Trucks Plus June/July 2023

FRESH TRACKS

Ford Reveals Completely Redesigned Ranger and Announces Ranger Raptor Coming to North America

Ford has recently unveiled the all-new 2024 Ranger mid-size pickup that has seen nearly every aspect of the truck redesigned including its frame, suspension, powertrains, connectivity and advanced driver assist software. “Ford is the number one selling pickup manufacturer globally and Ranger is the winning choice for midsize truck customers around the world who need a capable, smart and versatile truck that’s ready to keep up with their adventures,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue. “The all-new Ranger has already proven itself on almost every continent with sales leadership

in 18 countries, and all of Europe. Now it’s ready for North America.” To meet the ever-evolving needs of its North American customers, the all-new 2024 Ranger now offers more towing technology than ever before, thanks in part to an available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine. Maximum available towing has been pushed up to 7,500 lbs with a maximum available payload capacity of 1,711 lbs. The standard engine option remains the 2.3L EcoBoost that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the newly available V6 EcoBoost provides 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both will be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The new Ranger provides enhanced interior storage, increased connectivity and 31 standard or available driver assist features on top of a bold new look highlighted by unique grilles and front end appearances.

Ford has also recently revealed that, after a long wait, the Ford Ranger Raptor will make its way to North American shores for the first time. “Ranger Raptor is the high-performance off-road truck so many customers have been begging for. It’s right-sized for tight trails and daily life, can carry lots of gear, and is a blast to drive,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. “Ranger Raptor is fast, comfortable, and packed with top-shelf, purposeful technology that’s designed to perform. This is the baddest Ranger we’ve ever made.” The Ranger Raptor will be powered by a unique 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that generates 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque and will be paired with an advanced four-wheel-drive system, a new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, and front and rear locking differentials. The Ranger Raptor will sit on a purpose-built suspension system that includes lightweight aluminum control arms, long-travel rear suspension with a Watts linkage and trailing arms for control in off-road situations. The truck features next-gen FOX 2.5-in. Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks that are coilovers at the front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear

Volume 16, Issue No. 3

June / July 2023

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher: Dean Washington dean@rpmcanada.ca

Associate Publisher: David Symons david@rpmcanada.ca

Managing Editor

Jordan Allan jordan@rpmcanada.ca

Distribution Manager: Brenda Washington brenda@rpmcanada.ca

Copy Editor: Gerry Frechette gerryf@rpmcanada.ca

Advertising Sales: Elaine Fontaine elaine@rpmcanada.ca

Contributing Writers / Photographers:

Jordan Allan

Howard J Elmer

Dan Heyman

Spencer Whitney

Benjamin Yong

CONTACT INFORMATION

TRUCKS PLUS Magazine is published seven times per year by RPM Media Inc.

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to reduce friction and heat build-up. To further enhance its ruggedness and capability, the Ranger Raptor has taken the Ranger’s fully boxed frame up a notch by reinforcing the front frame rails, front shock towers, rear shock brackets, suspension mounting points and other key areas. Inside, the Ranger Raptor boasts a sport steering wheel, cast magnesium alloy paddle shifters, six overhead upfitter switches and supportive Ford Performance front seats. Both the 2024 Ranger and 2024 Ranger Raptor are currently in production with a late summer availability expected.

Toyota Announces All-New 2024 Tacoma

Toyota has revealed the all-new, completely-redesigned fourth-generation Tacoma mid-size pickup that was designed, engineered and assembled for North America. Everything from the ground up is new and the Tacoma is built upon the TNGA-F global truck platform that is shared with the Tundra and Sequoia. The Tacoma utilizes a new high-strength boxed, steel ladder frame and features a redesigned multi-link coil rear suspension that improves ride and handling. Two new and powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine options will be offered including the standard 2.4L that produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque when paired with the alsonew eight-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), and 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with the new six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching and anti-stall tech-

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nology. The other engine option will be the iFORCE-MAX hybrid powertrain that pairs the 2.4L engine with a 48 horsepower electric motor that’s integrated into the aforementioned eight-speed transmission, creating a total system output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, both of which are all-time highs for the Tacoma. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain will be available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models and will come standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter halo models, which itself will feature new Old Man Emu 4x4 Suspension by ARB that has been tuned for optimum levels of off-road control and load carrying capacity. The Tacoma features a bold, new exterior look that does a great job of being modern but staying true to the Tacomas of the past, while the redesigned interior features all of the latest creature comforts and an available 14-in. touchscreen display. No official word yet on when the truck will be made available for buyers, but we expect there will be some news on that later this summer.

Chevrolet Introduces First-Ever Silverado HD ZR2

Fans of Chevrolet’s ZR2 off-road trim will be happy to learn that the Silverado HD trucks will now be getting the same treatment with the introduction of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2. Joining the Silverado 1500 ZR2 and Colorado ZR2, the HD ZR2 models add race-

proven technologies and enhanced off-road capability to the full-size pickup with an even more specialized ZR2 Bison model featuring unique equipment from off-road aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles. The ZR2 trim will be offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration with either the standard 6.6L gasoline engine or 6.6L Duramax

Turbo-Diesel. “The Silverado HD ZR2 is for those who want it all: For when you need to haul equipment to the jobsite during the week, then the camper and family off the beaten path on the weekend,” said Sahar Nasif, program engineering manager, Silverado HD ZR2. “It’s for those who want their tow rig to be just as cool as the toys it’s hauling.” The HD ZR2 of course features the ZR2 family’s front grille along with unique wheel opening mouldings with integrated mud guards and ZR2 badging on the grille bar. The truck provides a higher stance with the suspension raised approximately 1.5-in. front and rear. Other off-road upgrades include specific front upper and lower control arms, Multimatic DSSV dampers, larger steel transfer case skid plate, a rear e-locker and 35-in. Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires mounted on 18x9-in. aluminum wheels. As should be expected, GMC has also announced it will be giving the AT4X treatment to the HD Sierra, which shares many similarities with Chevy’s ZR2 trim. Both trucks will be available in the third quarter of this year.

Ram Truck Introduces 2023 Ram 1500 Rebel Havoc Edition

A new 2023 Ram 1500 Rebel Havoc Edition has joined Ram Truck’s light-duty lineup and will only be available in extremely limited quantities. The truck offers a unique Baja Yellow exterior colour with black

Uconnect 5 touchscreen, black side-view mirrors, heated front seats and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat. The Ram 1500 Rebel Havoc Edition is on-sale now in extremely limited qualities.

Jeep Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Jeep Beach Event

The Jeep brand celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Jeep Beach in Daytona Beach in late April, and saw the event draw more than 230,000 attendees and 30,000+ Jeep SUVs. Making one of its first public appearances post unveiling (which you’ll read about later), the

accents and off-road focused interior content. “Ram 1500 Rebel Havoc buyers will enjoy the newest addition to our light-duty lineup, which offers a distinctive combination of unique exterior appointments only seen on a Ram truck,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “Ram 1500 continues to be the no-compromise benchmark for durability, technology, efficiency, performance and convenience with features never before offered in a pickup.” The truck builds on the popularity of the TRX Havoc Edition and offers an additional way to get into a Ram truck with an exclusive, limitedrun colour offering. It’s available with the Rebel Level 2 equipment group and the 5.7L HEMI eTorque V8 engine and features a 12-in.

brand new 2024 Wrangler 4xe and 392 were on display, as were the Wrangler Magneto 3.0 EV Concept and the 1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept. “The Jeep community is as strong as I’ve ever seen it,” said Jim Morrison, head of the Jeep Brand in North America. “Our fans have always demonstrated an unparalleled love for the brand and are incredibly passionate about their Jeep vehicles. We saw well over 230,000 Jeep brand enthusiasts throughout the week, and with over 30,000 Jeep 4x4 SUVs on site, I don’t think I saw any two the same.” The Jeep Beach event covers 6.5-acres of infield at the Daytona International Speedway and, since 2012, has donated more than $2 million to local charities through fundraising efforts.

EV Revolution

Story and photos by Dan Heyman

Ram is the latest of the big three truck makers to jump on the EV bandwagon with the 2025 Ram 1500 REV (Ram Electric Vehicle, in case you weren’t sure), unveiled at the New York Auto Show. It joins the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV in the race to bring electric driving to the ultra-popular world of the light-duty pickup truck.

