Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue #2 i ENGAGE4X4

Welcome to Issue 2 of Engage4x4! We are trying to do things just a little differently here – you may notice that we do not do “how-to features” or focus too much on things like “which light bar is the best?”. I think we all use Google for that type of information these days. We are about people, adventure, the marriage of new and old technology, and, of course, the experiences we have off the beaten track. I have three boys under 12 who love nothing more than jumping in our FJ Cruiser and hitting the tracks. We look for the gnarliest route and they make sure I hit as many bumps, boulders, ditches, water crossings, and bogs as possible – beach driving is not even safe from the boys.…

Bentley’s more sporting Bentayga S has arrived to join the ranks of uber-luxury all-road wagons. This one is marked apart from its three Bentayga siblings by the likes of blacked-out trim, unique 22-inch wheels, and new seats with unique stitching – but it is what lays below the glitz and glamor which gives the S model its own character. Here, Bentley promises this wagon’s stiffened chassis, and the addition of the factory’s Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control, provides a more engaging drive. The Bentley Bentayga, a close cousin to Porsche’s Cayenne and the Lamborghini Urus, was launched in 2015 and has since found some 25,000 customers. Apparently, some of those have been looking for sharper on-road performance from their British-born SUV; so this reworked S model now joins the already-established…

I have heard plenty of people claim that their cars are their best friends, or like their children. Not in a sad way – like they are a Nigel-no-friends – but more that they care for them and spend so much time with them. But none of these people compare to Brock and his relationship with his Range Rover Classic. Originally, he bought the car for his dog, then … wait for it … he and his wife eloped in it. Now, that is a pretty special car. Four, almost five, years ago, the adventures with the Rover and Brock started. As they were preparing to adopt Lucy, a golden-doodle, Brock and Sara decided they needed a “dog car” – and what is better than a Range Rover Classic? Instead…

On the southern end of Africa, sits the desert-swamped country of Namibia. A dangerous country, no doubt. When this country is Googled, one of the first links says in big red writing, “Overall: Do not travel”. Violent crimes, like mugging and robberies, riddle the country – even your taxi driver is likely to rob you. The country is swarmed with waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases. Unexploded landmines are scattered in some parts. Not scared, yet? The page also mentions: “If you are seriously ill or injured, you’ll need evacuation”. We have not even looked at what animals traverse these lands … But Derek Malou – photographer, filmmaker, and seasoned traveler – claims that Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa. And he provided Engage4x4 with the…

The Jeep brand is expanding the Freedom edition to every vehicle in its iconic 4x4 lineup. The 2021 Freedom editions are a tribute to the United States military members – with military-themed exterior and interior design cues. Jeep will make a $250 donation to the United Service Organizations (USO) with every Freedom edition sold. The Vice President of the Jeep Brand, North America, Jim Morrison said: “At the Jeep brand, we are proud of our military heritage, with origins which date back to 1941, and the Freedom special editions are a tribute to all who have served and continue to serve. This Memorial Day, we honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice for their country and support those who continue to serve with these special editions.” The Freedom special-edition…

On paper at least, this handsome all-electric pickup is way more capable than any of its predecessors. Consider this: The F-150 Lightning has the equivalent of 563 horsepower and 775lb-ft of torque. It can carry 2,000 pounds and tow up to 20,000 pounds. Four-wheel-drive is standard gear, as is a host of fresh technology and clever bodywork. This, said the Ford Motor Company, is the smartest and most innovative F-Truck ever built; and quicker than the current Raptor! Ford’s Executive Chair Bill Ford said: “For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions digitally-connected future. F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years; the backbone of work across the country; and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now,…

Imagine a high-speed ball of dust shooting across the desert – dodging clumps of grass. It splits into three smaller tails. The larger one appears to be a Ranger Rover. Not unusual out here. Next, a smaller one – squinting a little, it looks like it may be a 911. Yes, yes it is – it’s a Safari 911. Porsche has some history here, too. The other one, though – wait, hang on. What the? It rides high, but it’s not a 4x4. No, it can’t be. Is that … is that an Alfa?! What you are seeing is the craziest, dirt-addicted classic Alfa Romeo ever built. It is a 1974 105 GTV 2000 on stilts in what may be the automotive equivalent of pineapple on pizza. Alfa’s GTV is…

Launched in 1962, the American machine prompted development of the 1970 British Range Rover; and a host of other rivals followed in their tracks. The Wagoneer was a true trail blazer, patron saint, of an automobile genre known today as Sports Utility Vehicles. Developed to replace the very pragmatic – if outdated – Willys Station wagon: The first Jeep Wagoneer brought commuter convenience with family-friendly style and packaging to a four-wheel-drive. It was styled by famed Industrial Designer Brooks Stevens – responsible for the likes of the 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk, the Miller Brewing logo, kitchen appliances, Johnson outboard motors, and more. The basics of his Wagoneer-body style lasted with little change through to 1991. The 15-foot-long Jeep wagon – in two- and four-door form – was more than…

Long live a four-wheel-drive wagon with room, comfort, and ability to take the family well off the beaten track – at a pragmatic price … It had already disappeared from North American showrooms in 2006; and, now, there appeared to be not enough interest, or enough capital, to keep the Pajero nameplate alive elsewhere in the world; instead, Mitsubishi will be concentrating on the cross-over market – those high-riding faux four-wheel-drives. While not always favored by jacked-up over-tired off-roader exponents, the Pajero was always a reasonable alternative to offerings from fellow Japanese manufacturers, Nissan and Toyota. In many corners of the world, from the early 1980s, five-door Mitsubishis – known as Pajeros in most parts, Montero in the United States and most of the Americas, and Shogun in Britain –…

As war raged across Europe and Asia in 1940, the United States military called on manufacturers for prototypes of a light-weight four-wheel-drive scout machine. Only the American Bantam and Willys-Overland companies rolled up with potential vehicles; and, while the Bantam Reconnaissance car looked promising, the army was not sure that the small manufacturer could handle the volume needed. So the BRC design was turned over to Willys and the Ford Motor Company – where it was further modified. The Willys’ version won out; albeit, with that grille reportedly being a Ford design, and Willys-Overland won production rights. Yet, because of the numbers needed in a hurry by the War Department, Ford was also called upon to produce the vehicles. For a time, Ford stamped every component – including bolt heads…