If you enjoy cooking over open coals as much as we do and you want to up your grilling game, then here’s a book you’ll want to check out.

Forget about burnt snags and dry rissoles, Firepit Barbecue by Sydney chef Ross Dobson will have you the talk of the tong-twirlers.The 200-page book includes more than 90 tantalising recipes plus tips on building your fire, using the right temperatures, marinating meats and preparing flavoured butters and salsas.

1

Individual chapters for poultry, red meats, veggies, seafood and sides are chock-full of detailed recipes and full-colour photography that will have your mouth watering.Lobster tails with chilli and garlic butter, teriyaki and beer chicken, and butterflied lamb are all on the menu. And, if you’re a stickler for a steak, the New York Cowboy is a flavour sensation!You won’t need any fancy barbecues or expensive smokers to prepare the meals in Ross’s book – they are designed to be cooked in the open over hot coals and, in many cases, an open drum with a wire grill over the top will suffice.

Be that in your backyard, at a campsite or someplace remote and isolated, you’ll be able to cook these up just about anywhere.Ross Dobson loves cooking in the outdoors and his previous books have included King of the Grill, Fired Up and Grillhouse. His recipes take influences from around the world to bring a swag of flavours to your barbecue, no matter what you are cooking or where.AVAILABLE FROM: Bookstores or murdochbooks.com.au RRP: $35

• Part 1: Introduction
• Part 2: Wish List
• Part 3: Adventure Time
• Part 4: Shakedown

Part 1: Introduction

KEEN readers would be well aware of our previous project vehicle, the highly modified Ford Ranger that was used on filming trips and for editorial duties over the last year or so.

Well, it was time to do something new and a bit different. We still wanted a dual-cab ute, though, as they just work for the activities we regularly undertake.

Why the D-MAX? Well, the all-new model is claimed to be leaps and bounds ahead of the previous generation in terms of refinement, and, let’s be honest, people are going crazy for them, with some dealers reporting a six-month wait for stock.

1

So, why not be one of the first to modify a 2020 Isuzu D-MAX. The plan was hatched, the deal signed and we’re the proud owners of a lovely new ute.

We’ve wasted no time putting the stock D-MAX to work, performing a few tasks dual-cab utes do so well including picking up some wheels and tyres and doing a tip run.

Even the 10-hour drive from Melbourne to Sydney after picking the ute up was a ripper, as I arrived home in NSW without feeling sore or fatigued, signalling this is certainly a big step forward for Isuzu. We’ve also had a little time playing off-road, testing out the new rear diff lock – and we’re stoked Isuzu finally installed one from the factory.

1

We’ve racked up 1200km in the new ute, and we have to say we’re impressed. The seats are great, as are the vinyl floors – a must for a hard-working 4×4. There aren’t too many complaints to mention at all yet, however it is early days. And that’s not to say we can’t make a good thing better.

So, what are the plans? Well, you are just going to have to follow the journey to see what we come up with. However, it’s safe to say this D-MAX won’t be staying stock for long, and it certainly won’t be getting used solely for mundane purposes – think full-blown touring destinations, wild off-road tracks, and many trips to the local tip.

RRP: $51,900 TOTAL KM: 1200 AVERAGE FUEL: 8.3L/100km

Part 2: Wish List

WE brought 4X4 Australia’s Project D-MAX along for the ride on the recent LED driving lights comparison in the March issue of the magazine.

While we obviously needed something to transport nine sets of driving lights in, we also wanted to stretch its legs after its recent first service (3000km). We even used the D-MAX to power the LED lights for the test, a punishing task considering the vehicle is sitting idling for hours on end.

1

We headed to Gloucester-NSW, ending up in Taree over three days. This gave photographer Scott Mason and myself the chance to explore the really scenic areas in between, that don’t seem to get as much attention as they deserved.

We’re talking water crossings, glorious rainforests, dirt roads for as long as you can see and steep lookouts with 360-degree views. With the weather not playing along for the conditions we needed on the light test, we had more time than expected to explore, too.