The 1500 REV will be available with two all-electric powertrains: one with a 168 kWh battery pack good for up to 560 km, plus a colossal 229 kWh battery version good for over 800 km of

range. That eclipses what’s being offered by the Lightning or the Rivian R1T and should be more than what’s required between charging opportunities. If buyers want or need more, an XR range-extended version is going to be announced at a later date and will provide what Ram says is “class-shattering” range. They are keeping mum past that for now, but we’re expecting the possibility of a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a large battery for longer all-EV driving.

In addition to the range provided, Ram is claiming a 0-100 km/h time for the REV of around 4.5 seconds thanks to the 654 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque made by its dual 250 kW drive motors; there’s one on the front axle, one on the rear. Those figures also allow for a payload of 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg) and a tow rating of 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg) with a 5.7-foot bed as the only choice. There is also a front-axle disconnect that allows the front wheels to spin freely for better efficiency.

Speaking of charging opportunities: Ram is saying that when hooked up to a 350 kW DC fast charger, owners can expect to add about 177 km of range in just 10 minutes. As far as overall charging goes, Ram hasn’t confirmed anything there yet, but if current trends in the charging world hold, we expect a charge from 1080 per cent in 20-30 minutes when hooked up to a DC fast charger, and likely 5-7 hours when hooked up to a

level II home charger. And, if you want your Ram to do the charging, it will be able to do so thanks to a 7.2 kW on-board generator in the bed, and a 3.6 kW charging panel in the frunk. That kind of power is enough to power a tailgate party, tools at a jobsite or even a home, say, during a blackout. Then, when power comes back on, the truck will automatically reverse the energy flow and start to power itself from the grid.

While the 1500 REV retains the strength of a body-on-frame chassis, it will be getting an all-new STLA platform developed especially for full-size electric vehicles that adds wider frame rails in order to accommodate the battery. The gas truck’s rear multi-ink suspension remains for better ride and handling and four-corner air suspension comes as standard.

Styling-wise, the REV is differentiated from other Ram models thanks to its “tuning fork” LED headlamps, new “Ram” badge on the grille and a new hood design, required to accommodate the 425litre power-operated frunk.

Inside, the proceedings are anchored by an optional 14.5-inch

central infotainment display, but there’s also a segment-first 10.25-inch display ahead of the front passenger that allows passengers to help input navigation commands, stream music and so forth. The standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, meanwhile, now has a menu that displays charge schedule and there is also one-pedal driving. In top Tungsten spec – that’s a new trim for Ram – we find diamond-knurled real metal inserts,

It’s a brave new world for pickups, and Ram appears to be jumping in feet-first with the REV. Exciting times are ahead and watch this space for more coverage of the EV revolution going on over at Ram.

premium quilted leather and trim-specific Klipsch audio system with 23 speakers.

BUYERS’ GUIDE

Air Design USA’s Ram 1500 Front Bumper Guard with DRL

Description: Air Design now offers new custom-designed, sports-type Front Bumper Guards that combine off-road styling with advanced OE materials for a front-end upgrade. The heavy-duty bumper guards are application specific and install easily without any need for cutting or drilling. They are manufactured with high-performance polyurethane polymers and then surface coated with German Mankiewicz satin black OEM paint.

Specifications: Each guard is DOT-approved and features Osram-Sylvania DRL LED technology lights.

Applications: Made for Ram 1500 pickups.

Website: www.airdesignusa.com

ARIES TrailChaser Jeep Bumpers

Description: ARIES TrailChaser front and rear bumpers for the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator feature a customizable, modular design that provides multiple configurations for both the front and the rear. Each comes available in aluminum or steel and is able to accept several accessories including LED lights, winches, tow hooks and brush guards.

Specifications: Available in both steel and aluminum.

Applications: Available for the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator.

Website: www.ariesautomotive.com

Enthuze Front Bumper for Jeep JK

Description: The Enthuze Jeep bumper for the Jeep Wrangler JK features a modular design. Each piece can be attached or swapped out as desired, giving you complete freedom of customization. This particular piece includes the front-end centre section only and is intended to accept sides and brush guards. It is constructed from T6 aluminum alloy to be strong, lightweight and rust-free, and has a unique, textured black powder coat finish for maximum corrosion resistance.

Specifications: Hardened T6 aluminum construction to be strong, lightweight and rust-free

Applications: Made for Jeep Wrangler JK.

Website: www.enthuze.ca

Fab Fours Matrix Series Front Winch Bumper (Non-Sensor)

Description: Fab Fours combined the best aspects of its Premium Winch Bumper and its Vengeance Series to give you the best slim-fitting steel bumper in the truck game - MATRIX SERIES. Ready to hold a 30-inch light bar, (4) LED cube lights, a Warn Zeon / Evo 12 or smaller winch, integrated D-rings. The Matrix Series gives you the peak of style and utility for your 2022-23 Chevy 1500.

Specifications: Available in a No Guard or Pre-runner Guard option.

Applications: 2022 -23 Chevy 1500

Website: www.fabfours.com

Go Industries Winch-Ready Jeep Front Bumper

Go Industries’ Jeep Front Bumper is fully winch-ready and easy to install without the need for brackets. Manufactured from laser-cut 3/16-in. steel plate material that holds up to a 9,500-lb. winch, the bumper retains the factory fog light mounting locations and comes in a black wrinkle finish that will integrate into just about any colour scheme.

Specifications: The bumper also has a couple of light bar mounting locations for that truly customized look.

Applications: For the Jeep Wrangler.

Website: www.goindustries.com

Go Rhino`s Rockline Stubby Front Bumper

Description: Go Rhino`s New Rockline Stubby Front Bumper is an exclusive design for the Jeep Wrangler JL with winch and light mount capabilities which allow users to customize as they see fit. The tubular centre hoop is one of the spots lights are able to be mounted to, while the signature rhino horn tow hook and D-shackle mount is perfect for days on the trail. The front centre features a removable mesh cover and a light mount for 20-in. double row light bars or four 3-in. cube lights.

Specifications: The bumper is also available without the welded tubular centre loop.

Applications: Jeep Wrangler JL.

Website: www.gorhino.com

TRAIL-READY STRENGTH WITH STYLE

FOREFRONT ™ BULL BAR & GRILLE GUARD

• Carbon steel frame provides durable, high-quality front-end protection

• Four-point frame mount system for exceptional stability

• One-piece, welded center piece to maximize strength and durability

• Side brush guards provide added headlight protection (grille guard only)

• Integrated tow hooks for towing and hauling capabilities

2165200

ICI Alumilite Series Bumper for 2014-2023 Toyota 4Runner

Descriptions: ICI is now offering an Alumilite Series Front Bumper for the 2014-2023 Toyota 4Runner that is manufactured from 5052 3/16-in. aluminum which is comparable to steel in strength but weighs less than 45 lbs and will not rust. It accommodates all OE factory parking sensors and Toyota Safety Sense and will accept up to a 12.5K winch with a steel winch carrier included.

2019 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition

Specifications: The bumper is primed, eco-dipped and powder coated black for both a great look and even more protection, and features internal and external LED light bar options plus multiple LED cube bracket locations.

Applications: Now offered for the 2014-2023 Toyota 4Runner.

Website: www.icionline.com

ICON Impact Pro Series Rear Bumper

Description: ICON Vehicle Dynamics’ new Impact Pro Series rear bumper for the 2021+ Ford Bronco has been made with off-road form and function in mind and features a multi-faceted, high-clearance design. The bumper is designed with the smallest form factor possible without cutting into the Bronco’s frame rails and cross member, which ensures great ground clearance and departure angles.

Specifications: Recessed recovery points allow for secure attachment of soft shackles, and the bumper also includes provisions to mount a pair of 2-in. LED backup lights.

Applications: 2021+ Ford Bronco

Website: www.iconvehicledynamics.com

LMC Truck’s OE-Style Rear Step Bumper for 200-12 Ram Trucks

Description: LMC Truck offers a complete OE-style replica rear bumper for the 2009-2012 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks, meant to be a complete, stock replacement that will not change your truck’s look in any way. From the hitch assembly to the step pad design, the bumper matches the original bumper in every way and is made from die-formed construction.

Specifications: The bumpers are tested to a maximum 500 lbs. tongue weight and 5,000 lbs. trailer weight and includes the OE-style brackets and necessary mounting hardware for a seamless installation.

Applications: For the 2012 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500.

Website: www.lmctruck.com

Luverne Prowler Max™ Grille Guard

Description: The Luverne Prowler Max™ grille guard adds protection and style with its heavy-gauge, punched steel screen and wraparound ring design. It also features a built-in 4-in. step for under-the-hood access and the signature logo reveal. For added functionality, a winch tray attachment is available, rated to 16,500 lbs. straight-line pull and built for vehiclespecific application.

