Motoring November 29, 2019
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Farming Motoring
Friday, November 29, 2019
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TOWING STUFF!
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s we all know, Kiwis love getting away from it all as part of their annual Christmas break, often with family and caravan or trailer in tow. In preparation for the upcoming long, hot summer, Ed Finn, Holden NZ’s Corporate Affairs manager took the opportunity to partner with Jayco Caravans Auckland for an innovative towing event to showcase this quintessential Kiwi summer experience. He assembled close to $1m worth vehicles, including a variety of five large 21’ to 25’ long Jayco caravans, together with an array of Colorados and Trailblazers to tow them. Hitching up at Jayco Auckland, our convoy drove to the Shelly Beach Holiday Park, just north of Coromandel Town for an overnight experience (unfortunately just the one night). In the lead up to doing this Ed had said: “It’s all very well to talk about how good Trailblazer and Colorado are to tow with, so we thought we’d put our money where our mouth is and put these vehicles to the test as they offer the highest tow rating in the Holden range.” (3000 and 3500kg respectively). Before heading off most of those present, including yours truly, learnt a thing or two about just how much you can properly carry and tow. And that is including what exactly the 3000/3500kg tow ratings mentioned (irrespective of make or model) actually really mean. Like can you load that much weight onto a braked trailer and drive off, irrespective of how much other stuff or people are on/ in the tow vehicle?
The short answer, as shown below – is no! Lets consider why not. And also note that when preparing for any towing activity, you need to consider both the legal and other requirements that may apply. So it’s important to calculate the maximum allowable permissible weight of what you are actually towing. But to do this firstly it’s necessary to become familiar with the meanings of: (a) Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) being the maximum a vehicle can weigh. (b) Kerb Mass – the weight of an unladen vehicle but with full fuel tank. (c) Tare Mass – is still unladen, but with just 10litres of fuel. (d) Payload – the maximum a vehicle can carry.
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Roger Hart ROAD TEST
Colorado LTZ. So with referring to the terms as above, calculations for the approximate towing amount an LTZ with its GVM of 3150kg, GCM of 6000kg and 3500kg rated towing capacity are likely to be: Kerb Mass (including weight of canopy, bullbar, towbar,and deck-liner) 2357kg People, belongings and sundry stuff on deck – say 534kg Total vehicle weight 2891kg Remaining towing capacity – 10 per cent of towball load (GVM of 3150kg - 2891kg) 259kg Which means the towing capacity in accordance with the above is 2590kg This importantly illustrates that with any similarly rated, 3500kg rated tow vehicles, this does not mean you can fill them up with people and gear, then load up to and tow up to said 3500kg, whether on a braked trailer or similarly weighted caravan. A bullbar-free Colorado LTZ with two on board together with our light carry on luggage was hitched up to the luxuriously furnished, 25 foot (7.7metre long) Jayco Silverline Outback caravan. Complete with full kitchen, impressive bathroom (with washing machine), queen
We thought we’d put our money where our mouth is and put these vehicles to the test
(e) Gross Combined Mass (GCM) – the maxium the tow vehicle and whats being towed can weigh in total together. (f) Towball load – proportion of trailer weight that is applied vertically to the rear of the tow vehicle. So with these in mind here’s an example of how to calculate what you should actually be towing. Of course in this case the tow vehicle is a
size bed etc, this was my overnight accommodation. Its tare mass was approximately 2700kg so was in keeping with our towing calculations. Given the sometimes gnarly sections of the road as we headed up the coast from Thames I thought that maybe the size and weight of this caravan might be a challenge for both driver and Colorado! That certainly wasn’t the case, with both coping very well and performing admirably. Needless to say full use was made of the Colorado’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder Duramax engine’s 500Nm of torque. All the other technology on board contributed to making the towing even more manageable including the limited slip diff, grade braking on down hill sections and trailer sway control. The latter, which utilises the combination of ABS, Traction Control, and braking electronics, particularly in the tighter sections helped keep the caravan under strict control. Once on the flatter straighter roads with the large van on its coil spring suspension tracking so well, one actually had to be mindful of staying within the 90kmh speed limit. Current prices for the Colorado LTZ start from $38,490, then ranging up to $51,490 for the top of the line Z71. Meanwhile the seven-seat Trailblazer LT, is $46,990, and LTZ $50,990 (all plus ORCs). If you want to go top-of-the-line for the memorable Jayco Silverline Outback, you can own this for $103,000! PS. The NZ Transport Agency website’s guide to safe loading and towing is also certainly worth a visit.