And while the Isuzu performed admirably on this trip, I am absolutely champing at the bit to get it modified and set up for proper touring. Sadly, with COVID-19 making it hard to get our hands on stock, things have taken longer than expected to organise. But rest assured, the ball is well and truly rolling.

1

One benefit of doing trips like this, with a stock-standard vehicle though, is working out what we need in a touring vehicle, and what we’d like. That list grows more each and every day.

Stay tuned for the next update, as we get ready to spin spanners and build a properly setup tourer. Oh, and what work did the D-MAX need at the first service? Not much, I just requested the handbrake be tightened up a little as I live on a steep block. It’s better than ever now.

KM SINCE LAST UPDATE: 2952 TOTAL KM: 4152 AVERAGE FUEL: 8.3L/100km

Part 3: Adventure Time

I feel as though I’ve been living out of the 4X4 Australia D-MAX build. We’re just about to hit 10,000km on the odometer, most of which has been done off-road or heading to 4×4 destinations.

In the last month, I’ve driven to Melbourne and back for the massive ute test. As I left Lang Lang late, it took three hours to get to the Hume Hwy, so I decided to stay overnight in Tumut instead of doing the drive in one sitting.

This gave me the chance to test the Narva LED driving lights while coming in on the Snowy Mountains Highway and, to be honest, I don’t feel we have any need for more light. Very impressive for a seven-inch LED and stay tuned for a full review soon.

1

Once the ute test was done and dusted, we headed north for an early morning shoot on the beach with our mates from Safari 4×4 Engineering. As we wanted to capture the sun rise, we hit the beach around 5am. Again, the LED driving lights came in to their own, but I was equally impressed with the Tough Dog suspension and Maxxis tyres on the rough beaches of the Mid-North Coast.

It’s not all beer and skittles, though, as we noticed an oil leak coming from the engine. Yep, it looks like our D-MAX has a rear main seal leak. By the time you read this, it will have been repaired. So, I’ll check back in with an update once we get the vehicle back from the service department.

1

Overall, I’m really impressed with how all the modifications are performing, but can’t wait for the next stage to kick off. Namely fitting a canopy, making it safer to store camera and camping gear. I mention this, as we’ve decided which canopy we want to fit … it’s being painted as I type this update.

Exciting times ahead for the 4X4 Australia D-MAX build.

TOTAL KM: 9815KM KM SINCE LAST UPDATE: 5663 AV FUEL: 8.5L/100KM

Part 4: Shakedown

We were out on a shoot in the Lithgow area of NSW, about to wrap up for the day, when photographer Mick Ellem asked a question I’ll never forget. “What time do you need to be home, and are you up for bit of a drive,” Mick said with a grin.After months of being stuck at home, it was a question that didn’t need an answer. Time for an adventure in the 4X4 D-MAX, one with no plans other than achieving a specific goal.

You see, Mick wanted red dirt and bulldust on the D-MAX for a shot he had in mind, and who was I to argue. A phone call to my wife was made, a last-minute shop and fuel-up done, and we were now on our way to Outback NSW, next stop Cobar.

1

For obvious reasons, we haven’t been able to travel as much as we would have liked in the D-MAX.

With restrictions now eased, it was game on. Before I knew it, we were now setting up camp on beautiful red dirt, and lighting our campfire well past midnight. It was going to be an early start, so we did the only logical thing, cracked a beer and talked shit around the fire. And man, it was good, I had really missed this stuff.

This proved to be a great shakedown trip for the 4X4 Australia D-MAX, wasting no time to hit the tracks around Cobar in search of awesome scenery and as much bulldust as we could find.Everything we had done to the vehicle and all the hard work over the last year was suddenly worth it. The D-MAX was running superbly, now a practical set-up for touring. The only issue was dust ingress in to the tub area, and some additional sealing will be installed by the time you are reading this.