Specifications: The Prowler Max™ has a no-drill installation and is available in two finishes.

Applications: Most full-size pickup trucks

Website: www.luvernetruck.com

N-Fab M-RDS Prerunner Front Bumper

Description: N-Fab’s M-RDS Prerunner front bumper follows the line of your truck to create an extremely clean and truly pre-runner look. The new Multi-Mount system allows you to mount various combinations of LED lights, and the bumper itself bolts onto the factory bumper mounts for an easy installation.

Specifications: Features a fully one-piece welded design using 1.75-in., .095 wall tubing.

Applications: Available for select Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan and Toyota.

Website: www.n-fab.com

Rampage Products Front Tube Bumpers

Description: Rampage Products Front Tube bumpers are robotically welded to exacting specifications to ensure a perfect fit and long life. They are treated with dense zinc undercoating before being put through a dual powder coat finish, and boast a one-piece design to further enhance their durability.

Specifications: Manufactured with high-quality 304 stainless steel.

Applications: Available for the Jeep Wrangler JK, Wrangler JL and Gladiator.

Website: www.rampageproducts.com

Ranch Hand Legend Series

Description: Ranch Hand’s Legend Series is unrivaled in strength and style. The Legend Front and Back Bumpers are built for 3/4-ton and bigger trucks and are composed of Schedule 40 pipe and diamond plate steel. These bumpers were created to replace a fragile factory bumper with a steadfast piece of steel that will last the truck’s lifetime.

2019 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition

Specifications: Built for half-ton and bigger trucks, the Legend Grille Guard is the original icon of the vehicle protection industry and is one fully-welded piece of steel that mounts to your truck’s frame, providing maximum strength and defence.

Applications: Available for half-ton and larger trucks.

Website: www.ranchhand.com

Rugged Ridge Venator Front Bumper

Description: Rugged Ridge’s Venator front bumper for the Wrangler and Gladiator features a stamped shell crafted from sturdy steel plate, and a distinct sectional design where subtle contours contrast with sharp angles, resulting in a great appearance. The full-width front bumper surrounds an integrated winch plate capable of supporting most aftermarket winches up to 12,500-lbs. A lower skid plate accents the bumper while also providing front end protection.

Specifications: Finished in a dark grey powder coat finish that matches factory bezels and trim.

Applications: Available for the 2018-present Jeep Wrangler and 2020-present Jeep Gladiator.

Website: www.ruggedridge.com

Steelcraft’s Fortis Heavy-Duty Bumpers

Description: Steelcraft’s Fortis Front Bumper replacements offer a sleek and close-fitting design that complements the lines and flow of your truck. They are made with a fully-welded one-piece construction crafted from 6ga steel and have been engineered for strength and durability.

Specifications: The bumpers come with a matte black finish and are fully ready for a 20-in. light bar, two pairs of 3-in. Cube lights as well as recovery shackles. In addition to the immediate appearance upgrade, the bumpers also provide unmatched front end protection.

Applications: Available for a wide variety of trucks; visit website for complete listings.

Website: www.steelcraftautomotive.com

WARN Elite Series Bumpers for Ford Bronco

Description: The WARN Elite Series Front and Rear Bumpers for the new Bronco help to increase the SUVs off-road performance. The front bumper accommodates most mid-frame WARN winches up to 12,000 lbs. in capacity, and can be had with a grille guard tube for extra frontal protection. Plus, this bumper accommodates larger tires and has an increased approach angle. It accommodates a spare tire up to 37-in., reuses the factory recovery points, and wears a stateof-the-art powder-coated finish, too. These bumpers will fit both four- and two-door models.

Specifications: Thick steel construction, front bumper accommodates mid-frame WARN winches up to 12,000 lbs. and has welded-eyelets for recovery. Rear bumper accommodates tires up to 37-in. and utilizes factory recovery points.

Applications: Two- and four-door Ford Bronco.

Website: www.warn.com

WeatherTech BumperTopper

Description: WeatherTech’s BumperTopper protects your vehicle’s rear bumper from scratches, scuffs and wear in general caused by everyday loading and unloading of cargo. The product is made of impact-resistant plastic and attaches to your bumper’s surface with adhesive strips.

Specifications: A centre indication mark makes installation easy and accurate and the BumperTopper features an application-specific design for a custom fit. In addition to providing protection, the product can also be used to cover up any already existing damage to the bumper.

Applications: Visit website for complete listings.

Website: www.weathertech.ca

Westin’s New XTS Front Bumper

Description: Westin’s new XTS Front Bumper is a winch-capable upgrade that enhances front end protection and functionality. It features a low-profile winch mount which improves air flow and utilizes a lightweight, 10-gauge steel shell combined with a solid 4-gauge centre section capable of accommodating most winches up to 12K capacity.

Specifications: The bumper also adds welded mounting points for recovery and is fully compatible with factory sensors.

Applications: 2021-2023 Ford Bronco.

Website: www.westinautomotive.com

Rugged Yet Comfortable

Story and photos by Benjamin Yong

The Toyota Tundra enters a carry-over year continuing to impress with its stylish exterior, rugged yet comfortable build and contemporary technology. There aren’t any changes this early in the generation — no, a V8 is still not offered — but for most consumers the twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid provides more than enough performance.

“Toyota reimagined and re-engineered its full-size pickup in the 2022 model year and the 2023 Tundra boasts proven capabilities, modern features, and fresh styling — everything that ensures Toyota truck fans will deem it a worthy replacement for their older Tundra model,” says Cyril Dimitris, Toyota Canada president, in a media release.

Trucks Plus got behind the wheel of the top-of-the-line Capstone grade, which is based on the CrewMax configuration, bringing a more premium experience to consumers. Some differentiators include a trim-specific chrome mesh grill with body-coloured frame, as well as polished mirror caps, badging and 22-inch wheels. The 5-foot composite bed is formed using sheet-moulded compound resistant to dents and rust, and powered running boards and bed step grant extra convenience.

Cabin-wise, the a massive 14-inch landscape-oriented tablet dominates the space, giving off a rather futuristic vibe, and is complemented by a 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio stereo. The infotainment has an available Intelligent Assistant voice concierge built-in: users simply say, “Hey Toyota,” and then a command like search for a POI or compose a text message. Another 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster display behind the steering wheel replaces traditional analogue gauges.

Exclusive two-tone, black-and-white semi-aniline perforated leather upholstery covers the seats, and the centre console and passengerside dash are made out of a beautiful genuine Dark American Walnut open-pore wood. An interesting touch is a light-up Capstone logo

2023 Toyota Tundra

inset into the latter, designed to illuminate when the doors are opened. Above, a panoramic moonroof is standard, as is acoustic glass in the front doors to reduce road noise.

Building on top of the standard 3.5 twin-turbocharged V6, the i-FORCE MAX adds a clutch and 48-horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque motor generator nestled between the engine and 10-speed auto transmission,

together outputting a net 437 and 583, respectively. The layout permits both systems to work together or independently of each other, maximizing the amount of usable torque obviously needed for a pickup.

The result is impressive acceleration for the segment, and a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, which is an improvement of nearly 18

per cent compared to the outgoing version, helped by the truck’s new high-strength boxed steel-ladder frame and reworked suspension. The fronts are double wishbone, while the rears are a multi-link setup with coil instead of leaf springs that, as a bonus, also enhance ride quality and reduces body roll during turns.

Aiding the act of towing is a Tow/Haul mode tailoring throttle response when bringing along a small trailer or boat. For bigger items such as an RV, a plus setting should do the trick. When activated, the ignition stop/start functions are automatically turned off to make the task as seamless as possible. Trailer Back Guidance and Straight Path Assist both ensure incident-free reversing and general manoeuvring.

In addition, a plethora of strategically-placed onboard cameras allow drivers to keep tabs on what’s happening outside at all times. For example, Panoramic View Monitor affords a nifty top-down shot, and the optional digital rear-view mirror shows a much wider angle than looking at the regular reflection.

Love it or hate it, the Tundra sounds incredible anytime the pedal is enthusiastically applied due to simulated engine noise coming out of the speakers. Otherwise, at low speeds things are actually quite quiet, especially since the hybrid is capable of moving (slowly) utilizing just power from the Ni-MH battery power mounted under the rear seats.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra continues to be built at the brand’s factory in San Antonio, Texas where the pickup has been assembled since 2008. MSRP starts at $76,145.

