Ford gets into aftermarket off-road parts with ARB kit for Ranger

Ford Performance and ARB 4×4 Accessories are teaming up to develop components for Ford off-road enthusiasts. The all-new winch-capable front bumper for Ford Ranger is the first component from the collaboration, bringing even greater capability to the adventure-ready Ranger.Ford Most pickup truck owners have modified their whip in some manner. Be it a simple tonneau cover or an extensive lift kit, there is no shortage of aftermarket gear to buy for ones 44.Ford is seeking to cash in on the long-running trend, teaming up with ARB 44 Accessories to develop kit for the midsize Ranger. Kicking off the collaboration is the stout front bumper you see here, one capable of accepting a winch and other off-road goodies.Designed specifically for Ranger, the all-new front bumper complements the trucks rugged lines despite turning up at the corners like a villains evil smile. It is finished in a powder coat and is built from welded sheet steel up to 3/16ths of an inch thick. Attaching to the truck using existing chassis mounting points, it continues to incorporate the full suite of Ford CoPilot360 driving aids and safety nannies.That latter point is a big deal, given that the Blue Oval has spent untold gazillions developing and marketing those features. According to Ford, its the only aftermarket steel bumper available for Ranger that meets regulatory crash test standards and can be installed on any North American Ranger configuration (the new ones, at least it probably wont fit Uncle Alvins rusty 2009 XLT).The trend of OEMs partnering with an aftermarket company is rapidly gaining steam. Chevy is currently playing house with AEV to build the Colorado ZR2 Bison, another midsize truck with acres of off-road cred. Jeep and Ram have also introduced expansive (and expensive) catalogs of rugged kit for the Wrangler, Gladiator and their line of pickup trucks.Its the latter point that impacts the company bottom line, as the cost of these accessories can often be worked into the vehicles selling price. Rather than pay $1,495 for the bumper, a dealer would be more than glad to tack $20 a month onto your payment. This also has the effect of raising the trucks average transaction price, an investor-pleasing metric.Aftermarket gear is a huge business, estimated to be a multi-billion dollar industry with plenty of room for growth. Next week, the worlds leading aftermarket companies will descend on Las Vegas for the SEMA Show, an annual soire in which hundreds of vendors show and display their wares. By teaming up with an OEM, companies like ARB and AEV are getting ahead of the game and assuring themselves a piece of a pie that is, with the likes of Jeep and Ford selling their own gear, being sliced into increasingly slim pieces. View this post on Instagram Feeding the long faced animal that isn’t mine and other jobs. Even made a beetle bank. A post shared by Jeremy Clarkson (@jeremyclarkson1) on Oct 27, 2019 at 6:33am PDTOf course, little of this would be necessary if Ford would simply grow a pair and import the tremendous Ranger Raptor to our market. While the Blue Oval is quick to point out the diesel engine fitted to these trucks in other markets wont play in Peoria, one cannot logically assert the company which literally invented the assembly line cant figure out how to fit a set of Fox dampers and a wider track onto a North American Ranger.Hey, by all appearances, Jeremy Clarkson has one. Endorsements dont get much heartier than
Origin: Ford gets into aftermarket off-road parts with ARB kit for Ranger

