4X4 Australia

I BECAME aware of the iDrive Throttle Tuner when my son fitted one to his Toyota Hilux, after his best mate fitted one to his Ford Ranger.

Both were raving about it and have been impressed with it around town, on the highway, up in the Vic High Country and out in the Simpson.

I thought there had to be something in this, so when we bought a V8 Cruiser dual-cab 79 Series recently, one of the first things fitted was one of these units.

Removing the entire accelerator assembly
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Like most throttle tuners on the market the iDrive provides new points of reference for the vehicle’s throttle mapping, but it still works within the standard parameters of the throttle settings. This means, depending on the settings that you choose, it will give a sharper (or less sharp) throttle curve. The iDrive brings the throttle in earlier in the pedal stroke and reduces throttle lag in the pedal. It doesn’t recalibrate the ECU or increase power or torque; it just brings it on quicker.

The iDrive model I’ve applied is the EVC171, which is good for a range of vehicles, including the V8 70 Series, Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus and more.

Easy to follow instructions
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The instruction sheet is brief and easy to understand and fitting the unit takes just a few minutes in most cases. However, I found it easier to remove the whole accelerator assembly from the vehicle, so that removing and inserting the plugs was easier.

You simply unplug the throttle wires from the accelerator assembly, plug the iDrive into the accelerator plug, and then plug the original wiring back into the iDrive. The biggest decision you have to make is where to mount the small control unit – the unit is mounted with the supplied double-sided tape. Once it’s connected, turn on the vehicle’s ignition and set the unit for manual or automatic transmission via the ‘mode’ button.

Unplug throttle
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The iDrive has four modes and it’s easy to toggle between them. Normal (N) mode is a replica of the factory settings, while Economy (E) mode has nine settings that reduce the response from the throttle. Why would you want that? We discovered it doesn’t improve fuel economy, but on rocky bush tracks we found the higher Eco settings were a little easier to control acceleration and reduce (or even stop) the ‘kangarooing’ many people have trouble controlling.

Ultimate Performance (U) mode also has nine settings: 1-3 are for everyday driving with smooth acceleration; 4-6 are sportier with a more responsive feel and would suit most users; 7-9 are for more aggressive acceleration and towing.

Control mounted on dash
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Auto Control (AC) mode makes the iDrive unique. It’s a set-and-forget function – the unit determines how hard you press the pedal and how far you press it. If you accelerate gently the iDrive will respond but with a lower level of performance, and if you accelerate hard the unit will respond more aggressively.

For most circumstances I’ve found I prefer a setting of around U4, while on rocky tracks I use E7-E9. When towing I crank the U settings to 6-8, but while I’m reversing into a tricky spot I might change it to Eco mode to slow down the throttle response.

Most people will find it easy enough to install at home. Plus it works a treat around town or in the scrub, delivering all it promises to do. You can’t get better than that!

RATING Available from: www.idriveaustralia.com.au RRP: $299 We say: Works a treat; easy to install.

FOLLOWING on from our breaking story in the August issue of 4X4 Australia, Volkswagen has confirmed that an Amarok-based three-row wagon is in its planning for development.

At a meeting with journalists in Melbourne this week, VW executives admitted that plans for a wagon built on the ute’s ladder chassis underpinnings had been initiated back when the ute first launched in 2011. The plans had since been shelved, but they are now back on the table.

This turnaround comes with the introduction of the V6 TDI engine to the Amarok ute later this year.

At the meeting Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) commercial vehicles director, Carlos Santos, said: “There is some very serious development happening at the moment for an SUV based on Amarok, which will be quite a large passenger vehicle. The discussion has been reignited because this V6 engine is able to be sold in the US, whereas the 2.0-litre would never get into the States.”

The V6 TDI engine is already sold in the US in both the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg.

This move will make the Amarok the only V6-powered offering in the one-tonne 4×4 ute segment in Australia. With 550Nm on tap it will also be the class leader for grunt, even if it still has a 3000kg tow rating; 500kg down on most of its competition.

