05, 2015 Read more

2015 KAHN 6×6 Huntsman Now Also Hunting Women and Children

If you like the KAHN Design Defender 105 Longnose Huntsman, you are going to have major bloodlust for the latest concept from the Chelsea Truck Company: the KAHN Huntsman 6×6. Debuting in Geneva next week, the latest KAHN truck might be the maddest, baddest and coolest of all. Powered by a 6.2-liter Chevrolet V8 engine making 450-horsepower, the KAHN 6×6 Huntsman promises to be fast, wild and more than capable of pulling its own weight up any dune, mountain or rocky trail. It definitely has “going” power. But this design from all angles? All about stopping power, curb appeal …

Feb 27, 2015 Read more

Racing Icons – 1954 Mercedes-Benz ‘Blue Wonder’ Race Transporter in 69 RARE Photos

Part publicity stunt, part engineering exercise — and all fun and playful. The 1950s Mercedes-Benz Racing Division needed a rapid transport vehicle to supplement the big trucks with closed canopies that typically moved racecars and teams among the European circuits. Lower, faster and far more nimble than the big trucks, the Blue Wonder could navigate under any bridge or within any narrow city streets — areas typically off-limits for a heavy heauler. Powered by a race-ready engine from the 300SL and plopped into Mercedes sedan chassis, the ‘Blue Wonder’ was billed as the fastest transporter in the world. A top …

Feb 24, 2015 Read more

2015 Rally Fighter PRO By Taggart Autosport Brings Configurable Options + 3 New Transmission Choices

If there is one downside to the Local Motors Rally Fighter, it might be that the spec sheet is a little dry. Where are the wild suspension upgrades, rhino bars and upgraded seats, wheels and detailing? Typically, this type of aftersales upgrade and accessorizing is all on the buyer’s shoulders. Taggart Autosport has stepped into this middle ground to custom-build and finalize a Rally Fighter to your exact specs. They call it the Rally Fighter Pro. The four suspensions and transmission choices are perhaps the biggest substantive upgrade to the factory setup – which is a bulletproof but less-than-modern three-speed …

Feb 23, 2015 Read more

2015 Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² Debuts Hardcore Off-Road Kit, New 4.0L V8TT and LWB Options

A concept only in name, the new G500 4×4² does what it says on the tin: four-by-four — squared. A giant wide-track design and 37-inch tires run much of the hardcore offroad tech from the AMG G63 6×6, but under the skin of the standard G-Class. This G500 runs the latest 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the AMG GT, but retuned to have rock-crushing torque at all times versus peaky high-rev horsepower. Even so, 422 ponies is plenty when riding this high off the earth below! Mercedes calls this a concept, but the G500 4×4-squared is almost a sure-thing for limited-production …

Feb 23, 2015 Read more

2016 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Is Updated for Home-Town Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Ford assembly plant was both one of the first city-center auto factories outside Detroit, and is now one of the sole surviving plants nearly 100 years later. Located just minutes from McCormick Place where the Chicago Auto Show is held, the Explorer Police Interceptor is a proud home-town hero in the Windy City. The big irony about the Explorer and Taurus cop cars — officially called the Ford Police Interceptor Utliilty and Sedan, respectively — is that the Chicago Police have not used them. You’d think they would want the AWD capability, modern fuel-economy and great tech of …

Feb 13, 2015 Read more

JEEP Heritage and Icons – Mega Gallery in 113 Rare Photos

You all know the Jeep story. The GI’s personnel transport system is a legend worldwide for its off-road prowess, but is there a brand trait that more accurately describes Jeep? Yes. We would argue its deliberately simple designs helped the Jeep to excel in three other areas: –build-ability from scratch –durability once assembled –repair-ability once damaged These three abilities make any Jeep a superhero in your driveway and in harm’s way with shells landing nearby. A fourth ability? Perhaps this new skill should be adaptability. The Jeep brand name itself is evolved from the short-hand for its name, and …

Feb 09, 2015 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2012 Jeep Mighty FC

The 2012 Jeep Mighty FC is hilarious to behold, and a really cool concept idea overall. Beyond the many Jeep pickup truck conversions and concepts, the Forward Control recreates an actual Jeep production truck from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s. Overall, the Mighty FC builds on Jeep’s very impressive concept repertoire: this truck is not just a runner, but it hit the Moab Jeep Jamboree for some extreme off-road proving. Versus most concept cars that are barely rollers, this is an impressive level of engineering. Two things: How!? and Why!? How? The Forward Control is created by the very-simple-sounding …

Feb 09, 2015 Read more

Houston Auto Show Customs – Top 10 LIFTED TRUCKS!