Base price (MSRP): $76,145

Type: ........................................................................ Pickup truck

Layout: ........................................... Front engine, 4-wheel drive

Engine: ..................... 3.5L twin-turbo V6 + 36-kw electric motor

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Power: 437 hp @ 5,200 rpm (net)

Torque: 583 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (net)

Brakes: Front/rear disc with ABS

Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): 12.7/10.5

Head-Turning Design

First Drive of the 2024 Hummer ev SUV

Story by Howard J Elmer, photos courtesy of GM Canada

The 2024 Hummer ev SUV is all about showcasing new technology – all-electric technology. This can be tough to do for a manufacturer because the real cutting-edge stuff is all under the skin. So, the answer to attracting attention is to put all that tech into the most eye-catching skin you have available. That’s exactly what the Hummer ev SUV is; a head-turning design driven by an all-electric platform supporting new revolutionary driving tech.

I recently drove this new Hummer through two days of rain in Napa Valley, CA. In some ways, it’s similar to the H2 and H3 (both of which I drove at launch) – by that I mean the look of it. It’s the obvious next generation of a family with a heritage that started 30 years ago in the deserts of the Middle East with the HMMWE (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) – the military Hummer. So, while the DNA is intact in this new Hummer, the propulsion is not.

Built on the GM Ultium platform, the Hummer ev SUV packages its power in a relatively small space: using a 20-module, double-stacked battery pack, consisting of two layers of ten modules. It can deliver up to 830 hp and up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque. Off the line, it’s capable of hitting 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in approximately 3.5 seconds. It even has an integrated launch control and, as I found out, it will stick you to your seat and peel your eyelids back.

The other reason it gets this type of acceleration is that it is fitted with three electric motors which send power to each wheel. It has a very low centre of gravity, and weight is evenly distributed front to back. Frankly, it just hunkers down and hooks up on acceleration – there is virtually no wheel spin.

Now, this Ultium platform is more than just a housing for the battery pack. GM describes it like this: “The HUMMER EV’s body protects the

battery, while the battery supports the structure. That means the battery pack itself is a structural element, which enables a truly open-air experience and a rare combination of extreme off-road capability and smooth on-road performance in a body-frame integral platform.”

In other words, the battery is part of the frame. This strength and rigidity of the floor helps reduce twisting and deformation, while also providing the stiffness. In the case of the Hummer ev, it makes it possible to build it with removable Sky Panels and I-Bar – a convertible of sorts.

However, it is also obvious at this point that this Ultium platform can (and will) support other GM bodies – like the coming all-electric pickup trucks. This statement also brings another thought to mind; much of the unique technology found in this Hummer is also transferable – like the Ultium platform – so in effect, this Hummer is a showcase. Look to see many of these various systems migrating into other GM vehicles moving forward.

Here’s a list of what’s part of the Hummer:

• The Ultium platform itself is offering up to 350 miles (560 km) of range per charge (GM Estimated). It is also capable of using 300kW DC fast charging. What that means is that you can get 100 miles (160 km) of range from a 14-minute charge.

• The three-motor e4WD drive system – (1 motor front; 2 motors rear) is in essence a 4WD system with “virtual lockers.” Even when not locked up, the system uses torque vectoring, constantly sending power to each wheel as needed, on-road or off-road.

• New available Power Station generator2 enables 19.2kW AC charging, generator functionality (120v/25A/3kW) and ability to charge other EVs (240v/25A/6kW)

• Great degree of personalization via customizable buttons on the centre stack. Nearly 200 accessories will be available for Hummer EV.

• With nearly 9-inches less wheelbase than the HUMMER EV pickup, it gets expected best-in-class off-road proportions, with greater departure and breakover angles and a tighter turning circle of only 35.4 feet (10.8 metres) with 4-Wheel Steer.

• Regen on Demand, which can slow the vehicle to a full stop without pressing the brake pedal, and feeds that energy back into the vehicle

• One-Pedal Driving and Terrain Mode. One-Pedal Driving can slow the vehicle to a full stop using only the accelerator pedal, providing very fine control. Terrain Mode uniquely integrates this One-Pedal Driving, giving the driver precise control while off-roading and rock crawling.

This Hummer ev SUV comes as either on-road trim (larger tires, less equipment) or as an offroader – that adds several unique features. To start with, the off-road power is controlled by the CPU and available to each wheel. This Ultium drive system keeps the vehicle moving in some of the toughest driving conditions and terrain, also by using 13 inches of suspension travel (plus available four-corner air suspension), climbing 60-percent grades (forward and reverse), scaling 18-inch verticals and fording water more than two-feet deep.

I had a chance to go on an off-road course, which had been turned into a quagmire by the rain. The Hummer ground its way through the ever-worsening ruts – dragging its belly – and coming out the other side, dirtier but still moving. And slow! That’s what’s surprising with this Hummer; it slowly grinds through debris and mud – it doesn’t race and crash through it. I had to keep reminding myself that I had to re-learn off-roading. Fifty years of running front-engine heavy gas trucks off-road has taught me to expect a twitchy, light rear end, so momentum was king. Not so anymore – electric is simply very different.

GM has 90,000 Hummer EV reservations, made online, to date. Vehicles should start to ship this spring.

As for cost – here it is:

Edition 1 on-road: $142,598

Edition 1 off-road: $154,193

EV3X: $135,598

EV2X: $122,098

EV2: $108,598

IT’S MORE THAN A TAILGATE. PROTECT IT.

YOUR TRUCK’S TAILGATE IS IMPORTANT PROTECT IT WITH THE McGARD TAILGATE LOCK

Our strong, lightweight lock never needs to be removed once installed, providing around the clock tailgate theft protection. No need for any vehicle modifications. The McGard Tailgate Lock fits most pickup trucks!

IN THE TIME IT TAKES YOU TO READ THIS, YOUR TAILGATE COULD BE STOLEN.

To see just how quickly a tailgate can be stolen, scan this QR code with your camera app or go to mcgard.com/tgl

McGard Tailgate Lock

Real-World Testing

Story by Howard J Elmer, photos courtesy of the manufacturers

In any gas station, anywhere in the country, as you fill your vehicle’s tank, you watch the numbers roll on the pump display. It’s natural to watch your money as it’s being spent – and because of this ritual, that we’ve observed all our lives, we have a very intimate knowledge of fuel prices (their ups and downs) and what that money spent means in terms of the kilometres we’ll be able to travel. It’s been like this for over a hundred years. Even the most non-techy person has some inkling of the fuel economy of their vehicle – and by extension how many dollars go into their gas tank. This truth does not hold with EVs. It just not that simple with the cost of electricity and the charging of the new generation of EV vehicles.

Recently, I had the Ford F-150 Lightning for a week of testing. This all-electric truck is in many ways ground-breaking tech, as far as propulsion and the driving experience goes. However, the gas station ritual is now gone, and a new one is on the rise – the charging station, and it is nowhere as simple.

I had to charge the Lightning several times during the week and apart from the mechanical part of it, I realized that I did not have the same sense of money/kilometres travelled that I have always had with a gas-powered vehicle.

Firstly, we are all acutely aware of the price of gasoline. Sure, because we buy it – but also because every gas station has a huge sign promoting its price facing the roadway. You can’t go for a drive without seeing the price of gas several (if not dozens) of times during your trip. Not so, with electricity.

Many people may have some idea of prices based on their home hydro usage. However, as I discovered, this has no relationship to the costs at a commercial charging station.

Let me illustrate:

What does it really cost to charge your EV?

Meanwhile, at the Electrify Canada charging station, I paid 42.7 cents (pre-tax) per kWh. That’s almost three times the domestic On-Peak rate.

Here are the details from that charging session: 01/06/2023 9:58:25 AM Barrie South, 75 Maple View Drive W., Barrie, Ontario L4N9H7

# 800019–04

As above, I did the math and it worked out to 42.7 cents per kWh. Why the bill shows the charging price per minute I am not sure. As the consumer, I am interested in my cost per kWh only - because that’s how I am going to estimate my consumption.

Here is a little more math. If I had charged at home, during peak pricing, I would have paid (53.81 kWh x 15.1 cents) = $8.13 for the same charge I got at the Electrify Canada station. So, charging on the road cost me almost three times what I would have paid in my own driveway (assuming I had the appropriate charger installed at home). This, too, is not the gas station experience we are used to. But what does this mean in terms of kilometres travelled? After all, that’s how we compute the cost of travel.

A full charge on that F-150 Lightning nets approximately 300 kms of range. So that means it cost me somewhere between $8.13 and $25.99 to travel that 300 kms.

