NEWS

World’s Fastest & Most Powerful Pickup Truck

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle builder, has started production of the world’s most powerful pickup truck, the Hennessey MAMMOTH 1000 TRX with its upgraded 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 boasting 1,012bhp.

Measuring just over 19 feet long, almost 7 feet wide and 6½ feet tall, it's based on the 702bhp Dodge Ram 1500 TRX pickup truck. The high-performance-focused enhancements by Hennessey cut the 0-60 mph time to just 3.2 seconds - the quickest in the world - while torque grows to 969 lb-ft.

With modifications including a high-flow 2.65L supercharger, fuel injectors and high-flow induction system alongside performanceboosting calibration, the 6.2-liter V8 truck can achieve an 11.4-second quarter mile at over 120 mph.

Including buying the stock TRX, US owners opting for the MAMMOTH 1000 will typically pay in the region of $150,000 for their build. The majority of owners will take a highly spec. stock model, and add the MAMMOTH 1000 package and the Stage 2 off-road enhancements, which adds custom bumpers, LED lights, a front levelling kit, 37-inch off road tires and upgraded electronic fold-out steps, and a 2 year / 24,000-mile warranty.

Hennessey will ensure exclusivity for its customers by limiting production of the MAMMOTH 1000 - just 200 will be produced in 2021, and each truck is fitted with a special chassis plate recording its build number. The company has already sold more than 100 trucks,.

But why have a 1,000-horsepower pickup truck? Why not‽

Airstream Interstate 24X Touring Coach

Sadly not available in the UK, or Europe (yet?), but check out the new Airstream Interstate 24X.

Based on the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, it’s built for work, touring and off-road adventures.

Fitted with a 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel churning out 188bhp and 325-lbs. of torque, Airstream reckon you can confidently hit the end of the blacktop and take your exploration to the next level, and with a 7 speed automatic, four-wheel-drive, and Mercedes-Benz allterrain wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler AT tyres, I don’t doubt them.

Airstream has packed a lot into the sprinter, including a heavy-duty power system that packs twin 100-amp-hour deep cycle lithium batteries, a 5G-ready antenna, a power inverter, 400 Watts of solar panels on the roof rack, and off-road LED lights at the front, side, and rear of the vehicle.

The interior of the Interstate 24X is typical Airstream, with bright oak and steel mesh laminates used in the galley kitchen, walls, and rear living quarters, with dark grey marinegrade Simtex-carbon seating and red accents throughout the vehicle.

It’s spacious too and can seat six adults and sleep two quite easily.

When it comes to practicality, the high-roof Sprinter offers plenty of head room and Airstream have incorporated lots of overhead storage space for bikes, and even kayaks.

For those off-grid adventures, the Interstate 24X also boasts a 105 litre water tank, a galley kitchen with a twoburner stovetop, microwave, a fridge/freezer, and of course the kitchen sink. For those cold nights, it also features a diesel-fired heater and hot water system and an air conditioner.

price - eye watering! more at » www.airstream.com

Kia reveals the new European Sportage design

Kia has revealed images of the dedicated European version of their all-new Sportage. They say 'the exterior challenges design norms and moves the Sportage identity into the next generation, while paying homage to its heritage'.

Revealed earlier this year to great acclaim from the design community, Kia’s new design philosophy, Opposites United, is at the core of the all-new Sportage, influencing every aspect of its appearance and character. The principles of Opposites United will influence all future Kia designs, giving them the same basic DNA. The philosophy strengthens the connection between design and Kia’s new brand direction, ‘Movement that inspires’.

The front of the all-new Sportage creates an instant impactful design statement with a detailed-orientated black grille graphic stretching across the width of the face. The elongated grille links Kia’s modern signature Tiger Nose grille to the distinctive futuristic-styled boomerangshaped daytime running lamps.

The interior of the all-new Sportage offers intuitive and innovative technology to create a driver-orientated space that is state-of-the-art.