The ‘Jackal’ is a Ford Raptor-rivaling off-road Chevy Silverado

The PaxPower Jackal Chevrolet SilveradoPaxPower via Instagram Chevy might not have yet announced an off-road rival to Ford’s mighty F-150 Raptor, but that doesnt mean enthusiasts dont have options.Texas-based truck tuner PaxPower will now turn your Silverado 1500 into a Jackal, a truck with the Raptor squarely in its headlights.According to Motor Authority, the Jackal will come in three flavours, starting with a five-inch lift, custom hood and fender flares, remote-reservoir coil-overs and shocks, and some bolt-on engine equipment that tweaks everything up to 449 horsepower and 474 lb.-ft. of torque. View this post on Instagram PaxPower Jackal Stage 2 build for 2019-2020 Silverado •King 2.5-inch Coilovers and Shocks with compression adjusters •BajaKits Front Prerunner Suspension Kit •BajaKits Rear Shackles •Jackal Custom Hood •Jackal 3.5” Wider Fenders and Bedsides •GM Performance Intake •GM Performance Dual Exhaust •GM Performance Engine Calibration •17” Off-Road Wheels •35” Toyo R/T Tires •Available from your dealer or ours! http://www.paxpower.com A post shared by PaxPower (@paxpowertrucks) on Oct 26, 2019 at 11:49am PDTThe next step up gets a heavier-duty adjustable suspension, with a wider track and bedside flares, while the mightiest Jackal gets even bigger shocks and progressive-rate leaf springs. Of course none of this comes cheap, and youre looking at a range of US$15,000 to US$35,000 moving from Stage 1 to Stage 3.PaxPower made its name among Raptor fans when Ford moved the truck into its second-generation and substituted a turbocharged V6 for the previous V8. Theres no replacement for displacement, and PaxPower put an eight-cylinder back between the frame rails, along with the option of a diesel engine. It says its also working on go-faster, go-farther stuff for the mid-size Ford Ranger. Why GM isnt doing this on its own is surprising, given the Raptors popularity, and also Rams unveiling of its Rebel TRX concept truck. Were still waiting to see that one actually hit the pavement the concept was first shown in 2016 but it seems like something that would be ripe for a Hellcat engine if or when it finally arrives.While we love PaxPowers Jackal, were also aware that its all happening in Texas, so its unlikely Canadian fans will have access to it. We sure hope somebody comes up with a way to easily get this thing across the
Origin: The ‘Jackal’ is a Ford Raptor-rivaling off-road Chevy Silverado

Toyota reveals a new RAV4 TRD Off-Road trim ready to hit the dirt

Toyotas most popular model in Canada is about to become more popular, with the addition of a brand-new TRD trim and a plug-in hybrid variant.The RAV4 already came with a Trail trim meant to add some excitement to the daily driver, with a longer wheelbase and widened track to provide more stability; and shorter overhangs to keep the body from getting hung up on obstacles.Standard Trail trim models feature 19-inch TRAIL alloy wheels; a 1,590-kg towing capacity; and Dynamic Torque Vectoring with Rear Driveline Disconnect.Now the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road trim offers even more capability than the RAV4 Trail trim, adding $2,900 to the price tag to total $41,790. That one comes with 18-inch TRD alloy wheels clad in Falken All-Terrain Tires, a TRD Off-Road exclusive, plus an off-road-tuned suspension, LED fog lamps, special TRD badging and an 11-speaker JBL Audio System.All gasoline trims are available in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid models use a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine, combined with an electric motor and a CVT transmission, and feature all-wheel-drive.All models also get Android Auto and Apple Carplay capability, something previously unheard of in a Toyota showroom.Toyota is also readying a third variant to be added to the lineup, a plug-in hybrid, set for a debut in Los Angeles at that auto show. According to Toyota, the model will become the most powerful RAV4 yet. Were hoping this means the focus for the new vehicle will be driving pleasure, rather than
Origin: Toyota reveals a new RAV4 TRD Off-Road trim ready to hit the dirt

Hyundai teases silly off-road Veloster concept for SEMA

SEMA is typically the place where all the most ridiculous custom vehicles gather to make us gag, but in recent years its actually been a hotbed for manufacturers who want to bring out some factory-built custom cars. And this year Hyundai is bringing a real doozy.Its called the Grappler, aptly named after its chunky tires and off-road looks. Its Hyundais idea of a pre-runner Veloster, and we love it.More than just a set of tires and a lift, the Grappler has seen the front bumper ditched in favour of a skid plate and fog lights. On the roof is a classic tubular roof rack with a spare tire and an LED light bar; according to Hyundai the rack is also the base for a solar panel. This is clearly just an artists rendering of the final product (and a poorly one done, at that) but we fully expect Hyundai to bring this car to SEMA. A few years ago, Hyundai also brought a few customized vehicles to the show, including a jacked-up Santa Fe complete with Rockstar energy drink stickers and digital camo.Hyundai wont likely bring the vehicle to production, but that wont stop us from wanting one. Luckily, it wouldnt be too hard to take the bumper off and add a roof rack to a Veloster to make our own; wed love to see a bunch of these out on the trail embarrassing bros in their massive
Origin: Hyundai teases silly off-road Veloster concept for SEMA