2

I was also wishing we’d installed a long-range fuel tank, as the standard fuel tank was proving to be the limitation for how far we could travel. All in all, it was a successful few days, and a great feeling to be out travelling again.

It was time to give the D-MAX a service when we arrived home, as well as several trips to the car wash in an attempt to wash out that Cobar dust from every nook and cranny.There were no surprises from the 15,000km service, the only thing that needed a quick look at were the rear drum brakes, which were no doubt full of dust and starting to squeak. After being told she’s all good to go, we left the dealership and went on our way back home, 45 minutes away from the dealership.

1

Well, things took a turn when I arrived home and noticed oil leaking from the front diff. It turns out the dealership forgot to tighten both the fill and drain plug on the front diff after changing the oil – they were not even finger tight. A friendly phone call was made, and they insisted I came back so they could inspect the diff, top it up and put a spanner on the plugs this time.

Look, mistakes happen, I get it. And it’s not the problem, but the solution that counts. I’m not going to bash the dealership, as it fixed the problem quickly and even offered me a can of degreaser to clean up the oil from my driveway.What have I learned from this experience, though? Take the trip, go out and have an adventure. The ones you don’t plan usually turn out to be the most exciting. And if you are getting work done on your 4×4, nobody knows it better than you. Double-check things when you get home, because it’s much easier having issues in your driveway than halfway through the outback.

TOTAL KM: 16,231KM KM SINCE LAST UPDATE: 6213 AV FUEL: 10.4L/100KM

August 2: New 2024 Prado revealed!

New Prado makes global debut ahead of 2024 Australian launch.

Here it is. If you’re patient and keen on Toyota’s very latest 4×4 offering, the links below hold everything you need to know.

• 2024 TOYOTA PRADO REVEALED
• Spec battle: New Prado v LandCruiser 300 Series
• 2024 Toyota Prado: Everything we know
• What is the towing capacity of the new Prado?
• New Prado: What YOU think so far!
• BONUS: New 70 Series facelift revealed
• A 2025 Prado ute? Yes please!
• ALL PRADO NEWS & REVIEWS

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado may end up with a pure-electric powertrain, according to a new theory out of Japan.

Website Creative311 is reporting the Lexus Electrified SUV – the pre-production concept of a future model shown in recent days – could actually be giving us a glimpse of the luxury version of the future LandCruiser Prado.

Lexus currently sells the Prado as the GX in North American markets, and an industry rumour says the premium model will be introduced to Japan (and potentially other right-hand-drive markets, such as Australia) in the coming years.

November 14, 2022: Next-gen Prado imagined

With new reports surfacing that the next Toyota Prado will get hybrid powertrains, we’ve commissioned a pair of artist renderings that might offer a look at the new model’s styling. Get all the details, including everything about the hybrid powertrains, at the links below.

1

Story continues

This latest report suggests the Lexus Electrified SUV could actually be previewing the GX, meaning Toyota’s next-generation Prado could end up being based on a fully-electric platform.

While the idea of the Prado moving to pure battery power may seem like a drastic step, large markets such as the US are introducing stringent tailpipe laws, which will require a near 30 per cent reduction in emissions by 2026, and could force carmakers to drop internal-combustion engines for some models.

5

An electric Prado could also potentially reduce any cannibalisation of sales from the LandCruiser 300 Series – forcing customers who need a diesel engine to buy the larger sibling – as well as providing differentiation from new competitors, such as the upcoming hybrid V6-powered GWM Tank 500.

Earlier this week, another report out of Japan suggested Toyota was currently developing a hydrogen-fuelled internal-combustion engine, slated for the LandCruiser 300 Series.