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Friday, November 29, 2019
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It’s about making life easier
T
he Tucson Series II has evolved into an even more impressive medium-sized SUV with new features that set it apart from the crowd. Building on its award-winning design, the athletic presence with flowing surfaces, sharp lines and a new cascading front grille creates a powerful and lasting impression. An updated colour palette gives you a fresh range of choice. The upgraded interior helps make life easier for you and your passengers. With a new floating touchscreen, upgraded dashboard design and Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto® compatibility, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. To keep you and your family safe, Tucson Series II includes a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense™ safety technology (available on some models). Tucson is available with a variety of engines, transmissions and drivetrains, including a new 8-speed automatic in Diesel models. The powerful Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) engine produces 114 kW of power at 6200 RPM and 192 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, providing exciting performance while being economical at the same time. A powerful diesel engine offers perfor-
mance with economy, and has the advantage of HTRAC AWD for better handling on loose, rough or slippery surfaces. This popular 2.0 litre diesel produces 136 kW of power at 4000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1750 – 2750 rpm. Available exclusively on the R-Series 2.0 Diesel, the in-house developed 8-speed
automatic transmission offers enhanced shift logic, is faster, more responsive, and has smoother gear shifts. The 8-speed automatic also enables even more potent acceleration from standstill with improved Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) characteristics, more decisive acceleration at high speeds and
greater fuel efficiency. The Tucson Series II is sleek and stylish with a new-look cascading front grille, fresh colour range, updated alloy wheels and modern headlights. Its bold and athletic design with refined, flowing surfaces and sharp lines will ensure you stand out on the road. The Tucson’s interior has been optimised to give you and your passengers a more comfortable ride. And, with a new floating touchscreen and upgraded dashboard design, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. The Tucson Series II is packed with features to keep you and your family safe, including a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense™ safety technology*. Smart Cruise Control is a brand new feature available on AWD Elite & Limited models. *SmartSense™ safety technology available on certain variants only. This new feature lets you see a 360 degree bird’s eye view of the car, as you park, manoeuvre or drive into the trickiest of spots. The Tucson now features a standard USB charging port in the rear of the center console to maximize 2nd-row passenger connectivity and functionality. A wireless charging pad allows users to charge a compatible smartphone without the use of messy and unsightly cables. (Limited models)
Gluyas Motor Group Chris Hart Vehicle Sales Manager Mob 027 439 0887
Ray McLaren Vehicle Sales Mob 027 602 3311
Adam Banks Vehicle Sales Mob 027 312 0028
www.gluyasford.nz
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79 Kermode Street (03) 307 5800
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Farming Motoring
Friday, November 29, 2019
www.guardianonline.co.nz
the 3000hp custom truck
I
n the trucking world, four-figure torque figures are nothing to shake a stick at, as the huge displacement turbo-diesel engines are designed to handle incredible load for prolonged periods of time. Four-figure power figures, on the other hand, are usually reserved for race cars, and SEMA builds that proudly feature Bluetooth drive shafts, and questionable fabrication work. As you would’ve seen by now, this particular truck doesn’t fall into the standard category by any means, and looks like something that’s come right out of SEMA. To build this beast that has been dubbed ‘Thor’, the chassis of a Peterbilt 359 crew cab tractor unit was stretched to a huge 44 feet.
With this custom chassis to work with, almost everything on the truck was refinished in chrome or polished aluminium, including all the underside components. Before we get into the insane power plant weighing down the front end, the custom work that has gone into the aesthetics can’t be overlooked. At the front, a huge 1933 Ford-inspired chrome grille is flanked by a set of flared fenders, and while the paint looks like it should belong in an old Overhaulin episode, it’s truly stunning. • Latest facelift Interestingly, the owner had sourced • from 15,000km a V24-71 Detroit Diesel a 92-foot boat • 2.8L Turbo Diesel before starting the build. This engine is comprised of two diesel 14-litre V12 engines mated back-to-back
with splined cranks. As a naturally aspirated 28-litre 24-cylinder engine simply wasn’t enough for a build of this size, 12 superchargers were slapped on top of the insane lump for a
total power output of just under 3500hp or 2609kW. Performance figures haven’t been discussed in the listing on the Worldwide Auctioneers website, but we can imagine that this big rig would seriously move – if it can put all that power down to the ground that is. Also, this thing would have the turning circle of a cruise ship, but that’s not the point, right? Thor’s current owner and builder has revealed that it cost $7 million to build, and considering it took a team of four people over seven years to finish it, we’re not going to dispute that figure. It will be interesting to see if that $7 million will be recouped when Thor crosses the block.
MANAGER’S SPECIALS 2014 TOYOTA RAV4 GX 2WD • 2.0L Petrol • Low KMs • Tow Bar & Nudge Bar
$
WAS $24,995
2012 TOYOTA HILUX SR5 4WD Auto • 3.0L Turbo Diesel • Tow Bar & Nudge Bar • Canopy & Reversing Camera
NOW ONLY
23,495
$107 p/w - total cost $27,869.58
2010 TOYOTA HILUX SR5 4WD Manual • 3.0L Turbo Diesel • Tow Bar & Nudge Bar • Cruise Control • Bluetooth
$145 p/w – total cost $37,761.48
28,995
$132 p/w - total cost $34,269.30
2012 TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS • 2.7L Petrol • 10 Seater Minibus • Bluetooth + CD Player WAS $35,995
NOW ONLY
31,995
$
$
NOW ONLY
NOW ONLY
33,995
$
$155 p/w – total cost $40,345.38
2010 TOYOTA HILUX SR5 4WD Manual • 3.0L Turbo Diesel • Tow bar and nudge bar • Cruise control, bluetooth WAS $30,995
2016 TOYOTA HILUX SR 2WD AUTO • 2.8L Turbo Diesel • Bluetooth • 17” Alloys
NOW ONLY
29,995
$
$136 p/w – total cost $35,433.36
2018 TOYOTA HILUX SR SINGLE CAB UTE • 2.8L Turbo Diesel • Helmack Flat Deck • Bullbar & Side Rails
$194 p/w - total cost $50,560.92
*Terms & Conditions apply.