Now, looking at that same 300 kms of range in a non-EV. A typical gas-powered F150 has an average fuel economy of 13.5 L per hundred km. So, travelling 300 km will consume 40.5L of regular gas x $1.40 per L = $56.70. So, sure that’s a lot more.

So, after all this explanation, what are the relevant takeaways?

Okay, electricity is significantly cheaper than gas when it comes to powering a vehicle. However, the problem at the moment is that the public at large does not clearly understand the relationship of kWh/km/price. This is the fault of the charging station builders. On

the other hand, with gas stations, we have it figured out. It’s simple math, but with electric vehicles, not so much. This will have to change before there is a wider acceptance of EVs.

The Next Step

Story by Howard J Elmer, photos courtesy of Lighship

With me covering the introduction the Ram REV – all electric pickup – at the New York Auto Show, it seems fitting to move into RVs, because that market too is doing some innovative things with electric propulsion. The obvious new models are being built on all-electric commercial vans – like the Ford Transit. Winnebago

Lightship RV L1

currently is field testing one it calls the eRV2. Solar power on-board RVs is quite common now as well. Still, these are early days in both the Automotive and RV industries.

Just recently, a new company has released its first trailer design (the L1) that may well be that next step in the evolutionary ladder. Called Lightship RV, the California company consists of founders who have backgrounds building modern, electric vehicles. The team comes from tenures at Tesla, Rivian, and other leading EV manufacturers. The L1 was designed from first principles, harnessing smart aerodynamic design down to the integrated windows and tail lamps.

At first glance, I could see the point of minimizing drag so as to reduce tow vehicle fuel consumption – be that gas or electric. However, this trailer goes past that. The L1 is self-propelled.

An electric drive motor and aerodynamic vehicle body combine for weightless, low-drag towing. The design is said to enable near-zero range loss to your EV, or better mileage for your gas ve-

hicle. With this setup, it’s estimated that you can stay in the woods for seven carefree days. And, no more propane.

While at your campsite, you can also use the L1 to charge your EV. And when it’s in your driveway between trips, plug it into your house. Your L1 is a massive power-producing, energy-storing home backup generator. Our goal is simple, says the company - no guesswork, and no emissions, fossil fuels, or buzzing generators.

Built into the L1 are solar roof panels and extendable solar awnings that provide up to 3kW of solar power. The batteries store up to 80kWh of energy onboard. The trailer itself is engineered for comfort, and ease of use.

Curious why the L1 looks different from other trailers? The company spent thousands of hours in the virtual wind tunnel for a towable that’s sleek and stable, floating down the road with ease. Extend your trip range and your adventures with the L1. Every decision was aero from the start, so you can glide through the air when you’re on the road. Meet a completely new shape with sleek front edges, a tapered rear, and telescoping hard-sided walls. This Dual Mode trailer moves quickly from Road Mode to Camp Mode.

The Lightship L1 has a sign-up sheet on its website – where it also says that it will be shown around the country, at select locations in the coming months. For more info, have a look at their site: https://lightshiprv.com/

BUYERS’ GUIDE

B&W Tow & Stow Hitch

Description: B&W’s Tow & Stow hitch features adjustable height settings as well as multiple ball sizes to allow it to fit just about any trailer. It is easily stowed under the vehicle when you are not towing, which keeps it out of the way when not in use. The hitch boasts a steel construction for durability and fits any standard 2-, 2.5- or 3-in. receiver.

Specifications: Features an anti-theft design that allows you to insert lockable pin, and even when not in the ball portion, is not removable while the hitch is installed on a vehicle.

Applications: Fits any standard 2-, 2.5- or 3-in. receiver.

Website: www.bwtrailerhitches.com

BOLT 5/ Receiver Lock

Description: The BOLT 5/8 Receiver Lock is a one-key convenient solution to locking up your hitch. The stainless steel pin and lock shutter is both durable and weather proof. Lose all the keys, and just use one key - your vehicle key - to unlock all of your BOLT Locks!

Specifications: Stainless steel pin, weather proof, auto return spring locks automatically when key is removed, double ball bearing locking-mechanism, plate tumbler sidebar to prevent picking and bumping, stainless steel lock shutter to keep out dirt and moisture, limited lifetime warranty.

Applications: Fits most Ford, GM, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Toyota and Nissan vehicles

Website: www.boltlock.com

BOLT Trailer Coupler Lock

Description: The BOLT Trailer Coupler Lock is a one-key convenient solution when storing your trailer, boats and other towing accessories. The hardened steel hardware provides extra security, and the red powder-coated plate is a visible theft deterrent. Lock up your trailer and just use one key - your vehicle key - to unlock all of your BOLT Locks!

Specifications: Works with 1 7/8, 2 and 2 5/16-in. couplers, hardened steel hardware for extra security, maximum protection for unattended trailers, corrosion resistant, limited lifetime warranty.

Applications: Fits most Ford, GM, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Toyota and Nissan vehicles

Website: www.boltlock.com

CURT Crosswing 20K Fifth-Wheel Hitch with Bed Protectors

Description: The CrossWing™ Fifth-Wheel Hitch is designed to raise the bar on towing. It is engineered to be solid yet easy to handle by combining robust strength with state-of-the-art technology, all while remaining lightweight. Compared to traditional fifth-wheel hitches, the CrossWing is 65% lighter with a main body weight of only 70 lbs. And with its lightweight design, assembly and installation are a breeze and can be done by one person with no extra hassle. Unique coupling system eliminates guesswork by offering visible contact surface.

Specifications: Premium steel construction offers robust 20,000-lb. capacity. Three points of height adjustment from 17-1/2 to 21-1/2 inches. Simple, three-bolt assembly, right out of the box.

Applications: Available for most 2 5/16; gooseneck ball attachment.

Website: www.curtmfg.com

CURT Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller

Description: The Echo® mobile trailer brake controller wirelessly connects to your smart- phone, allowing you to control and monitor all trailer brake activity right from your own device. It has one of the easiest installations in the industry. It simply plugs into the standard 7-way RV blade socket at the rear of your vehicle and provides a socket to plug in the trailer harness. It Ts into the connection, going between the vehicle and trailer plugs, and it is completely non-invasive. It also features automatic calibration to help eliminate setup requirements.

Specifications: Compatible with low-volt, PWM, ABS, cruise control and electric over hydraulic. Built-in reverse-polarity and short-circuit protection.

Applications: Fits any vehicle 7-way

Website: www.curtmfg.com

CURT Rockerball Cushion Hitch Gooseneck Ball

Description: The CURT RockerBall cushion hitch gooseneck ball takes all the powerful qualities expected from CURT’s trailer balls and kicks them up a notch by featuring unique ShockDrop technology. It provides a simple swap to a smoother, more comfortable towing experience because there is no need to replace the entire trailer coupler -- just drop the RockerBall in with virtually any gooseneck hitch receiver and the difference can be felt immediately!

Specifications: Rated for up to 30,000 lbs. GTW and 7,500 lbs. vertical load limit

Applications: Compatible with CURT Double Lock Original, EZr and most BW gooseneck hitches

Website: www.curtmfg.com

DRIVEN TO KEEP YOU MOVING

GROW WITH US

Lordco Auto Parts has undergone many changes over its 48 years, but nothing compared to the opening of its 328,194-square-foot distribution centre in 2022.

Designed for today and future growth, the center supports semi-autonomous order pickers and autonomous robotic forks and has room to scale operations by up to fifty percent. More than a state-of-the-art distribution center, the new building symbolizes our commitment to modernize, expand and grow our business alongside yours.

Enthuze Class III Hitch

Description: Enthuze Class III Hitches are made with vehicle-specific design offering superior strength and fit. Made with a co-cured rust-resistant liquid Bonderite coating and durable black powder coat finish, and an open-back receiver for easy cleaning.

2019 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition

Specifications: Made with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit.

Applications: Available for many late model trucks and SUVs.

Website: www.enthuze.ca

Fastway Integrated Scale Ball Mount

Description: Fastway has unveiled the newest addition in the FLASH Ball Mount line with the introduction of the Integrated Scale Ball Mount or ISBM. One of the most innovative features on the ISBM is the integrated tongue weight scale that helps trailer owners reach proper tongue weight for each trailer load, which improves both towing performance and safety.

Specifications: The product is made with aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs less than half of some comparable steel ball mounts, which makes carrying, adjusting and installing the ISBM that much easier.

Applications: Not application specific.

Website: www.fastwaytrailer.com

Reese M5 Fifth Wheel Hitch

Description: Reese’s M5 Fifth Wheel hitches feature a three-part modular design, with wider stance legs, tighter tolerances and a top-of-the-line shock absorption system. They also feature an exclusive Talon Jaw that is always ready to receive and provides a locking handle and a clear tow/no tow indicator so you can be sure that your connection is secure.