When Mazda parted ways with Ford to join forces with Isuzu, the result was the all-new BT-50, released in the second half of 2020 – a few months after its D-MAX twin.Sharing its platform with the D-MAX, the new BT-50 has managed to keep the bean counters happy at Mazda HQ, despite the obvious challenges of COVID. It now has a strong footing in the ute market, with the BT-50 registering a sales record of 1222 in January 2022 – just beating its previous best of 1193 units sold.Perhaps key to that success is the transplant of Isuzu’s extremely popular 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Already known for its reliability, that mill’s latest iteration is said to be the most refined and fuel-efficient ever, with the implementation of a new cast-iron block, internals and turbocharger.

1

And now?

Mazda has started the new year by plugging a few holes in its BT-50 line-up and bookending it with two new variants, SP and XS.

Sitting above the GT but below the Thunder is the all-new SP, a model Mazda Australia expects will rival the likes of Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak.

The 3.0-litre-powered BT-50 SP is listed at $63,090 with the manual transmission and $66,090 with the Aisin six-speed auto, which puts it on par with the Wildtrak.

? Hello from the future! You can continue reading this story, or you can visit our latest BT-50 Range Review linked below.

REVIEW CONTINUES…

1

As a premium variant in the BT-50 shed, the SP is equipped with an assortment of nice-to-have mod-cons including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, contrasting leather seat trim with synthetic-suede highlights, bum warmers, carpet in lieu of vinyl, and power-adjustable front seats.

It has also been enhanced cosmetically, courtesy of ‘gloss black’ applied to the fender flares, sports bar, exterior mirrors, and all the handles. Dark grey roof rails and side-steps, 18-inch alloys with a black-metallic finish, and a black grille with gun-metal signature wings give the SP a point of stylistic difference.

The SP also gets remote engine start and a manually-operated tonneau cover, which is very simple to operate.

5

At the opposite end of the line-up sits a new entry-level variant, with Mazda slotting in a no-frills dual-cab dubbed the XS.

Now the cheapest 4×4 in the BT-50 range, the XS is listed at $51,240 in dual-cab pick-up 4×4 form. Alternatives are available in 4×2 configuration, with the cheapest of the lot – an XS single-cab chassis – starting at $33,650.What makes the XS interesting is that Mazda has replaced the familiar 140kW-450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with a new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel capable of generating 110kW and 350Nm.To alleviate some of the stress of fewer kilowatts and Newtons, the XS is considerably lighter than the more premium offerings in the line-up. For example, the XS dual-cab (4×4 variant) has a kerb weight of 1935kg, compared to the 2208kg SP auto equivalent (or 2198kg manual).

2

This weight loss not only helps the 1.9-litre mill, but it allows the XS to increase its payload capacity to 1165kg, whereas the SP is limited to 892kg (or 902kg with the manual transmission). However, as expected, towing capacity decreases from 3500kg (SP) to 3000kg for the XS.Payload capacity spikes to 1380kg in the worksite-ready XS Single Cab Chassis 4×2 model.That the XS has a business customer focus goes some way to explain the implementation of a smaller capacity engine, which is said to be ‘highly efficient’ – figures suggest a combined fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km.

The 1.9-litre mill is paired solely with the six-speed automatic transmission – so no manuals, unfortunately.

5

A few luxury features standard on the more expensive stablemates have also been slashed in XS trim. There are no leather-clad steering wheel or upholstery, dual-zone climate control, or front seat warmers.

Owners will also have to manually adjust the driver’s seating position … and put a key in the ignition. That being said, the pews in both the SP and XS variants are comfortable and supportive.The XS has a seven-inch touchscreen with a limited number of apps, but it won’t matter as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built into the system.

The SP upgrades to a nine-inch touchscreen installed with Mazda’s standalone sat-nav software, which, from first-hand experience, struggles to accurately measure traffic and bypass congestion – stick to Google Maps or Waze. Eight speakers (instead of two in XS trim) are scattered within the SP’s cabin.Unfortunately, touchscreen and temperature prompts need to be operated via small buttons instead of dials or knobs. A dial is much easier to operate – especially for volume control.