Should an Amarok-based wagon eventuate it will land on the back of an SUV tsunami from VW, with new models replacing its Tiguan and Touareg wagons; plus there’ll be a new model in between the two and another one smaller than the Tiguan.

As the Amarok ute is currently one of the oldest utes available in its class, a new model is expected in the next two to three years. So any wagon would most likely be based on the second generation vehicle.

An Amarok wagon would compete with the likes of the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, Holden Trailblazer, Isuzu MU-X, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport; all wagons built on one-tonne ute platforms.

Nissan seems to be the only manufacturer missing, with no confirmed plans for a Navara-based three-row wagon. It’s something the company will be missing now that the GU Patrol is on its way out of production.

FORD Australia has slipped a Special Edition model in to its Ranger ute line-up, with an XLS-grade Ranger coming loaded with extras.

It’s a timely addition to the hot-selling Ranger range, and it coincides with Holden’s revelation of its updated Colorado line-up.

Ford ranger xls front
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The Ranger 4×4 XLS Special Edition gets extras that would normally add $4900 to the base price, but for the regular XLS it’s just a $2500 hike.

Available only in double-cab ute variants, the XLS Special Edition sells for $49,970 with the six-speed manual and $52,190 with six-speed automatic transmission.

Genuine accessories that come on the Special Edition Ranger XLS include a polished sports bar, genuine Ford 3500kg rated tow-bar, side steps, and a load bed and tailgate.

CEO and president of Ford of Australia, Graeme Whickman, said of the new Ranger: “Already considered one of the most capable and desirable pick-up trucks on the market, we expect the Ranger 4×4 XLS Special Edition will help us narrow the gap to Toyota even further, with Ranger 4×4 now only 172 units behind the Hilux 4×4 year-to-date (July 2016).”

In fact, in July this year, more Rangers found new homes than Hiluxes (2357 v 2311). It has been a tight battle between the two off-road warriors this year, and the nail-biting dual for best-selling ute of 2016 should go right down to the wire.

The Ranger XLS 4×4 is available now from Ford dealerships.

IN A SIGN of the times the 2017 Range Rover Sport will adopt a four-cylinder diesel from 2017.

Dubbed the SD4 S, it will replace the TDV6 S as the price leader in the Range Rover Sport line-up. That means a $90,900 plus on-roads price tag and the least expensive way to get into a ‘proper’ Range Rover.

If that doesn’t sound too exciting there is good news, as the SD4 will come with the option of dual-range gearing, as part of a $5500 off-road option pack that also includes height-adjustable air suspension. The TDV6 Sport will also be offered with a dual-range gearing option in 2017 giving another option for drivers who want to run 19 inch wheels.

The TDV6 and the new SD4 both come with a more practical wheel and tyre spec in the form 235/65R19s, whereas the SDV6, with its bigger brakes, can’t run on 19s and has less-practical 255/55R20s instead.

The new four-cylinder diesel comes from the Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium engine range, and despite being just two litres in capacity it claims a solid 500Nm and 177kW. Given the aluminium-monocoque construction of the RRS means a modest kerb weight of around 2100kg (for the SD4), the performance of this four-cylinder engine still should be pretty handy.

By way of comparison, the current TDV6 3.0-litre diesel claims 190kW and 600Nm, so a drop in both power and torque with the four but not as significant as you may think it would be. The 2.0-litre four is also lighter than the TDV6, and with an ADR fuel claim of just 6.2L/100km it’s 10 per cent more economical as well. To achieve its impressive power and torque outputs the Ingenium diesel uses a sequential bi-turbo arrangement.

The SD4 S also gains a bit of kit over the outgoing TDV6 S, including a bigger (10.2-inch in place of an 8.0-inch) touchscreen, sat-nav, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, front parking sensors and xenon headlights.

Interesting to note that the last four-cylinder turbo-diesel offered in the Range Rover in Australia was a 2.4-litre VM Motori that claimed just 80kW and 240Nm. It lasted from 1987 to 1990.

The Range Rover Sport SD4 S arrives in Australia in the first quarter of 2017.