Specifications: Rated for up to 27,000 lbs. towing capacity and up to 6,750 lbs. pin weight capacity.

Applications: Fits Ford’s OE Prep Package.

Website: www.reeseprod.com

TRIMAX™ Razor Ultra Aluminum Adjustable Hitches

Description: The next generation of the TRIMAX Razor has arrived. These fully adjustable hitches are unmatched in their strength, function, and style. The new channel allows the ball mount to easily adjust and can be turned and stowed when not in use.

Specifications: RP style is for 2-in. receivers and available in 4-, 6-, and 8-in. drops. HD style is for 2.5-in. receivers and available in 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-in. drops. RP weight tested to 12,500 lbs. HD weight tested to 20,000 lbs.

Applications: Fits all 2-, 2.5- and 3-in. receivers. (3-in. with adapter sleeve sold separately.)

Website: www.trimaxlocks.com

TRIMAX™ TBL33

Description: TRIMAX™ Bullet Latch Lock covers entire hasp and rivets for maximum security. The hardened shackle cannot be cut.

Specifications: 3/8-in. hardened steel shackle. Weather resistant lock design. Covers entire hasp and rivets for maximum security.

Applications: Ideal for Trailer Doors, Gates, Vans, and RVs.

Website: www.trimaxlocks.com

Weigh Safe Drop Hitch

Description: Weigh Safe’s Drop Hitch features a built-in scale that signals you to adjust your load before you hit the road which results in a much safer and enjoyable towing experience. To use, simply hook your trailer up to the Weigh Safe ball mount as you would any other ball mount and the weight of your trailer will push down the hitch ball which then will give you a reading on the scale.

Specifications: Drop Hitch comes with a drawbar, 2-in. ball, ball retaining pin, dust lock cover, slider with gauge, a 2 5/16-in. ball and lock plate key assembly.

Applications: Not application specific.

Website: www.weigh-safe.com

Rough and Tumble

Story and photos by Dan Heyman, additional photo courtesy of Stellantis

Like the changing of the seasons, the more things change, the more they stay the same when it comes to redesigning the iconic Jeep Wrangler – and by all accounts, that’s just fine. The Wrangler is one of those automotive rarities in that it knows its place. It’s not trying to be a crossover-coupe-sports car-GT or somesuch; it’s a rough and tumble off-roader with all the fixins required of the archetype and Jeep doesn’t want to change too much lest it upset the legions of Wrangler fans, who have bought the Wrangler to such a degree that it is the bestselling vehicle Jeep builds. Further to that: in 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form, it’s one of the biggest-selling vehicles of that type in North America, and the bestselling PHEV in the US.

So, the redesigned 2024 model, then, will have a lot to live up to – just like the version before that, and the version before that. For

2024, though, they have made the customary slight changes; the 7-slat grille that debuted on 2023’s Rubicon 40th Anniversary model has now gained a few extra finishes – gloss black and platinum silver – and is now thinner for better cooling and easier installation of a factory-installed 8,000-pound capacity Warn winch, available on Rubicon models for 2024.

That winch is not the only practical upgrade; the 4xe PHEV model now comes with an optional Powerbox feature, which includes four 120V household outlets to make your stay at the campsite that much more comfortable as it provides the ability to plug in coffee makers and other small electronics to lend just a little more homeliness to the site.

Speaking of power: for the 2024 facelift, there has been no change to the powertrains. You still get a 2.0-litre turbo four good for 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6L V6 good for 285 hp

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Debuts

and 260 lb-ft, a 6.4L Hemi V8 in the 392 model that provides 470 hp and 470 lb-ft, and of course the 4xe PHEV, good for 375 hp and 470 lb-ft plus an all-electric cruising range of around 34 km.

The bigger change for ’24 comes in the chassis department, as the current Wrangler’s semi-float Dana 44 rear axle has been replaced by a full-float Dana 44 heavy-duty unit. That allows for the fitment of larger wheels and tires – tire sizes range from 32 to 35 inches – as well as a towing capacity increase to 2,267 kg (5,000 lbs.) on the four- and six-cylinder models. Those 35 inchers, meanwhile, can be found on the hardcore Rubicon X, one of two new trims for ’24, the other being the Sport S 4xe that provides a lower cost of entry to the world of 4xe.

Speaking of wheels and tires: there are ten new designs ranging from 17 all the way up to 20 inches; ask a Wrangler person not ten years ago how they’d feel about 20 inchers on their Jeep and they’d probably have you committed, but with the luxurious High Altitude model, well, that’s just how it is today.

Meanwhile, the Rubicon gets the Danas, and other trims get the new wheels as well as the return of the one-touch Sky power folding roof and the half-door option for even more open air enjoyments.

Inside, the proceedings are dominated by the arrival of Uconnect 5 infotainment as standard and that system’s 12.3-inch display. That’s the largest ever fit to a Wrangler and in order to make it work, the designers had to replace the central vent roundels for a single slim vent. In addition to being the size of an iPad Pro, the display is also backlit by LEDs for a crisper image and better glare reduction, too.

The new system’s arrival in the Wrangler makes it the third Jeep to get it, after the Grand Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee SUVs. In addition to being able to display (now wireless) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Jeep says that the Trails Offroad app will soon be arriving and with a subscription, guides to a 3,000-trail database. Even without a subscription, Wrangler owners will still get info on 62 trails that are given the “Badge of Honour” from Jeep. They range from the Rubicon Trail (no surprise there) in California to the Jericho Mountain array in New Hampshire.

Other neat new interior features include more microphones found throughout the cabin for better phone performance, more sound deadening – more sound deadening! In a Wrangler! – as well as thicker glass and carpeting. It all points to Jeep looking at the more

comfortable Ford Bronco and finding a way to match that truck’s attitude. In another lift from the Ford, there are now accessory rails mounted to the dash for easy GoPro placement when it comes time to record your off-road adventures.

The 2024 Wrangler will start arriving in dealers later this year and you know that, as they always have, they will sell like hotcakes with the new “luxury” adds, and the Sport S 4xe possibly opening the door to a brace of new-to-Wrangler buyers.

Overlanding the Ocean

Story and photos by Spencer Whitney

It’s not normal for an overland adventure to begin over water – but that’s exactly where Chris and Julie Ramsey zeroed the odometer to mark the start of their 27,000 km pole-to-pole adventure, on ice in the Canadian Arctic. Armed with a heavily-modified Nissan, they’ll be the first drivers to make the trek in one go – not just in a regular vehicle, but a fully-electric one too. Thanks to years of careful planning, support from some of the best 4x4 builders in the world, and a manufacturer willing to help them push the limits, Chris and Julie reached the 1823 Magnetic North Pole this past spring and are now turning their sights to the south.

If there’s a theme to this expedition, it might be “not normal” – but the Ramseys are no strangers to taking a battery-powered car on a seemingly-impossible journey. For over a decade, the Scottish

Pole to Pole in an Electric Vehicle

couple have been pushing the limits of EV travel. Before this adventure, they were best known for their successful 2017 Mongol Rally run in a Nissan Leaf. (It came in well under the event’s 1.2L engine displacement limit.) With a 150 km range, the compact firstgeneration Leaf wasn’t exactly suited for long-distance travel, but after over a hundred charges (and almost two months), they made it to the finish line. For a polar expedition, however, they needed something with a bit more range and capability.

Their next vehicle would need to cross long stretches of tundra and frozen ocean in weather as cold as -40C while also being able to cruise on long stretches of paved road. At 27,000 km, the journey also required something more comfortable than a Leaf. Fortunately, Nissan stepped in to support the couple with a brand-new Nissan Ariya, a compact crossover that has just debuted in North America. With five trim levels, this new model is a larger companion to the Leaf, with the Pole to Pole expedition example in top trim and equipped with full-time all-wheel drive, along with a crucial 87kWh (460km range) battery. But before they could depart Europe, the Ramseys needed a few mods.

Even if you haven’t heard of Arctic Trucks, you’ve most likely seen their work – if nothing else, in the famous Top Gear Arctic episode. Long established as premier 4x4 builders, the company has spent decades perfecting the “Arctic look” on every brand of offroader – big wheel arches,

balloon-like off-road tires, central tire inflation, and much more. Builds coming out of their workshops are not just for looks, having conquered every continent with a particular ability in extremely cold climates. For an expedition like Pole to Pole, there really was no other choice. For the Ariya, AT created a custom lift kit to fit 39-inch BF Goodrich tires, along with front and rear towing and recovery points – but no modifications were made to the battery or drivetrain. Even though most of their trip will be on paved roads, these upgrades were the only way this Nissan could reach Cambridge Bay and the 1823 Magnetic North Pole – a point first charted 200 years ago and the northern starting point of the adventure.