If there is one memory of the Houston Auto Show that really sticks with you, it is the dominance of lifted trucks. Tuners, custom shops and even new-car dealerships all are deeply into the custom truck business. We have little idea who the tuning companies are who created all these beasts, so we’ll just label them by the base machine they started as from the factories when tuner branding is not available. 1. RAM 2500 Bolt Locks If the challenge is to be tallest, this Ram definitely won. Seeing its handler come down from the cabin was shocking. He literally …

Jan 31, 2015 Read more

Mecum 2015 Florida Faves – 1962 Willys JEEP Utility Wagon

Despite being painted like the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, this Willys Utility Wagon is actually really cool and special. This machine, of course, was a Willys and not a Jeep by name. But in spirit, it shows what Jeep could be as a commercial and civilian machine in a post-war world. In terms of charm, the wood paneling outside is real, and also lines the roof of the cargo bay. Very cool. 1962 Willys JEEP Utility Wagon 1962 Willys Utility Wagon Lot L215// Mecum Auctions Kissimmee 2015 // Jan 16-25 High Bid: $21,000 1962 Willys Utility …

Jan 29, 2015 Read more

Mecom Florida 2015 Favorites – 1948 GMC Half-Ton Pickup Truck

You can tell how hard this 1948 GMC Pickup was ready to work in the profile shot. It is all nose. With an empty bed or now trailer, the truck looks like it might tip upward onto its nose. And that would be a shame. What a nose this was! With a stamped steel shape so deep, modern industrial presses would be jealous! Melting down over the tall OHV and intake mechanicals, this amazing flow of metal is pure smooth bliss. It was also a functional feature: dropping each side of the hood let you have a much clearer view …

Jan 28, 2015 Read more

Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites – 1970 Ford Bronco V8 Pickup

What is it about these 1970s Ford Bronco’s? There is just something so crisp and charming about their utilitarian design. Along with nearly no front and rear overhangs, a short wheelbase and heavy off-road hardware — the Bronco was just totally overprepared and over-strong for most road duties. It was like a heavy-duty, 2500-payload beast trapped in the dimensions of one of today’s mini crossovers. This red pickup hardtop with roll bars and a 302-cubic-inch V8 was fully restored with a body-off upgrade to new diffs, plus new air conditioning. 1970 Ford Bronco V8 Pickup

Jan 28, 2015 Read more

Houston Auto Show – 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition in 20 New Photos + Pricing From $35k

Updated 1.23.15 With Pricing and 20 New Photos The Sierra Elevation Edition is one cool black 1500 on the Houston Auto Show floor! Just as we snapped these 35 new photos, GMC revealed the pricing of this new factory custom– with an enticing $34,865 base for the rear-drive V6. It is great to see the double-decker LED lights as standard on the Sierra Elevation, despite them not being lit in these photos. 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition Pricing: 4.3L 2WD: $34,865 4.3L 4WD: $38,795 5.3L 2WD: $35,960 5.3L 4WD: $39,890 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition PREVIOUS …

Jan 23, 2015 Read more

2015 Peugeot 2008 DKR Rally Racer – Tech Specs and Pre-Dakar Photos

The Peugeot DKR prototype currently blasting through the Chilean sahara on the 2015 Dakar rally has been a bit of a wallflower before the race. Few official photos of the truck have been seen. The mid-engine, rear-drive off-roader is an evolution of the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak car, but raised dramatically for its new Dakar mission. The same team that created the LeMans 908 HDi FAP cars have created both of these latest racing Pugs, and all have shared the primary super-diesel engine power. This 3.0-liter twin turbo-diesel is a total torque monster: it pushes out 590 pound-feet of …

Jan 17, 2015 Read more

Dakar 2015 – IVECO Making Big Gains With One-Two Finish on Day 11 in T4 Trucks Class

These Dakar press releases are always a bit confusing due to how long and how many stages there are in this grueling race. We are wrapping day 12 today, with two more to go. The T4 trucks class is always a fun one to watch because the vehicles are simply so gigantic. To see a 10-ton truck do flying leaps and landings is an unfortgettable spectacle, to be sure. Italian Iveco has been moving up the charts late in the Dakar 2015 race, but still languishes about 7th in overall truck rankings — behind the huge volume of Kamaz, Renault …

Jan 16, 2015 Read more

Land Rover Honors 2015 Defender Retirement with Trio of Special Editions

Heading back to the start 65 years ago, Land Rover has created a fantastic Earthen honor to its founding model: the Series I. The legend of this truck actually started in the sand. The salty ocean fringe medium was actually where the first engineering sketches were drawn. Long after the waves washed the shape away, the product of those ideas is now a global icon in off-roading. This brief video shows the latest Defender sand drawing on the English coast – as etched by three new 2015 special-editions in a 1-kilometer-wide shape. Among the new Heritage, Adventure …

Jan 07, 2015 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2005 Jeep Hurricane Was Twin-HEMI Warthog-Fighter?