FOTON has unveiled a kitted-up Tunland 4×4 dual-cab ute to showcase a range of accessories that can be fitted by Foton dealers around the country.

The Chinese company has added Toyo AT2 Open Country tyres wrapped around Dynamic Python alloy wheels, while an Airflow snorkel feeds clean air through the vehicle’s intake system.

A Carryboy canopy sits snugly on the tray and a Warn winch up front will get the Foton out of any serious strife. Finally, a full-featured tow kit is able to tow up to 2.5 tonnes.

The entire package has been raised with front and rear RidePro suspension kits.

The accessorised Tunland – like the one you see here – is expected to have a driveaway price of less than $40,000.

For comparisons sake, a non-equipped Tunland 4×4 single cab retails from $22,490 drive away; the dual cab will set you back $30,990.

The Tunland is powered by a Cummins 2.8-litre turbo-diesel donk that pumps out 120kW and 360Nm. The engine works in tandem with a Getrag five-speed manual transmission.

Standard features for the Tunland dual cab include rear parking sensors, dual front airbags, Bosch four-channel ABS, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, alloy wheels, air-con, Bluetooth streaming and remote keyless entry.

The fully accessorised Foton Tunland 4×4 dual-cab ute will debut at the National 4×4 Outdoors Show & Fishing and Boating Expo, held August 19-21 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Get your tickets to the 4×4 show here and use the discount code: AUSTRALIA!

The kitted-out Tunland ute will be on display in Hall 1, Exhibition Pavilion, Stand EP477.

This simple bush recipe takes very little time to put together. It might not quite be a stroganoff, but it’s close enough.

Ingredients

Optional hop-ups

Cooking it

Step 1: Heat a little oil in a large, heavy-based pan and brown the beef (in batches) over a high heat. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Add a little more oil, heat and add the onions. Sauté until the onions are slightly softened.

Step 3: Add mushrooms, tomatoes, and soup mix. Stir to mix through and then add cream. Return the meat to the pan and stir through.

Step 4: Add some of those optional hot-ups.

Step 5: Bring to the boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer gently until the meat is tender. Cooking time will depend on the type/cut of meat used.

Step 6: Serve over hot cooked pasta, rice, noodles or mashed potato.

For extra campsite ooohs and aaahs, sprinkle some chopped spring onions or parsley flakes over the top.

Viv’s extra hints

This recipe makes plenty of sauce, so you can store the leftovers and have enough for another meal. The extra sauce is delicious over two-minute noodles for lunch the next day! To make this meal even quicker, use beef strips already prepared. You can also use sour cream instead of cream.

Viv’s camp cooking hints: Browning meat

Cooking the surface of a piece of meat at a high temperature until browned gives it both an attractive colour and a deeper flavour. When browning meat, it’s important to have the pan very hot and add the meat in batches. If you overcrowd the pan, it will cool down and the meat will stew rather than brown, thus becoming tough. This happens because moisture from the meat is released faster than it can be evaporated. Rather than searing, you end up simmering and steaming your meat pieces. The result is dry, tough and chewy meat.

Want more recipe ides? Browse our Bush Cooking collection for inspiration.

WE’VE compiled a list of some of the best touring gear currently on the market.

Whether it’s a nifty aftermarket addition to your 4×4, or a handy campsite tool, there are many ways to be better prepared for your next remote-area adventure.

From supercharger kits and radiators for your off-road steed, to pocket knives and cooking utensils – we’ve covered all bases.

We’ve even thrown in a neat book for fans of vintage 4x4s.

Happy travels!