This is the battery-powered SUV racing the new Extreme E off-road series

For what seems like ages, the founder of the fledgling Formula E race series has been talking about upping the electrified ante with an off-road series.On what type of tracks will it run? Who are the drivers? What will the trucks look like?We now have an answer to the last question, at least, thanks to a big reveal at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K. last Friday.Called the Odyssey 21, the steroidal off-road machine zipped up Lord Marchs driveway under the command of Indy 500 champ Gil de Ferran in what was the prototypes first public display. Built by a French company called Spark, it was powered by batteries designed by none other than the Williams Formula One team.Using its healthy-but-undisclosed amount of right-now thrust, the Odyssey 21 is capable of hurtling itself through the atmosphere to 100 km/h from rest in about 4.5 seconds before topping out at about 200 km/h. Non-racing conditions could stretch its total range to 200 km. The plan is to allow manufacturer teams to use their own powertrain and bodywork so the units looks more like road-going SUVs.As for racing locations, series honcho Alejandro Agag says they have identified three of the five locations needed, including an altitude and jungle site along with a desert location. Ocean and polar locales are still in the works. Agag also said the series would be open to the idea of hydrogen-propelled cars when the technology permits.Formula E has seen many advancements despite being a relatively young racing series, including format changes and battery improvements. All this gives hope to the reality of this Extreme E series in
Origin: This is the battery-powered SUV racing the new Extreme E off-road series

Ford creates off-road Tremor package for Super Duty

The 2020 F-Series Super Duty is delivering next-level capability in an all-new way – the Tremor Off-Road Package. Tremor pushes the boundaries of Super Duty off-road capability with new hardware and tech to handle rough terrain, providing greater towing and payload than Ram Power Wagon. This is the most capable off-road Super Duty ever. Ford has decided to toss its Blue Oval hat into the heavy duty off-road ring with a new package that will be optional on their upcoming 2020 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks. Called the Tremor, it will include a dose of off-road cred meant to bring the fight to Rams Power Wagon and GMCs Sierra HD AT4.Upgrades kick off with a set of 35-inch flotation size Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac meats, tires that Ford alleges are the largest diameter tires available on a heavy-duty pickup. They are on 18-inch wheels, by the way. Tremor-equipped trucks also get a 2-inch front-end lift and shorter air dam, resulting in 10.8 inches of ground clearance.See that puddle? Theres a good chance you can plow on through it thanks to Tremors 33-inch water-fording capability. Also on board are the best approach and departure angles ever found on a Super Duty: 31.6 degrees and 24.5 degrees, respectively. Approach angle and ground clearance measures outstrip Power Wagon, by the way.Two extra tidbits regarding the Tremor: itll be available on a myriad of trims and with joy of joys the Power Stroke diesel. In fact, the package will play with XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum on both F-250 and F-350. Thats a huge range of models, ranging from a (relatively) affordable 3/4-ton XLT to a bucks-deluxe Platinum one-tonner.The all-new 7.3-litre gas V8, of which we are yet to learn many details, will be an engine option on Tremor as will the burly 6.7L Power Stroke diesel. An off-road focused diesel-powered heavy duty pickup is a unique weapon that your author can hardly wait to experience. Tremor can be specified on single-rear-wheel SuperCrew trucks with a 6.75-foot box. F-250 models also require the high-capacity trailer tow package. Four-wheel drive is also required, natch.Compared to Power Wagon, the Tremor brings some excellent goods but leaves a few things on the table namely a disconnecting sway bar. Thats a feature that gives the Ram a tremendous amount of wheel travel. A winch is absent from Tremor as well, at least for now. However, Ford takes pains to point out their truck retains outstanding towing and payload capacity, a statement which could be construed as a swipe at Ram, whose Power Wagon doesnt haul as much mail as its non-off road brethren.Your author heartily endorses any new entrant into the off-road arena, especially of the heavy duty variety. Look for the Tremor on order sheets when the 2020 Super Duty shows up later this year, likely at the State Fair of
Origin: Ford creates off-road Tremor package for Super Duty