2

1.9 On the road

Out on the open road and the 1.9-litre-powered XS clearly and quite obviously needs to work harder than the SP from a standing start to get up to speed – the diesel engine is at its most unsettled at this point.

On 100km/h highways, though, the XS will comfortably sit at around 1750rpm in top gear, remaining quiet … not quite whisper-quiet, but enough to become insignificant.It’s a different story in the SP, as engine NVH isn’t as obtrusive from a standing start or when overtaking slow road trains.

The diesel rattle will occasionally infiltrate the cabin when digging the pedal into the footwell, but most of the time for regular A-to-B driving it remains a pleasant affair.A bit of weight in the tray would go a long way to improving the ride comfort on undulating back roads, with rock-filled, pot-holed tracks disturbing the unladen rear end and delivering a few jolts up the vertebrae.

Simply strapping down 100kg in the tub would make a world of difference.

SP off-road

1

All 4×4 variants in the BT-50 line-up are equipped with a part-time 4WD system with high and low range, which can be easily modulated via a dial on the centre console.

A driver-selectable rear locking differential is also standard – as it is on the new D-MAX – with the switch located next to the handbrake.Said diff lock was put to good use on an off-road circuit through the Lerderderg State Park, behind the tiller of an SP variant.

On a particularly difficult climb – on-road tyres, mind you – the SP scrambled for traction. Upon activation of the diff lock, the locked rear end, which disengages ETC when activated, easily pushed the vehicle to the pinnacle. On descents, hill-descent control works wonders.All things considered, the BT-50 SP remained composed off-road, aided enormously by the venerable 3.0-litre powerplant – yes, the side-steps scraped a few times and the leaf-sprung rear-end slapped around a bit on the really rough stuff. However, it came out the other side of the state forest, all while wearing OE road slippers.

1

The Aisin six-speed auto also gets the job done off road, holding gears when it needs to, without being intrusive or overbearing.Unfortunately, we were unable to drive the XS off road, but we plan on getting our hands on one soon – so stay tuned.Both the SP and XS come with the full suite of advanced safety tech: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB); Braking Assist (BA); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Emergency Stop Signal (ESS); Hill Descent Control (HDC); Hill Launch Assist (HLA); and a Traction Control System (TCS).

1

Mazda has added an all-new Lane Support system button to the steering wheel of all variants, allowing users to easily toggle the tech on or off with their right thumb.In a further addition to the range, an XTR dual cab can now be driven out of a Mazda showroom with a cab-chassis body style.Mazda Australia says that, on average, it currently expects a three- to four-week delivery time for new products – despite not being immune to the global semiconductor shortage.

Flashback

2022 Mazda BT-50 SP 4×4 auto specs

2022 Mazda BT-50 XS 1.9 4×4 specs

UPDATE, February 22, 2022: New Ford Ranger Raptor revealed!

The new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor has been unveiled at last, and we’ve got a comprehensive rundown on everything you need to know. Catch our stories and big reveal video at the links below.

The story to here

February 10, 2022: The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is just weeks away from being revealed.

Ford has announced the next-gen Ranger Raptor will be unveiled at 6.00pm AEDT on February 22, with a short video being released to accompany the news.

While no details of the Ranger Raptor’s powertrain have been revealed with the teaser video, the engine shares a very similar note to the 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6 found in the recently-unveiled Bronco Raptor.

3

If the Ranger gets the same engine and tune as the Bronco Raptor’s V6 – which also shares Ford’s T6 chassis architecture with the ute – then the Ranger Raptor will see a doubling in its performance figures compared with the outgoing model.

The Bronco is targeting “more than 400hp”, or 298kW in new money, nearly twice as much as the 157kW from the current Ranger Raptor’s 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder power plant.

More details will be revealed when the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is revealed on February 22. Stay tuned.