The high-tech touchscreen pad, along with the advanced integrated controller, acts as the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity. Both systems have been created to be easy to use, highly intuitive and soft to touch.

There is an ergonomic glossy centre console that provides storage, operating system configuration, cupholders and soft-touch switches, the latter sitting on a raised profile alongside the shift-by-wire transmission dial.

The all-new Sportage X-Line features a unique bumper, side sill and curved roof rack. On the inside, customers can choose between a signature sage green or black seating, as well as bold quilting and black metal wood to further bring to life the model’s confident persona.

More information on the European Sportage will be released in September so watch this space.

Defender hydrogen-powered fuel cell prototype in the works

Jaguar Land Rover is developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) based on the new Land Rover Defender, with testing scheduled to begin this year.

The FCEV concept is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s aim to achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2036, and net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039, in line with the Reimagine strategy announced last month.

FCEVs, which generate electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor, are complimentary to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the journey to net zero vehicle emissions. Hydrogen-powered FCEVs provide high energy density and rapid refuelling, and minimal loss of range in low temperatures, making the technology ideal for larger, longer-range vehicles, or those operated in hot or cold environments.

Since 2018, the global number of FCEVs on the road has nearly doubled, while hydrogen refuelling stations have increased by more than 20%. By 2030, worldwide forecasts predict hydrogenpowered FCEVs could top 10 million with 10,000 refuelling stations.

Jaguar Land Rover’s advanced engineering project, known as Project Zeus, is part funded by the government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre, and will allow engineers to understand how a hydrogen powertrain can be optimised to deliver the performance and capability expected by its customers: from range to refuelling, and towing to off-road ability.

To deliver Project Zeus, Jaguar Land Rover has teamed up with world class R&D partners, including Delta Motorsport, AVL, Marelli Automotive Systems and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to research, develop and create the prototype FCEV.

The zero tailpipe emission prototype New Defender FCEV will begin testing towards the end of 2021 in the UK to verify key attributes such as off-road capability and fuel consumption.

Ralph Clague, Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells for Jaguar Land Rover, said “The work done alongside our partners in Project Zeus will help us on our journey to become a net zero carbon business by 2039, as we prepare for the next generation of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles.”

Subaru's All-new Outback is out now

The long awaited All-new Subaru Outback is available now. The previous model was safe, but Subaru have pulled out all the stops to make the new 6th generation model safer - from an optimal driving position, window heights, and carefully arranged pillars to provide excellent visibility in all directions, to an array of worldclass, advanced safety technologies.

With generous equipment fitted as standard across all 3 trim levels, including the next generation EyeSight Driver Assist technology, Subaru’s cutting-edge stereo camera prevention collision system, with nearly twice the field of vision. EyeSight includes: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Function, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration, Lane Departure Prevention and PreCollision Braking System with expanded support for collision avoidance at junctions and crossroads.

A brand-new technology for Outback is the Driver Monitoring System which will alert the driver when distracted or feeling fatigued. Reverse Automatic braking is also a new safety feature fitted as standard for all-new Outback that helps drivers to avoid bumps when reversing and mitigates the damage in case of collision.

Besides its safety features, the Driver Monitoring System also delivers convenience with the facial recognition camera identifying up to 5 individuals in the driver seat and automatically adjusting settings for seat position, door mirror angles and airconditioning preferences.

The new model preserves the distinctive combination of permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with the directinjection 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder BOXER engine and Lineartronic CVT transmission. The improved engine performance offers more power for acceleration as well as when driving on rough terrain.

Designed for active lifestyles, all-new Outback is more spacious than the previous model, with up to 522L of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

The new Outback comes with a newly evolved X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for reliable control on steep, wet, or slippery terrain. Switch between SNOW/DIRT mode to confidently negotiate snow, dirt, or gravel, or SNOW/MUD mode for soft conditions.