As the Jeep Hurricane started spinning in its own wheelbase length on the stage of the 2005 Detroit show, the crowd nearly forgot all about the truck’s real trump card. Or pair of Kings. A giant HEMI V8 at each end of the Hurricane promised otherworldly off-road power and movement precision. Sure, this vaguely recalls the Peugeot Hoggar from a few years before, but much more closely resembled the HALO video-game machine known as the Warthog. As the Halo game franchise has evolved, the Warthog has too. In 2010, the military machine fantasy even earned a spot in Forza Motorsport …

Dec 31, 2014 Read more

Latest G-Class Widebody by German Special Customs Is Classy and Subtle, But Still Super Lux

When it comes to upgrading your G-Class Mercedes-Benz, the widebody exterior treatments from German Special Customs are some of the best and most realistically desirable. We love their latest bright blue over dark charcoal wheels. The monchrome exteior is much wider and far more modern than the factory model – but is not too over-the-top about becoming such a custom brute. The widebody fits the G400 CDI, G500, G550 , G63 and even the G65 AMG — or is also available on a per-piece basis. Installing all together is highly recommended so you can paint and color-match everything at the …

Dec 23, 2014 Read more

MANSORY G-Couture and G63 Soft Upgrades Add Fresh LED Headlight Strakes

The Mansory G-Couture is an absolutely brutal upgrade of the already-militant G-Class — with a huge new bumper and lower body upgrade that is wider, stronger and meaner than ever. The G63 “Soft” kit is a bit more comfort and style-oriented, and is where the latest Bentley-style LEDs debut their new embedded light elements. Beside these new round lamps are three horizontal white LED strakes behind a new glass shroud. It’s a nice update for the Galendewagen’s well-known style — and matches the lower bumper LEDs and roof LEDs very nicely! The upgrades lists are very, very extensive. See the …

Dec 23, 2014 Read more

575HP SHELBY RAPTOR – Animated Colors and Options Guide

The Ford RAPTOR off-road special is the biggest hit among shoppers since the F-150 Lightning of the 1990s. Performance street trucks like the Ram SRT10, Silverado SS and GMC Cyclone appear to be taking a backseat to baja-ready machines like the Tundra TRD Pro and the stock Raptor. But with the huge popularity of the Ford dune-blaster comes a bit less excitement and exclusivity for owners. Enter, Shelby American. You can equip and buy a custom Shelby Raptor as new or retro-fit these cool parts to an existing truck. Highlights in the full $17,000 Shelby upgrade are the Whipple supercharger …

Dec 21, 2014 Read more

2015 Silverado HD CNG 6.0L Bi-Fuel V8 is a Natty G Revolution!

This energy revolution will not be televised. It will rarely draw stares or have other drivers following you to ask questions. The 2500HD CNG is all-new from Chevrolet this year and marks the beginning of a potentially game-changing new trend in heavy-duty pickup truck efficiency. As nice as a diesel engine’s extra 25-percent fuel efficiency is, what about a powertrain package that doubles overall range and can be flipped between gasoline and compressed natural gas at the touch of a button? If there are no CNG filler stations on your route, simply run the truck on gasoline and enjoy is …

Dec 06, 2014 Read more

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1989 Lamborghini LM002 – The Off-Road Countach Is USA Street Legal

A bit less of a legend than the 037 Lancia? Perhaps. But almost as appealing. After 25 years to appreciate the LM002’s overt masculinity, dreamer-spec engine and mechanicals, and before-its-time superlux offroader credentials — the LM002 looks like a new shape of timeless classic supercar to us. The biggest news about this Lambo Rambo besides its very fresh paint and excellent interior condition? It is finally old enough to be driven legally in the United States! It might even be time for John Rambo Jr. to hit the big screen, with this his on-screen battle truck…. 1989 Lamborghini LM002 …