This recipe is a great one to do with children and is bound to satisfy post-dinner (or midday) dessert cravings. Word of warning, though: this dish is extremely delicious and will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

• ½ bag marshmallows
• 1 bag mixed Allens lollies
• 200g dark chocolate bits
• ½ packet Milk Arrowroot biscuits
• 100g peanuts
• Butter to grease tin

1

Cookware needed

• Campfire 9 Quart camp oven
• Baking tin

Method

1. Grease cake tin with butter
2. Chop all lollies in to small pieces
3. Crush biscuits for a thin base, add lollies and marshmallows. Mix well together in a bowl
4. Stir through dark chocolate bits and peanuts
5. Add mixture to cake tin, then place tin inside the camp oven. Bake over coals until golden brown
6. Cooking time 15 to 20 minutes.

UPDATE, February 12: A new report has backed up claims the next Nissan Patrol could switch to a six-cylinder engine in the coming years.

Industry publication Automotive News is citing a Nissan dealership contact in the US who has been briefed on the plans, with the Patrol – badged in North America as the Armada – set to replace its petrol V8 for a “more fuel-efficient” twin-turbo V6.

“Fuel efficiency is on everybody’s mind,” another insider told Automotive News.

“If they can get the same horsepower and torque out of a V6, why not?”

However, the Nissan Armada is manufactured in the US, while Australian and Middle Eastern markets receive Japanese-made Nissan Patrol models, suggesting the two related vehicles could be on different trajectories.

In December 2021, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalised tough new vehicle regulations, which require a 28.3 per cent reduction in emissions through to 2026 – a stark contrast to laws in Australia and Middle Eastern countries where more relaxed emission laws are enjoyed.

The difference could mean Australia’s Nissan Patrol will continue with the 5.6-litre V8 for a number of years, before potentially moving to the V6.

1

The story to here

February 7: The next-gen Nissan Patrol may drop the naturally-aspirated 5.6-litre V8 found in the current model for a new twin-turbo V6 engine.

Citing an anonymous source from Nissan, a report from Instagram account cars_secrets suggests the new Patrol could follow in the footsteps of its main rival, the Toyota LandCruiser, by moving to six-cylinder power.

When the new LandCruiser 300 Series was introduced in 2021, Toyota replaced its 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 with a 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 in Australia, mated to a 10-speed auto, while some markets received the option of a 3.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V6.

According to this latest rumour, Nissan has been working on an all-new 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 since 2017, with plans to pair the engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission when the Y63 Patrol eventually arrives.

At this stage it appears the 3.5-litre V6 isn’t related to the V6 found in the ageing R35 GT-R or the upcoming Nissan Z coupe.

1

While details of the powertrain remain scarce, it’s likely the new V6 would outperform the current-generation’s petrol V8, which produces 298kW and 560Nm.

The report out of the Middle East suggests the future engine and transmission will be available with low-range four-wheel drive, as well as with rear-wheel drive in some overseas markets.

Hard evidence has yet to surface of a replacement model being developed, though the Y62 Patrol expected to continue until at least 2024, having undergone a major facelift in 2020.

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series may be about to become a zero-emissions vehicle.

Japanese magazine Best Car reports Toyota is currently working on a hydrogen-fuelled internal-combustion engine, with the new-generation LandCruiser tipped to receive the powertrain first.

Unlike hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, which are essentially electric vehicles with the added ability to convert hydrogen into electricity, this new engine would replace conventional fuel with hydrogen – igniting the substance just like petrol or diesel, but with virtually no harmful emissions.

Toyota has been vocal about wanting to keep the internal combustion engine (ICE) alive, forming an alliance with Subaru and Mazda in November in an effort to ensure they continue to be used, in the face of the wider auto industry’s shift towards electric powertrains.

4

In May 2021, Toyota showed off a Corolla endurance racing car, which used a GR Yaris engine converted to run purely on hydrogen.

“What makes hydrogen special is that its combustion speed is eight times that of gasoline. That means a faster response. So low-speed torque almost immediately after the get-go and torque-strong response are what make hydrogen engines so good,” Gazoo Racing president Koji Sato said at the time.