BUILT TOUGH FOLLOWING 18 months of development, Terrain Tamer has introduced two new models to its range of heavy duty radiators. The radiators come complete with steel mounting brackets and are available for the Hilux KUN26 and 70-Series V8 LandCruiser models. Each features a fully pressed and fused aluminium tank design for superior strength. The heavy duty radiators are also manufactured with a low-level warning plug, allowing them to be fitted with an optional extra in-dash warning indicator device. Website: www.terraintamer.com

SUPERCHARGED PATROL IF 298kW of V8 is not enough for you, then Harrop Engineering has the solution. Its TVS2300 Supercharger Kit for the VK56 engine utilises the latest-gen Eaton TVS tech to deliver more power and torque – with gains of around 50 per cent achievable. The kit also features: a high-efficiency intercooler system; two-piece manifold design; front drive/front inlet design for less restrictive intake path; and a large intercooler core. It retains all factory accessories and it’s designed and manufactured in Australia. Pricing is expected to come in around $11,000. Website: www.harrop.com.au

LOST SIGNAL YOU’VE rocked up to a campsite, set up all of your gear, and are now settling down for a night under the stars with your favourite bottle of red. But, where the heck is the bottle opener? We’ve all been there! Leatherman’s latest release, the Signal, will get you out of that pickle, but it’s also equipped with a lot more tools. Tools include: pliers (needle-nose and regular); saw; combo knife; wire cutters; an emergency whistle; fire-starter; hammer; and a diamond-coated blade sharpener. There are 19 tools in total! RRP: $285 Website: www.leatherman.com.au

THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’ TWO brand-spanking-new sets of wheels have landed on the ROH Wheels catalogue: the Assassin and the Patriot. The Assassin is available in sizes 16×8, 17×8, 17×9 and 18×9 and features a matte-black finish with aluminium anodised bolts. The Assassin is suitable for the Hilux, Ranger/BT-50, Colorado, D-Max, Triton, Navara NP300 and Navara D40. The Patriot is sized 16×8, 17×9, 18×9 and 20×9 and also rocks a matte-black finish milled with aluminium anodised bolts. It’s perfect for the Hilux, Ranger/BT-50, Colorado, D-Max, Triton, Navara NP300, Navara D40 and 200 Series LandCruiser. Website: www.rohwheels.com

Scout book

TOASTED SANGA NOTHING beats devouring a piping-hot jaffle in the middle of winter. The ARB Toastie Brander consists of two cast-iron plates, and the handles are formed from Manchurian ash timber. Not only will it melt two pieces of bread together with cheese and tomato, it will also brand the ARB logo onto both sides. Granted, this does nothing to enhance the flavour of an already glorious campsite cuisine, but it’s a great novelty on an awesome product. Website: www.arb.com.au

BACK UP MSA 4×4’s patented air lumbar support system will provide quality back support when you need it most. The system is designed so that it can be installed and removed in seconds, and its fully adjustable air-inflated bladder insert allows you to easily get comfy. Four bladders can even be installed for multiple support zones. It comes with a lifetime warranty. RRP: $109 (canvas); $129 (sheepskin) Website: www.msa4x4.com.au

HAVE you checked out the Australian Patrol Vehicles (APV) 6×6 LandCruiser-based rig in the September issue of 4X4 Australia magazine that is on sale now?

Here’s some killer footage of the APV prototypes undergoing testing in the Simpson Desert last year, and you can see how versatile and capable they are.

APV is now shopping these vehicles out to Special Forces and selected military buyers around the world!

The wow factor for you guys is that APV, through its civilian division Australian Expedition Vehicles (AEV), can build you a rig like this (or similar) in either 4×4 or 6×6 to suit your off-road touring needs.

The guys can perform chassis stretches, 6×6 conversions, auto transmission installations, canopy/camper fabrication and more, all to customer requirements.

APV is currently working with JMAX to incorporate its coil spring rear conversions of both the 4×4 and 6×6 APV/AEV vehicles.

All this makes APV your one-stop shop for a wild LC70 expedition rig.

Only last week, BBC released images of the British Special Forces driving Jordanian-modified LandCruiser 70s in the fight against ISIS in Syria.

The Al-Thalab Long Range Patrol Vehicles are equipped with sniper rifles, heavy machine guns and anti-tank missiles.

The 70-series Cruiser is the vehicle of choice for its well-proven and durable platform.

To get your own conversion rolling, contact the staff at APV/AEV.

They can be found at: 13 St Albans Road, Mount Louisa, Townsville, Queensland. Or, to may an enquiry, just give them a buzz on 0414 680 154.