Dec 04, 2014 Read more

2015 Unimog U218 and U423 Upfit Showcase: 4 Seasons Hero in 30+ Configurations!

When investing in a hard-core heavy truck like the new Unimog U218 and U423, you might have one or two general usage scenarios in mind. But once you realize how unstoppable and customizable the Unimog platform is, what was once a snow-plow or fire rescue truck is suddenly an all-purpose hero. Pull a freight train? Check. Agriculture tractor-replacement? Dumptruck? Extreme landscaper? Check, check, check. Here is the incredible Unimog in 150 photos showing some of its most popular upfitted uses. A handful of the photos are the previous-gen trucks – which can be told apart based on the grille. The …

Nov 24, 2014 Read more

2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Wins Its Baja 1000 Full Stock Class + SEMA Pro Truck Showcase

The lightly race-prepped TRD Pro Tundra is back from Baja — with a win! The TRD Pro Tundra jumped and roared its giant V8 the 1200 miles to the finish line in first place, then cruised home the 1000 miles back to the start line for good measure. Was it showroom-fresh upon arrival back to Toyota headquarters in Torrance? Not exactly! A huge gash in the sheetmetal and rear fender shows the fury of racing. But the fact that the TRD Pro Tundra continued on its mission is impressive. A solid achievement and vote of confidence in the new TRD …

Nov 24, 2014 Read more

Update1 – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept Runs 2.8L DuraMax Diesel

The new Chevrolet Colorado mid-size trucks seem just about pitch-perfect for many reluctant truck buyers. People who want to park easily both in the city and in their garages adore the Colorado’s right-sized approach and also love its Z71 off-road trim levels for added butchness and off-road-ability. The 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine has been confirmed by GMC and Chevrolet as coming to the Canyon and Colorado in a few months — so this ZR2 concept is a blend of real and fantasy. The ZR2 concept truck brings a cool and futuristic front end, revised styling all around the lower sills …

Nov 20, 2014 Read more

Update1 – SEMA 2014 Gallery – TRUCKS and BIKES

Updated 11.17.14 SEMA 2014 TRUCKS and BIKES

Nov 17, 2014 Read more

2015 Unimog U5023 Gains Even-More-Hardcore Off-Road Equipment Package

Updated 11.11.14 As if the Unimog U5023 range-topper were not extreme enough for you… the sexy new flagship of the Unimog range can now be equipped with a special off-roading package shown below. Giant tires and huge new wheel flares mark out the toughest and most-capable trucks in the world. The U4023 and U5023 are the freshest of the Unimog family visually thanks to that sweet new single-bar grille and a Mercedes star logo that is as big as a large pizza — and stares down at you from above eye level! Included below is the full write-up of the …

Nov 11, 2014 Read more

Pebble Beach 2014 Concours Lawn – 1935 Cadillac 370D Fleetwood V12 Town Cabriolet

Getting a car onto the Pebble Beach Concours lawn is mostly objective: the car has to fit the category and be absolutely flawless in every way. But moving from the fairway and onto the greens where the awards are given? That is all about subjective appeal — with metrics like “elegance” telling you that winning is largely about the mood of the year and the slinky aesthetic of the cars in question. All this seems silly until you spend time with a car like this. Elegant is one of the first things that comes to mind, and sticks with you …

Nov 08, 2014 Read more

Pebble Beach 2014 Concours Lawn – 1936 Horch (Auto Union) 853 Cabriolet

Despite Audi’s rapid rise to prominence in the global luxury stakes over the past 20 years, there is still one place where Audi has almost no presence versus rivals BMW and Mercedes. This is primarily because Audi is formed from the merger of four automakers into the “Auto Union” we know today. Each of the marques is one of the four rings in the modern Audi badge. One of those brands was Horch — and this 853 Cabriolet is not only seriously exclusive, but also very refined in the flesh. Most cars from this era were destroyed in WWII, as …

Nov 08, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – Part Two – 2011 Land Rover DC100 Sport

PART TWO: The DC 100 Sport Let’s start this one off with a look back – at the Defender’s roots as the Land Rover Series I and later the Series II. Here is Winston Churchill with his. PREVIOUS In Land Rover’s medium-term product plans, the lineup is broken apart into three main groups: Range Rovers, Discoveries and Defenders. Each will bloom into a sub-brand into its own right, as we have seen with the Range Rover, RRS and RR Evoque so far, and the current Discovery Sport replacement for the LR2 in 2015. This leaves the rough-and-tumble …

