Hyundai Tuscon IX 35

The Frankfurt Motor show will unveil Hyundai's next leap into the new age 4x4 with the Tuscon ix35.
Styling has developed a new look that some describe as very Ford like.
Features remain under close guard but will include the best of the basic. The Lucrative North American market may see a vehicle competing with the giants if Hyundai expectations are reached. Just look around the Tuscon has been a quiet achiever in the cheaper end of the 4x4 SUV market.

Tips to Identify Flood damage

Flood damage cars and SUV's, they go somewhere. They are sold at auction and a percentage find their way back to unsuspecting consumers.
In the last year Australia, Europe and the US have had severe flooding damaging thousands of vehicles. So What can you look for other than the obvious.
AOL auto had these tips

- Check the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seats for signs of water damage such as silt, mud or rust.


- Examine upholstery and carpeting closely; if it doesn't match the interior or fits loosely, it may have been replaced. Discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate water damage.


- Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges work properly. Make sure the air bag and ABS lights come on and go off.


- Test power and electronics systems such as interior/exterior lights, windows and door locks, radio, cigarette lighter, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.


- Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle once dry and may crack.


- Take a whiff for musty odors or strong perfumes used to mask the smell of mildew.

Jeep 2011, slightly meaner

Jeep 2011 not a lot has changed although the grill and suspension are different. The live axle is gone to make way for round independent suspension.
Heres what Australian 4wd action said
"Bigger with 'softer', more-crossover-like looks and based on the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML; this is the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was unveiled early in the morning ahead of its programmed world debut at the New York Auto Show."
Jeep 2009

Gas Guzzler Mercedes ML 550

It Drinks fuel like there is no tomorrow in fact the oil cartels must have a share in this one, BUT....its just luxury and nice to drive. From the early days of the ML where bland was the operative word to now Mercedes have made a nice vehicle for the top end market. Opinions vary you are either a ML fan or not and currently within the slow market of 4x4 vehicle unfortunately the ML may not quite offer the style associated maybe with BMW.
Here is a recent review

"The Mercedes-Benz ML550 will seat five people in total comfort and luxury, but this SUV lacks a bit in the way of utility. There's not a lot of total cargo volume, and the second-row seats do not fold completely flat. Still, those who buy the ML550 will appreciate the powerful V-8 engine and the silky-smooth seven-speed automatic. The adjustable air suspension is a fantastic feature, though we find the sport setting to be a little too stiff for a vehicle like this. This whole vehicle is a very solid package, but if it were our money, we'd go for the less-expensive ML320 Bluetec, what with its turbo-diesel V-6, smoother driving dynamics, and slightly better fuel economy."

Cadillac SRX Off Roader

The model has been around now since 2004 but the 2009 model made a huge hit at the Detroit Motor show.
Its ready to take on the BMW X5 with some great luxuries. Two engine combinations and transmissions, sporty and regular. Gm are putting a great deal of hope on this vehicle for the USA market. At this stage RHD version is not on the horizon but is under consideration.

More....

Press release.2009

“Cadillac is known for bold design. The 2010 SRX Crossover builds on that reputation,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. “As with the 2008 CTS, we advanced our Art and Science design to create a crossover for style-conscious customers. The exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest.”
A multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps – with light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting – are the face of the SRX. They blend into a tightly wrapped, sweeping body that tapers downward at the rear, giving the vehicle a sporty profile, Dean said.

The SRX features a wide stance, minimal overhang and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A bold accent line dives across the body side and culminates at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marker lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics.

“Inside the new SRX, technical precision blends with old-world craftsmanship,” Dean said. “Hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel and ambient lighting details convey a finely tailored cabin.”

Jeep Earth roamer

Earth roamer is the pinacle in mobile campers. The ford fseries has been one sucessfull vehicle in this range. Australian adventurer and explorer Dick Smith made famous one through a around the world drive. Chrysler jeep Wrangler 4x4 proved how good their vehicles are off road Here is the earthroamer story:
JEEP WRANGLER EARTHROAMER
The Jeep EarthRoamer XV-JP became the first
camper to successfully complete the Rubicon
Trail earlier this year. One of the most diffi cult
and defi nitely the best known 4x4 trails in the
United States, the Rubicon Trail in the California
High Sierras, is a proving ground like no other.
Twenty two miles of extreme terrain including
rocky climbs with massive boulders, narrow
passages, steep inclines and an occasional mudhole
- crossing the Rubicon is truly a journey past
the point of no return, demanding everything a
vehicle and driver has to offer. The Jeep Rubicon
Unlimited based EarthRoamer XV-JP did not
disappoint on its namesake trail. The testing track
usually takes two days to complete, which refl ects
the degree of diffi culty.
With its aggressive 33 inch mud terrain tires,
ultra low 5.13 gearing, locking differentials and
stout skid plates, the EarthRoamer XV-JP camper
has gone where no camper has gone before. This
is the fi rst time a self-contained, fully enclosed
production camper has conquered the Rubicon.

4x4 Monster Trucks Time lapse photography

Monster Trucks recorded by Time lapse Photography.Venue I believe is Brisbane Australia.


Metal Heart from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.
Technorati Profile