Andrew Rattray Parts Manager
Eddie Bakos Vehicle Consultant Cell No. 027 450 7544
Pam Mcllwrick Service
Robin McClimont Vehicle Consultant Cell No. 027 486 7546
30,995
2018 TOYOTA HILUX SR5 4WD AUTO • 2.8L Turbo Diesel • Super low kms • Facelift Shape WAS $49,995
NOW ONLY
49,495
$
$223 p/w – total cost $58,124.70
*Subject to Toyota Financial Services lending criteria. Weekly Classic Finance repayments calculated with a 10% deposit over a 60 month term at 10.75% p.a. with a $400 establishment fee and $9.20 PPRS fee. Will Hayde Branch Manager
NOW ONLY
$141 p/w – total cost $36,597.42
NOW ONLY
42,995
$
$
Ashburton Toyota www.ashburton.toyota.co.nz
OPEN MON-FRI 8AM-5PM SAT 9AM-1PM OR BY APPOINTMENT PHONE 0800 286 9682 | Cnr East St & Walnut Ave, Ashburton
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T
he LC line-up is representative of Lexus’ evolution towards becoming a luxury lifestyle brand, providing driving pleasure and excitement to enrich customers’ lifestyles. The new LC 500 Convertible joins the coupe as aspirational halo models for the entire Lexus line-up, providing unique driving experiences that stimulate the senses, and express ultimate beauty. The exterior of the new LC artfully blends the coupe’s unique roofline with the character of a convertible, achieving beauty with the top open or closed. The interior design considers how details such as the tonneau cover and seating materials become part of the design impression when viewed from the outside. The new model follows the coupe’s ‘Exhilarating Performance’ driving signature, providing a sense of unity with nature and an exhilarating driving experience that can only be enjoyed with a convertible. The interior body structure has optimal placement and shape of braces to yield high dynamic performance faithful to the driver’s intentions. And thanks to the car’s robust and sensual sounding V8, the LC 500 Convertible accelerates in a pleasantly linear manner. To further enhance the driving experience, the LC 500 Convertible comes equipped with neck heaters and a transparent wind deflector – supporting the leading comfort and quiet that is Lexus’ DNA. A stunning design with the top up or down, featuring Lexus’ signature attention to detail. With the exterior styling based on
that of the LC coupe, the convertible retains excellent aerodynamic performance and optimal weight distribution, incorporating functional beauty into the design. The soft-top roof provides a unique silhouette and sporty disposition befitting a convertible. The line of the rear trunk lid has been lifted and widened to create a dynamic side view and emphasise the low-and-wide stance. To ensure that the convertible version of the LC 500 retains a beautiful silhouette when the top is lowered, the automatic folding mechanism stores the top under an integrated tonneau cover. Because the designers incorporated a beltline that kicks up at the end of the doors, the vehicle’s profile is characterised by a body that wraps around the cabin, providing an overall tight and clean appearance. The colour palettes of the exterior and the soft top, as well as the elegant hues of the interior, were carefully selected and combined to cater to the LC customer’s high sense of style, taste and diverse lifestyles. The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, mated to the Direct Shift-10 automatic transmission, gives the LC linear-yet-invigorating acceleration. Power output is tuned according to the driving scene, with smooth acceleration character during normal commuting, and acceleration at the limit when the driver desires. In order to make the LC 500 Convertible’s V8 more enjoyable when the top is down, a sound generator transmits sensual engine intake sounds through the dash panel, while an exhaust valve enhances the powerful engine sound.
Friday, November 29, 2019
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A sound generator transmits sensual engine intake sounds through the dash panel
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$
• • • • • •
34,990
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Pricing indicated for D23WM & D23VM. Finance ooer available to approved applicants of Nissan Financial Services only and excludes all lease and some eet purchasers. Units must be registered by 31st October 2018 to qualify for the special nance ooer. The 1.9% Finance ooer applies to new Nissan vehicles only. The 1.9% p.a. xed interest rate is available with zero deposit and 36 month term. $375 establishment fee, $8.05 PPSR fee, and $10 monthly account keeping fee apply. Terms and conditions apply. Ooer cannot be used in conjunction with any other ooers and must end 31st October 2018 or while stocks last. Nissan reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this ooer.
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