For most of the Ariya’s journey, no support was necessary – so they relied partially on what local residents were willing to provide. In just about every town they visited, Chris and Julie were welcomed with typical Canadian hospitality and kindness, including people happily donating the use of their power outlets. (There aren’t many public EV charging points in our country’s northern reaches, after all.) When it came to the critical Yellowknife-to-1823 Pole section – an incredibly

remote and roadless journey across rocky tundra, rolling hills, and unpredictable sea ice – a full support crew joined the Ramseys, as is wise for any remote travel on unknown terrain, regardless of the vehicle involved. As intrepid overlanders push the limits of travel, Canada’s lesser-known Arctic towns will become more frequently visited – just ask any resident of Tuktoyaktuk – and there’s no doubt that EV infrastructure will be needed in the years to come.

Cambridge Bay is a remote northern community, wholly separated from the Canadian mainland by open ocean, and accessible only by specially equipped vehicles in the winter when sea ice forms. In

fact, until 2022, nobody had ever driven there from the mainland for “fun.” It’s difficult to explain just how remote some places in Canada are, but on a map, it’s clear that this is a massive achievement for any vehicle – let alone an EV. The one-way distance between Yellowknife and the 1823 pole is well over 1,200 km!

Once they had reached their goal, there was little time to relax and celebrate – with spring in full swing, the ice road (and their only way

back to pavement) was beginning to soften up. Just a year prior, another team making the same journey had lost a vehicle to the bottom of the Arctic Ocean when it broke through the ice. With little more than a few pictures, the convoy turned around and headed back toward civilization.

The Ramseys had planned to use a custom-built wind turbine trailer to charge up the car on this stretch, but as luck would have it, the late-spring arctic weather was sunny and windless. This trailer sports a powerful 5kW wind turbine that charges a small bank of batteries,

vehicle, and the steering rack was damaged and required repair in the field. This is why detailed planning and support is crucial for remote travel regardless of the equipment, and why a journey like this would never be done solo.

With the initial leg of their 27,000 km adventure complete, the couple are now reflecting on the purpose of the trip while they criss-cross the United States. Their goal is to overcome seemingly impossible electric vehicle challenges, without preaching an end to combustion engines. An EV is not an ideal vehicle for this journey – which is exactly why they did it with one. Many drivers are still skeptical of EVs, and suffer from range anxiety, but if the Nissan Ariya on the showroom floor can make it to the top of the world, the rest doesn’t seem so impossible. By leading with this example of new technology overcoming adverse conditions, the Ramseys hope to lead others in their direction. Given the seemingly inevitable progression of traditional 4x4s in to the EV realm, it may not be so long until a solid-axle full-electric Jeep makes the same trip.

which in turn power a charging system that plugs into the Ariya. Now that the Arctic portion is complete, Chris plans to add solar panels that will top up the EV when sufficient sunlight is available.

Considering the terrain encountered and the endurance required for all-day driving in remote conditions, it is very remarkable that the expedition has suffered only one accident so far – and zero breakdowns. While traversing rocky tundra, the Ariya struck a rock buried in a snow drift. The impact wouldn’t have been kind to any

Special Breed

Story and photos by Dan Heyman

The Range Rover is a special breed.

Rare is it that we find a vehicle that was technically a model within a line-up – in this case, Land Rover’s line-up – but has gained such a following that it’s known to everyone except the real Landie die-hards – these people do exist – not as the “Land Rover Range Rover”, but just simply the “Range Rover”. Not only that, but it has come to be known not as the off-road workhorse it once was, but as the beacon for the luxury SUV segment.

Which bring us to the latest offering from the brand, the 2023 Range Rover PHEV, or plug-in hybrid vehicle. In P440e guise, it gets a turbocharged six-cylinder engine but with that comes a powerful 104 Kw EV motor fed by a 38.2 kWh battery that combines with the big six to offer 434 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque but perhaps equally importantly at this level – or perhaps more so – up to about 88 km of all-EV driving. When you think that most Range Rovers in North America are going to spend most of their time in the city – where chargers are plentiful and the ability for the system to regen on-the-fly is increased – you could see that many of these could be driven as full EVs for quite a lot of the time.

Of course EV-powered, gas-powered, jet engine-powered – it’s all somewhat secondary when you consider just how spectacular the Range Rover looks, and it’s spectacular not for the reasons you may think, necessarily.

Indeed, when it comes to modern Range Rovers, the bling factor has been high. Massive grilles, big wheels, bright LED lights with lenses the size of your head and so on were the orders of the day but for 2023 (well, 2022, actually but we’ve had to wait until the 2023 model year for the PHEV), they’ve cleaned things up a bit. This latest Range Rover is much smoother looking than previous; the door handles sit flush to the panels around them, both the head- and taillights are a fairly low-profile affair and the traditional side details on the front fenders make a return – to a degree. Instead of the panel having a tail (or a hockey stick shaft, for us Canadians) that reaches along the bottom of the doors rearwards, what we have now is a u-shaped single panel with a body-colour insert, once again cleaning

things up a little. The way the taillights are attached at either end by an insert that gives the impression of a band wrapped around the whole affair takes a little getting used to, but it’s a gutsy stylistic choice for a vehicle so steeped in tradition.

I guess the one thing I would have asked for was for them to take a few more of those risks with the front end; at this juncture, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this new Range’s front end for that of the older model. The

headlight lens shape, the LED DRLs within and the grille style aren’t as much of a departure from the previous-generation model as the rear end is, which I guess is a bit of a shame.

Either way, this latest Range Rover – like so many before it – has presence for days but has stylistically become much more Rolls-Royce than BMW, and that’s a very good thing.

Inside, it should come as very little surprise that all the stops have been pulled out. The what feels like acres of leather is of top-to-top quality (and

The Range Rover remains at the front of the modern SUV pack

can be upgraded to even higher-class semi aniline leather, as seen here) but there’s a mix of some more environmentally-conscious stuff as well; most notably, we have in the top-range SV model what Range Rover is calling “ultra fabric” inserts, which is like a soft almost sweatpant-like polyurethane that is sustainable. It may sound here like something that doesn’t belong in an ultra-luxe SUV like this, but when seen in person, it fits rather well.

The dash aesthetic can best be described as “minimalistic”, that is to say by using a good mix of touch displays and more traditional knobs and buttons, the Range Rover’s dash is uncluttered, but not so full of touch displays defaced by greasy fingerprints. Indeed, if you’re a Range Rover owner that happens to pay a driver (or a limousine company that operates one), you don’t want a bunch of bright screens and flashy dash jewellery serving as distractions.

A big move Range Rover did to reduce this was to replace the lower digital climate control touchscreen display for a pair of dials and a few choice buttons. By pressing either dial, you can have it control your climate control or your seat heater control. Indeed, time spent inside a Range Rover (especially if you spec the reclining rear seat option) is properly zen-like for passengers and drivers, from the low-profile shift lever and drive mode select knob that retracts when not in use, to the single-spoke steering wheel, to the low-profile HVAC vents. At 13.1 inches, the main touchscreen display is the biggest ever seen in a Range Rover, but its convex surface and hi-res graphics do well to keep everything tight and controlled, and the display is responsive to touch commands.

Of course you can always activate wireless CarPlay instead, but this is such a slick system that I wasn’t quite as quick to do so as I usually am.

At 2,695 kilos, it comes as no surprise that the Range Rover PHEV is no lightweight – that’s a lot truck, a lot of leather and a lot of battery – but it’s the way it deals with that weight that’s so impressive. The adaptive dampers and air suspension is so quick to react that body roll is beautifully countered through long sweepers.

That’s impressive. More impressive for me, however, is how those dampers come into play under braking and acceleration. Typically under braking in a big vehicle like this – or any vehicle, for that matter – you’ll get dive as the weight flows forward. That’s just physics. What Range Rover’s done, however, is bring those dampers and air suspension into play to firm up a little under braking so there’s almost no dive. It’s an uncanny feeling to know that you’re slowing down, but mainly because the scenery around you is slowing down as opposed to your frame being thrust forward. It’s the opposite under acceleration so that you don’t have that squat when you hit the go pedal. Just a neutral, low inertia body. Top mark.