The Outback also offers a 213mm ground clearance which maximises approach, departure and ramp angles, and minimises the risk of the bumpers or chassis getting damaged or stuck.

It also boasts a 2,000kg braked or 750kg unbraked towing capacity to enable high performance towing and control.

With a completely re-imagined cabin interior, the all-new Outback has a completely redesigned next-generation infotainment system, you can easily touch, swipe, or drag to navigate the large, intuitive 11.6” full HD vertical display or simply use your voice. Bring up maps, find contacts, send messages, select driving modes, and access compatible apps, news, music, podcasts and much more.

There’s so much more to say about the new Outback, but I don’t have the space, so you’ll have to wait for a future issue when I can get my hands on one!

OTR prices - Limited: £33,995, Field: £37,995, Touring: £39,495

INEOS & The HALO Trust developing its Grenadier 4x4

INEOS Automotive confirms The HALO Trust as a development partner for its uncompromising Grenadier 4X4. INEOS is aiming to develop a fleet of bespoke Grenadiers suitable for HALO operations, capable of supporting its lifesaving work in 25 post-war countries.

The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian mine clearance and weapons disposal organisation. With a worldwide fleet of over 600 4X4 vehicles, the joint British and American charity operates off-roaders in some of the most remote and inhospitable places on the planet.

“From mountain tracks to urban battlefields, HALO goes further to find and destroy landmines,” said James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust. “This means that we need a vehicle fleet fit for war zones, rainforests and deserts. Our 9,000 deminers are some of the most resilient people on the planet – they need a vehicle they can rely on to keep them safe and get the job done. We want to share our experiences with INEOS to help build an off-roader ready for the challenges of the 21st century.”

INEOS has been working with HALO since 2020, when it joined an active HALO operation in Angola and saw the charity’s vehicles negotiating pitted, rocky and sometimes undriveable roads. Seeing how drivers deal with the terrain and repair vehicles in challenging conditions and with only basic tools has helped shape the ongoing development of the Grenadier.

Over the next 12 months, more than 130 second-phase prototypes are being deployed as part of the vehicle’s ongoing worldwide 1.8 million kilometre testing and development programme. Grenadier prototypes will join active HALO projects, including in Kosovo. These development activities will be used by INEOS and HALO to assess the vehicle’s on- and off-road capabilities, as well as the ease of service, maintenance and repair in the field.

In future, INEOS aims to develop a fleet of bespoke Grenadiers for The HALO Trust, with features specific to its operational needs. These include anchor points to fit protective mine-proof belly armour and safe storage for mine-clearance tools. They will also need to be easily convertible into ambulances for the safe evacuation of potential casualties.

Nissan JUKE Rally Tribute Concept

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Nissan’s victory in the East Africa Rally in the iconic 240Z, Nissan has released sketches which show what a contemporary Nissan rally car based on the JUKE would look like.

The JUKE Rally Tribute Concept’s black bonnet and black wheels are a visual homage to the 1971 240Z that competed in the East African Rally. With short front and rear overhangs, Nissan believe that the production JUKE is a natural starting point for the design of the JUKE Rally Tribute Concept.

Complete with enlarged wheels arches to accommodate the tailor-made off-road tyres, the vehicle’s stance is now more imposing, while the additional lights mounted on the hood and roof underlines the JUKE Rally Tribute Concept’s credentials as a competitive off-roader.

In 1971, the legendary 240Z that took the victory of the gruelling East African Safari Rally was driven by Edgar Herrmann with navigator Hans Schüller. Indeed, the rally was a resounding success for the brand, with the 240Zs coming home in second and seventh positions. Furthermore, the victory represented the brand’s second consecutive victory in the rally.

The low-slung 240Z was powered by a 2.4 litre straight six cylinder engine, producing 210PS, with power sent to the rear wheels.The victorious car was restored to good order in 2013 and is part of Nissan’s heritage collection which is housed in Zama, close to Nissan global headquarters in the Kanagawa prefecture of Japan.