“However, hydrogen’s quick burn rate results in high pressure and high temperatures, making heat management a technical issue. So, it becomes a matter of how to find a good balance for maximum output.”

2

In December 2021, Toyota showed off a hydrogen-powered GR Yaris, with company president Akio Toyoda saying: “We’ve taken the first step to compete with and develop our hydrogen-powered engine with the mindset of taking on the challenge.”

However, it’s not the first time a production car has used hydrogen as a fuel. Between 2005 and 2007, BMW offered a special 7 Series model powered by a V12 engine which could accept both hydrogen and petrol.

The latest report out of Japan, citing an anonymous source from within Toyota, says the hydrogen LandCruiser is the “star of hope for internal-combustion engines,” but did not provide a timeframe on when the new powertrain could be expected.

LandCruiser 300 Series vehicles might be thin on the ground at Toyota showrooms due to supply shortages and long waiting lists, but that hasn’t stopped the proactive aftermarket from stepping up to produce touring Cruisers that adventurous Aussies want ASAP.

1

As with most of Rambler’s existing chassis chops and stretches, they teamed up with ASG 4×4 to get the cutters and welder out for the serious metal work. ASG has SSM (Second Stage Manufacturer) approvals for such conversions and you might have seen some of Rambler’s previously converted vehicles in 4X4 Australia magazine in recent years.“ASG 4×4 had been working on the engineering for over a year before the release (of the 300) to ensure they were ready to go,” said Kris. “They currently have two 300s being converted, but there is still engineering to be done and SSM approvals, etc.”Looking at the renderings, the red 300 has a 350mm chassis extension, while the white 300 has a 650mm stretch.

2

“Once the basic model was right we had to look to the market for who had released accessories,” explained Kris. “For the 350mm, we used an artist’s impression of what we think the TJM Venturer bar will look like on the car and modelled the suspension on Superior Engineering’s three-inch lift and 35-inch tyres on Method Race Wheels.”For the white car with the longer chassis they have rendered it with a TJM T13 Outback bar, side rails and steps recently released specifically to suit the 650mm extension. It gets a two-inch TJM suspension kit and rolls on 33-inch tyres.Both 300s feature trays and rear bodies from Spinifex Manufacturing, with a Mini-body on the white car and a Midi-body on the red one. Both rigs feature Lightforce HTX lighting and TJM winches.

2

Once LandCruiser 300s become more readily available we reckon you’ll be seeing modified versions just like these touring all over the country. Thanks to the forward thinking of Rambler Vehicles, ASG 4×4 and TJM, the engineering and development will be ready for those wanting them.Kris says he is taking orders for them now and planning to have them out to customers and on the tracks in the last quarter of 2022.Check out www.ramblervehicles.com.au

Cultural revolution is a strange thing – it brought us rock and roll, generations of adventurers, and the occasional mullet. But sometimes things line up a whole lot cooler and it’s something that, quite frankly, is fantastic to see.Up in South East Queensland, in the home of beach driving, there’s a new wave of 4x4ers hitting the tracks, and they’re doing it a little different than most. There are no late-model utes with fluttering turbos or bush-doof stereos. But there is a whole bunch of young fellas spending their weekends camping in classic Land Rovers and spreading the good word. They call themselves the British Mafia and they’re here for a good time.Bodhi, at just 21, is the main man behind the brand British Mafia, and the owner of one of the coolest Perenties we’ve ever seen. For anyone not familiar with Perenties, they’re essentially a version of Land Rover Defender 110s specially designed for the Australian military with some rather unique factory modifications.

1

Australian Defence Force

Bodhi’s Perentie first entered service for the Australian Defence Force way back in 1987, making it a Moorebank build (50 per cent of the build needed to be done in Australia per ADF rules). From the remanufacturing process, the Perentie versions had very little in common with the factory-built Defender 110s.Bodhi’s is riding high on a custom Perentie chassis. Up the back it’s wider to accommodate the spare tyre relocated from the tailgate to the undercarriage. The ADF specced that the whole frame had to be hot-dip galvanised as well, ensuring there’s zero chance of rust. The original tender also stated the whole vehicle needed to be able to withstand the twisting forces of being air-dropped in by chopper.