Power-wise, you’ve got good ol’ gas power doing the lion’s share of the work, but that EV motor steps in to help you jump off the line that much more quickly and also to reduce power delivery lag in-between shifts. It smooths everything out and makes for some continent-crushing motive force, done so with maybe a little growl on throttle tip-in, but mostly with a gentle purr. This is a luxury cruiser, through and through.

A luxury cruiser, to be sure, but it’s also a Range Rover meaning it needs to be able to handle itself off the road as well. To answer that bell, the Range Rover can wade in up to 900 mm and with drive modes like rock crawl or mud and rut, it has the chops to scrap with the loosest and most gnarly surfaces Mother Nature elects to throw its way. Add a smart hill-descent control system that handles braking, throttle and the transmission while you focus on steering and you have a truck as comfortable on the gravel as it is on the strip. Granted, most of these will spend most of their time on the latter, but for those spending time at ski resorts and so on, having that peace of mind is a big part of owning a Range Rover.

Bottom line is this here covers all the most important Range Rover bases in spades. It has the styling, it has the power, it has the off-road chops and now it has that PHEV boost to really put it over the top. None of its competition from Mercedes, or Bentley or even Rolls Royce can make that claim, putting this vehicle steeped in SUV tradition, right at the front of the modern SUV pack.

GEARING UP

Eibach PRO-LIFT-KIT HD

Eibach’s PRO-LIFT-KIT HD load compensating rear lift springs are designed to be used with the Eibach PRO-LIFT-KIT or PRO-TRUCK-LIFT and eliminate the need for air bags, spring spacers or excessive spring rate. The springs are ideal for those seeking a drop-in replacement over standard lift springs to compensate for additional weight over the rear axle, and are designed to maintain desirable ride height while carrying heavy loads.

For more information please go to www.eibach.com

UWS Crossover Boxes

UWS truck tool boxes are assembled in the USA and are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Each crossover truck tool box features the patented RigidCore(TM) lid, extra-thick aluminum construction and convenient operation from either side of the vehicle. A connecting rod allows for convenient operation from the driver or passenger side, and the box itself features a patented RigidCore foamfilled lid to maximize strength and prevent binding.

For more information please go to www.uwsta.com

BOLT JL/JT J-Mount

The BOLT JL/JT J-Mount is a one-key convenient solution to locking up your Hi-Lift Jack to your Jeep while on the trails. Your jack is held securely in place on either the driver or passenger side of your Jeep with two knobs, and locks in place with the BOLT lock head. Easy to install and bolts into existing holes on your Jeep. No drilling required! Ditch the keys, and just use one key - your Jeep key - to unlock all your BOLT Locks. Secure your High Lift Jack to your Jeep using your Jeep key, easy to remove while on the trails. Symmetrical design allows for mounting on either drive or passenger side, includes matching ditch light and amount for both sides.

For more information please go to www.boltlock.com

BrightSource

Siberia Night Guard Light Bars

BrightSource’s new Siberia Night Guard double and single row light bars are unique to our market with four lighting functions in a single housing. First, the high-power driving light extends your range of vision, between 432 - 452m, depending on the size of your LED bar. There is a position light with a white or amber option, allowing you to customize your vehicle’s appearance. Finally, the amber strobe warning function can be used for daily work duty, for emergency lighting or off-road adventure, whatever your needs. With doublerow options of 12 and 22 inches, or single-row options of 20, 32 and 38 inches, there is a size and performance function to meet your needs. Each bar has side and sliding rear channel brackets to simplify installation.

For more information please go to www.brightsource.ca

BD Diesel’s Build-it Kit & Converter Packages

For enthusiasts that are looking to rebuild their own transmission and are in need of specialty parts that perfectly match your application, BD Diesel has curated a comprehensive range of rebuild part kits that feature the same components used in BD’s high-performance transmissions. The kits are designed to empower builders to complete transmission rebuilds easily. A variety of kits are offered starting from the basic rebuild parts and gaskets all the way up to a Stage 4 Master Kit. Build-It kits are now available complete with a Torque Converter.

For more information please go to www.bddiesel.com

B&M Hi-Tek Heavy-Duty Deep Transmission Pan for Ford 10R0

B&M’s Hi-Tek deep transmission pans are constructed from A356-T6 aluminum and are cast with thick internal and external fins which add additional strength and increased cooling properties. The pans increase fluid capacity by almost 2 litres over the OE pan which, combined with the other features, will help dissipate heat quicker,

which nets lower transmission and fluid temperatures and prolongs the life of your transmission, fluid and corresponding components. The pan also includes a drain port with a magnetic drain plug for clean and easy servicing. The pans are now available for Ford/ Lincoln vehicles with the 10R80 transmission like the Ford F-150, Expedition, Explorer, Bronco, Ranger Navigator and Aviator.

For more information please go to www.holley.com

GEARING UP

HyperTech Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Ididit 171-10 International Scout II Tilt Steering Column

Ididit’s 1971-1980 International Scout II Tilt Steering Column was designed to bolt directly in place of the factory tilt column (early non-tilt column trim can be modified to fit). This column also reuses factory mounts and requires no additional accessories to install. The column features Scout specific trim and welded mounts, collapsible tube and steering shaft, 8-position tilt, self-canceling turn signal and keyed ignition. Finally, it is available in a black powder coat finish.

For more information please go to www.ididit.com

ICON Vehicle Dynamics Front Diff Drop Kit for Tundra

ICON Vehicle Dynamics has released its front differential drop kit for the new 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra, which lowers the front diff in order to improve CV angles at full suspension droop.

Polyurethane mounting bushings replace the soft OE bushings to help limit differential movement under load, and the brackets will endure the elements with their CNC laser-cut steel construction with a semi-gloss black powder coat finish. The kit is 100-percent bolt-on with no cutting or welding necessary for installation.

For more information please go to www.iconvehicledynamics.com

HyperTech is now offering a wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that is the perfect solution for trailers or older vehicles without TPMS. The system monitors tire pressure and temperature for the best possible fuel efficiency and safety. The wireless LCD unit displays the information for each included TPMS Sensors and sounds audible alarms for too high or too low air pressure, a tire leak or excessive tire pressure.

For more information please go to www.hypertech.com

Bilstein B 5100 1.5-In. Lift Kit for Jeep

Bilstein is now offering a B8 5100 1.5-in. Lift Kit for the Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited. This complete suspension system includes Bilstein B8 5100 monotube shocks and sway bar links, long-travel cold-wound springs and other enhancements to provide enhanced performance, wheel travel and articulation for off-roading. The lift kit will allow Rubicon models to fit 35-in. tires on stock or aftermarket wheels, and non-Rubicon models to fit 33-in. tires. The kit will maintain proper suspension geometry without needing additional aftermarket components.

For more information please go to www.bilstein.com

Fix-A-Flat® X-Large Tire Sealant

Fix-a-Flat® aerosol tire inflators are the easiest and quickest way to repair a flat tire in an emergency. Fix-a-Flat is designed to seal small tire punctures in seconds and provide enough inflation to lift the rim off the ground. The product seals tread area punctures up to 1/4-in. diameter with no need for a jack or tools. Fix-a-Flat is a tire sensor safe, eco-friendly formula that cleans up easily with water and is non-flammable, non-toxic and non-corrosive. The new 680g size can is perfect for extra-large-sized tires on pickup trucks, trailers, large SUVs, vans, and RVs.

For more information please go to www.fixaflat.com

Bundutec’s Fully Automatic Bundutop Roof Top Tent

With the push of a button, you are camping, with the Bundutop electric rooftop tent. Standard size is 2,100 x 1,350 x 300 mm when closed, and 2,100 x 1,350 x 1,030 mm when open. The tent weighs about 80 kg, and boasts entry from any side, giving you 360-degree access and view. Each window/door is manufactured with the canvas on the outside and the mesh on the inside. The Pro Pitch technology fully pitches the tent in just 30 seconds and it is able to be used with all vehicles and trailers that have solid roof racks and cross bars.

For more information please go to www.bundutec.ca

STUCK TRUCKS

Guess he’ll have to go out the passenger’s side.

Would love to know how he got out of there so cleanly.

If only they had stayed on that perfectly level path right there.

Looks like this isn’t the only battle this thing’s been through.

At least he’s not afraid to get dirty in order to get out of there.

That’s quite the channel he’s got himself in to.

We’re sure that most of you have had the misfortune of getting stuck while out on a weekend adventure. So send us your photos of your adventure to stucktrucks@rpmcanada.ca and if we use your photos we’ll send you a cool Trucks Plus hat!