Nov 07, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2011 Land Rover DC100 in 5 Colors and 67 Photos

In Land Rover’s medium-term product plans, the lineup is broken apart into three main groups: Range Rovers, Discoveries and Defenders. Each will bloom into a sub-brand into its own right, as we have seen with the Range Rover, RRS and RR Evoque so far, and the current Discovery Sport replacement for the LR2 in 2015. This leaves the rough-and-tumble Defender family as the main unseen item in production form. The best idea of where Land Rover is heading is shown in the DC100 and DC100 Sport cabrio concepts from 2011. As image-builders, the Defenders at present are terrific at bringing …

Nov 07, 2014 Read more

SEMA 2014 Showfloor Gallery – The CARS! 100 High-Res Photos

Nov 06, 2014 Read more

SEMA 2014 Showfloor Photo Gallery – The TRUCKS!

Nov 06, 2014 Read more

2014 Fiat FCC4 Concept For Sao Paolo Is Samba Rambo SUV Pickup!

Lambo Rambo… in Portuguese… is Samba Rambo? This amazing concept from Fiat is called the FCC4 and looks to be about the size of the Jeep Cherokee, but wearing giant rock-crawling rubber and a bad-ass pickup-truck bodystyle. Fresh ideas and designs abound, including the floating C-pillar and wrap-around brightwork of the glasshouse. Inside the roof and bed structure, we see some of the organic bracing seen from Bertone lately — all good stuff. Looks fantastic, and opens new doors to what the Fiat brand can be in the large Brazilian market. Fiat FCC4 Concept

Oct 29, 2014 Read more

Ford SEMA F-150 Concepts Are Raptor Thunder and Drifter Lightning

You know that feeling you get when out with a bunch of scumbags somewhere far from home? Somewhere like Las Vegas at 2am? You get a slight chill on your neck. That nagging hunch that your date is a rapist. These two SEMA concepts from Ford have that vibe. This could be my extreme bitterness at not driving the F-150 yet, but these concepts are not doing it for me. SEMA is definitely an odd show — and Chevy is barely phoning it in with their pathetic Silverado Toughnology. Compared with that, the Ford Deegan 38 off-roader and Vaughn Grittin …

Oct 20, 2014 Read more

2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition 35 Celebrates Otto’s 500K Mile World Tour

One of the best parts of any trip is the momentous return home. A place you never knew you missed until seeing and feeling all those familiar sights through a dusty windshield up ahead. In the case of ‘Otto’ the 300GD Mercedes-Benz, the journey has been 26 years, 216 countries and 900,000 kilometers in the making. The photos of Gunther and Christine Holtorf’s long, long journey home to Swabia from Germany are absolutely miraculous. The map of their travels is completely unbelievable! The red lines below are not borders — those are their routes! Along the way, Otto and …

Oct 18, 2014 Read more

4K Road Test Review – 2015 Ford Transit 3.5L EcoBoost LWB, Low-Roof Cargo Van

Breaking News: NASCAR developing 2018 commercial van racing series. The NASVAN Home Depot Cup will feature the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Chevy Express, Nissan NV and the Ram ProMaster. Each van will hit top speeds of more than 199-mph while they trade paint around circuits like the legendary Charlotte and Atlanta Motor Speedways….””” The news above is pretend. There are no current plans for a NASVAN series. But if there were, we could sign up for the new Ford Transit as our ride first time, every time. This rear-drive big van is shockingly good on the road and at the …

Oct 12, 2014 Read more

Track Test Drive – 2015 Ford Interceptor Utility at Atlanta Motor Speedway

2015 Ford Interceptor Utility Review The irony of driving a 2015 Ford Interceptor Utility hard on an autocross track near Atlanta? Someone we know… recently paid a ridiculously high-priced speeding ticket to the City of Atlanta. But was it an Explorer police truck that pulled that person over? Nope. A motorcycle cop. Which is rare in 2014. Ford notes that more than 60-percent of new police vehicles solid this year were Interceptor Utilities. The Explorer Police upfit is simply the most popular cop car around — and this includes the Dodge Charger and even the Charger V8 AWD. The Interceptor …

Oct 10, 2014 Read more

2014 Peugeot Quartz and DKR Prototype Top Paris Concept Reveals

Updated 10.9.14 With Debut Video and 20 New Photos! Well here is an interesting surprise! This PHEV crossover concept leverages some of the sexy looks of the 2008 DKR race truck into a production-friendly shape. A 270-horsepower engine powers the front wheels, while the back wheels are driven by a powerful electric motor. The new plug-in setup even allows the Quartz crossover to have a 31-mile EV range when the batteries are fully charged. 2014 Peugeot 2008 DKR Prototype In terms of style, the defining elements of this cab-backward crossover are the long hood and ultra-low roofline. While not …