The 2020 Lexus GX has a new off-road package nobody will use

Lexus is not redesigning the GX luxury SUV for 2020, but instead introducing some minor updates (on a vehicle which has remained essentially unchanged since 2010).Yes, the 2020 Lexus GX receives a new grille, which, dare we say, improves the look over the 2019 model? Inside the vehicle are much more significant changes, with real wood and aluminum trim panels adorning the dash to make it feel more luxurious.Opting for the Sport package will add a unique lower grille surround; 19-inch gunmetal grey rims; and accents on the side mirrors and exhaust tips.The crown jewel of the update is a new off-road package that has a bunch of features that would actually be great if any owner of the vehicle would actually take it off-road; after all, underneath the Lexus GX is a pretty capable Land Cruiser Prado.The package adds a driving mode selector for Snow, Mud and Sand, and even Loose Rocks; there are also cameras that can show you whats happening in front, on the sides and underneath your vehicle. Theres even a crawl feature, which will probably also never get used.On top of those physical upgrades, Lexus has also updated the safety systems with a suite of new technology, such as intelligent LED headlights that default to high beam when turned on, but turn to regular beam when other vehicles are detected. Collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and blind-spot warning are all now standard across the entire lineup.The 4.6-litre V8 is the only engine available; it makes 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft. of torque, and is good for 6,500 pounds of towing capacity. The updated 2020 Lexus GX 460 will go on sale later in the
Origin: The 2020 Lexus GX has a new off-road package nobody will use

Lamborghini heads off-road with new Huracán Sterrato supercar

Betcha didn’t know you needed an off-road Lamborghini Huracán, right? Well, neither did we. Until now. Apparently, Lambo knows what gearheads want before we do. Called the Huracán Sterrato – a word which, loosely translated, refers to a type of pavement made of rough crushed granite – this concept is based on the V-10 Huracán, and draws on Lamborghini’s off-road expertise exemplified in the Itchy Urus super-SUV. It uses the same 5.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, belting out 640 horsepower and a good bit of Italian swagger. Here’s where things get interesting. The company says its all-wheel-drive system is calibrated for off-road driving, including “low-adherence surfaces.” Your author had plenty of experience with those in college, but none of them involved Lamborghinis. The system is also said to provoke oversteer in certain situations, placing this bad boy squarely at the corner of yee and haw. In addition to fiddling with the traction systems, Lambo went ahead and gave the thing a lift kit. Well, a lift kit of sorts, anyway. Ground clearance is heightened by 47 mm, with the car’s front approach sharpened by 1 per cent and the departure angle enhanced by 6.5 per cent. Your author never thought he’d use the words “departure angle” and “Huracán” in the same post but here we are. The wheel track is enhanced front and rear by 30 mm, with 20-inch wheels on tires set into new wide-body wheel arches featuring integrated air intakes. The Sterrato is fitted with underbody reinforcements and body protection, including a rear skid plate that acts as a diffuser. A specially-designed interior trim reflects the sporty off-road character of the Sterrato, featuring a new lightweight titanium roll cage, four-point seatbelts to the new carbon bi-shell sports seats and aluminum floor panels. Keep in mind that Lambo campaigned modified Jarama and Urraco models back in the ‘70s that were pressed into desert-going high-speed duty, so this isn’t the company’s first kick at this particularly outrageous can. In fact, we think it makes us love the absurdity of this Sterrato even
Origin: Lamborghini heads off-road with new Huracán Sterrato supercar