STURT National Park is tucked away in the north-west of New South Wales. Within its 3500km2 lie flood plains, desert, jump-up country, gorges and much more for those willing to explore. The park also has significant Aboriginal sites that date back 20,000 years, and pastoralism that dates back well over 100 years.

Tibooburra, 332km north of Broken Hill, provides a great base for a few days before you explore the park. Here in town you can get fuel and groceries, as well as advice on exploring the Sturt. In fact, most people only call in to Tibooburra for an overnight stay when heading further west.

On the search for inland sea, explorer Charles Sturt pushed his way through Tibooburra back in 1845. A replica whaleboat that Sturt and his men dragged into this area is mounted in the town’s park alongside other historical gear, highlighting how machinery has advanced over the years.

There are numerous tourist drives within Sturt National Park, such as Gorge Loop Road, which starts 24km east of Tibooburra. This 100km loop road explores Mount Woods and the nearby pastoral museum.

The Jump-Up Loop Road to the north leads towards the Queensland border and the Silver City Highway. On this road you’ll find the Olive Downs campground, 55km north of Tibooburra. Here you can camp in a remote area and wander the ruins of Olive Downs station.

The 110km three-hour self-guided drive along the Jump-Up Loop Road takes you through some amazing and harsh country, including desert areas, gibber rock plains and red dune country.

The excellent loop is dotted with the odd tree and small rocky gorges, to give it a moon-like landscape. Be warned, though, this is a very remote, harsh area and you need to be well-prepared with food, water and communication. There is no phone reception here, so it’s best to advise someone of your travels.

Another highlight of Sturt National Park is to spend a night or two camping at Fort Grey. Located 110km west of Tibooburra, this campground is situated near Lake Pinaroo, where you can walk across the dry lakebed via Wells Walk to Sturt’s Tree. When full, this lake is alive with birds and other animals enjoying the cool waters of the outback.

Middle Road, which starts just north of Fort Grey, takes you eastward along the Wild Dog Fence (formerly the Dingo Fence) through a diverse landscape of low flood and gibber plains, and along the edges of red sand dunes. This 80km road passes the top end of Lake Pinaroo, offering vast views of the lake’s beauty.

Other highlights along the way include historic bronco horse yards and several bores. Middle Road is a relatively easy drive and it joins back on to Toona Gate Road, which is 75km north of Tibooburra.

Sturt National Park has stayed virtually untouched since the days of Charles Sturt’s expedition. With an array of endangered flora and fauna, as well as historical landmarks and significant tourist opportunities, it’s a park well worth a visit.

Exploring tiboburra
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TRAVEL PLANNER

IT’S SAID breakfast is the most important meal, so why not start your day with a dead-set cracker of a dish.

Scotch eggs are easy to make, delicious and filling – the perfect campsite cuisine.

Check out Roothy’s other breakfast recipes: Spanish omelette and hash browns. Also, check out this behind-the-scenes look at how Roothy gets things done.

Before you arrive at your campsite, make sure you’ve packed a few snags in the old Engel.

Any type of sausage will do the trick, and Roothy’s gone with a pork and rosemary snag for this video.

Sausage meat works because it’s finely ground and sticky, which means it will hold its form and won’t (shouldn’t) fall apart when surrounding an egg.

The best technique is to cut an end off one of the snags and squeeze all of the innards out – making sure none of the skin finds its way onto the plate.

Whip out some pre-prepared, de-shelled boiled eggs and coat them with a layer of snag meat.

Roll the egg/sausage meat combo into a ball and coat them with corn-flake crumbs.

Throw them in a frying pan filled with some oil and they’ll be ready in next to no time.

Roothy even provides a free history lesson in this vid, explaining how the Scots made their way south to escape the economic problems of their homeland.

Most of them were skilled tradies, unlike the convicts that hailed from Ireland.

This dish takes less than 10 minutes from go-to-whoa and is the perfect way to kick off a day on the tracks.

It sure beats paying $20 for the same dish at a local brunch establishment!

Want more recipe ides? Browse our Bush Cooking collection for inspiration.