Oct 09, 2014 Read more

Meet BharatBenz – India’s Locally-Made Trucks Seeing Huge Growth Via Combo of Low-Cost + High-Quality

Familiar with the American FUBU apparel line? The name stands for ‘For Us, By Us.’ Think of BharatBenz as the ‘FIBI’ of big trucks. For India, By India. Heavy trucks may not be huge business by volume, but for Daimler, they are some of the most profitable. Among the truck lines owned by Mercedes’ parent company are big names like Mitsubishi Fuso, Wester Star, Thomas Bus Lines, Freightliner and Setra. The newest kid on the block? BharatBenz — a locally-made and locally-tailored line of trucks both from and for India. Mercedes engineering and safety foundations are a great shared …

Oct 08, 2014 Read more

4.3s, 400HP 2015 VENTURI America EV SUV Reaches Limited-Production!

Exciting news from Venturi in Paris this week! The well-resolved America dune-buggy has a redesigned powertrain and will now grow past concept and prototype stages. Limited-production of the EV off-roader begins in early 2015 — but there is a catch. Only 25 initial copies of this innovative and stylish crossover will be made. Performance stats are looking very impressive, however, and the carbon-kevlar tub will make this thing unstoppable on the rough stuff. And likely a fun canyon-carver on hard surfaces or, gasp, tarmac! TECHNICAL MASTERPIECE (Sorry for the watermark.) SPECIFICATIONS Like the Local Motors Rally Fighter and many …

Oct 06, 2014 Read more

Mercedes-Benz FT2025 Is New Daimler Trucks Flagship

Why care about the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2015 concept shown in Hanover this week for the first time? A few reasons: — The vast majority of S-Class-level active safety and automated driving tech is all-new to the long-haul truck segment — Daimler Trucks is the top-selling medium and heavy truck supplier worldwide, so these ideas will populate everything from future Unimogs to the new Damiler India brand BharatBenz in the coming years — Germans take concepts seriously: these ideas are all totally feasible and likely already headed to full production in the next five years — The active safety …

Sep 26, 2014 Read more

2015 Toyota TUNDRA Bass Pro Shops Off-Road Edition Debuts – Available in Gulf States Only

Long-time readers of this site may recall how much we hated the Ram Mossy Oak Edition. It seemed overtly hateful with its camo-print exterior and hunting theme. A bit less animosity today toward the new Tundra Bass Pro Shops Off-Road Edition, which could seem as close-minded as the Mossy Oak. After all, Bass Pro Shops is a regional retailer with a heavily partisan corporate stance. But instead of Ram’s shameless Mossy Oak edition, the Tundra BPS Off-Road Edition actually proves its value in extra equipment: cool wheels, off-road tires, fender flares and jumbo exhaust pipes. Ram Trucks response to our …

Sep 25, 2014 Read more

SCA Lingenfelter REAPER Silverado Upgrade Now Available At Some Chevy Dealers

The Raptor F-150 has been the single-biggest bit of brand lifting for the current Ford trucks line, so it is no surprise to see other companies following Ford’s lead — in the aftermarket, at least. The latest move to recreate the cool and functional aspects of the Ford Raptor is the new Southern Comfort Automotive REAPER package for the Chevrolet Silverado. Developed with Lingenfelter’s assistance under the hood, the REAPER brings a new look up front, functional LED lighting in the foglamp area, new shocks with a 3-inch lift, and a few other optional tweaks. The supertruck offroad segment is …

Sep 25, 2014 Read more

2014 Volkswagen TRISTAR Is All-New Off-Road Cargo Van with Pickup Truck Bed

The world’s top commercial truck show is going on this week in Hanover, Germany — and VW has just debuted an exciting light truck concept. Part van, part pickup truck, and part off-roader — the idea is for the best of all worlds. Called the TRISTAR and packing a styling design and modern cabin, the machine promises to be an all-star work truck for the fleets of tomorrow. Just a concept for now, the design is likely to preview a heavy-duty version of the next Transporter van. 2014 Volkswagen TRISTAR WORLD PREMIERE OF VOLKSWAGEN TRISTAR AT THE IAA 23/09/14 Concept …

Sep 23, 2014 Read more