On the outside are a couple of notable ways to spot it’s a Perentie rather than a run-of-the-mill 110 Defender. The most obvious is the rear storage compartments behind the rear wheels, but Bodhi’s is still sporting the original ADF bullbar too. Hiding behind that bomb-proof bullbar is a full suite of LED lighting. Without fear of bombers from above, Bodhi’s able to safely light up the beach at night to spot any enemy washouts on his 12.

1

One thing that’s far from military spec on Bodhi’s Perentie is the roof. With the Perentie originally leaving the factory with nothing more than a canvas sheet, Bodhi sourced a hard roof from an early Series Land Rover, giving the British wagon a unique look. He’s then covered the aluminium body from front to back in a tough paint job.The bulk of the panels are coated in Amsterdam Blue Green, while the trim pieces and roof have copped a layer or two of satin black over them. Giving the Perentie even more off-road ability is a four-inch diameter stainless-steel snorkel from Team Perentie hugging the A-pillar. Bodhi’s also fitted up a custom bonnet rack and trick stainless-steel honeycomb grille by Vic mob Rijidij Off Road.

Gearbox upgrade

Much to the annoyance of Land Rover fans, when the ADF were speccing up the Perentie to do serious duties, they decided the OEM Rover engines weren’t up to par. Instead, they sourced a Japanese engine in the form of an Isuzu 4BD1, a 3.9L in-line four-cylinder with no turbo and no worries.Despite putting out just 245Nm of torque, it was still more than the later model Defender boxes could be trusted with, so a four-speed LT95 Rover box was sourced from earlier models with a bearing upgrade in the transfer case. That transfer case sends drive full-time to the front and rear live axles.From the factory, the Perenties rode higher than a comparable Defender, but Bodhi’s now rides on Terrafirma shocks and two-inch taller springs front and rear. That’s given him room to squeeze in 35×12.5-inch Mickey Thompson Deegan 38 mud tyres wrapped around 16-inch steel wheels. A significant traction and styling boost over the original cheese cutters.

1

With beach camping Bodhi’s primary goal, there are a few key modifications to make life easier. That Series Land Rover hard lid isn’t just for looks. It gives him a dry place to stash his gear, and provides a mounting point for the rooftop tent. Sourced from Aussie company Tough Gear Trading, the hard-shell rooftop tent is constructed out of aluminium with a clever Z-fold design for quick set-ups and maximum space once it’s up. There’s internal lighting fitted up top, too.Moving to the inside and Bodhi completely gutted the interior, washing out dust and grit from decades of Australian conflicts in foreign lands before laying down a fresh lick of paint. The spray-in bed liner from Dominator gives a tough non-slip surface and allows Bodhi to open the doors and hose out the interior after big beach runs, without concern of damaging anything.Above the front seats a custom headboard got pieced together and houses the stereo. It feeds into a simple speaker set-up with a couple of 6×9-inch speakers and a Kicker subwoofer for camp tunes. The bench seats in the back mean he’s never short of mates to help around camp.

No.5 trailer

With plans to do more touring in the big Perentie, Bodhi’s built himself a matching trailer. The ex-military No.5 trailer was originally built to match the Land Rovers that towed them, and Bodhi has continued that tradition with his modifications.

Coated in matching paint and riding on matching Mickey Thompson 35-inch tyres, it looks right at home behind his beast and gives the British Mafia crew bulk storage for everything they could need to create memories by the campfire.

1

While Bodhi’s rig might not be the most modified we’ve ever seen, it’s definitely one of the most inspirational. There’s nothing like classic rigs, campfires and long nights with good mates as the waves roll in just a few metres away.