All posts in “Off-Roaders”

Audi A6 Allroad

Audi has officially revealed its new A6 Allroad, which includes a handful of updates to the adaptive air suspension. This new iteration makes the iconic classic more beastly on the tarmac.

The Audi A6 Allroad is meant to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain and Volvo V90 Cross Country. Drawing from the fifth-generation mid-size Z6 launched in sedan form, the new platform brings weight savings, extra cabin space, and compatibility with plug-in hybrid options.

Audi increased the ground clearance to 7.3 inches at maximum height, and the adaptive air suspensions now comes with self-levelling. As a result, that should provide customers with an alternative to the crossover SUV. Other allroad additions include steeper departure angles, underbody protection, hill descent control, and tilt angle assist.

Thus far, Audi has only announced powertrain, though it offers three outputs. There’s a 3-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel engine that delivers 349 ponies and 516 pound-feet of torque in its most potent. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine hits zero to 62 in just 5.2 seconds and tow up to 5,000 pounds. As standard, the engines also comes fitted with mild-hybrid technology. This consists of a belt-drive electric motor-generator that acts as the starter motor. It recovers energy even under braking. This setup also allows the Audi A6 Allroad to coast even when the engine’s switched off over wide speed ranges.

The ride will hit the road in July. To commemorate 20 years since Audi last rolled out the A6 allroad, the carmaker will offer a special version of the latest model with black exterior accents.

LEARN MORE HERE

Photos courtesy of Audi

Caballo Del Diablo

The Caballo Del Diablo needs no introduction to racing fans. This ride, a seven-time desert champion, breezed through the unforgiving Baja California terrain with nary a hiccup. And it did that seven times; calling that impressive would be the understatement of the year.

At the heart of this beastly off-roader is a 1968 Ford Bronco. The Caballo Del Diablo, spanish for “The Devil Horse” is one of the few cars whose name undersells the actual vehicle itself. The Caballo Del Diablo, after all, is more than a devil. And it’s more than a horse. It’s a Trojan with satanic levels of beastliness.

Boyd Jaynes and Brian Godfrey pilot this monstrosity, and they equipped it with a Ford Performance Parts X2347 V8 crate engine, which tops out to 360 horsepower. And that’s even when using cheap, low-octane fuel. It also comes with Fox performance suspension parts and four Yokohama Geolandar M/T tires. Those tires are no joke — they survived a 1,300-mile trek without a single flat.

In all, the Caballo Del Diablo isn’t just an extreme ride in and of itself. It also serves as yet another evide that the Ford Bronco remains one of the best 4x4s to ever come out. But we can talk all day about parts and mechanics, but none of them would be as important as Jaynes and godfrey sitting behind the wheel. An unruly, formidable sheep needs an equally capable caption to reign the vehicle and pivot it toward the right direction, after all.

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Photos courtesy of Caballo Del Diablo

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler Is The Cheapest Off-Roader You Can Get

The results are in: The 2019 Jeep Wrangler, according to automotive research company Kelley Blue Book, is the cheapest and best-bang-for-your-modest-buck off-roader on the market.

The company awarded the ride its 5-Year Cost to Own accolade. That means if you’re on a super tight budget, it’s the best four-wheeler you can get.

Kelley Blue Book analyzed all the cars out there and factored in all the possible ways you’ll spend money on your car after you drag it out of the dealership. It took into account things like depreciation, finance fees, insurance fees, and state fees. Plus fuel costs and maintenance costs, for good measure.

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler came out on top. It’s a highly affordable off-road option, all expenses involved.

This isn’t the car’s only accolade, too. The 2019 Jeep Wrangler also came out on top as the MotorTrend SUV of the year. It surpassed rivals in the following categories: advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety and security, and value and performance.

You can choose from four different configurations: the Sport, Sport S, the Sahara, and the Rubicon. Pricing starts at $28,045, which is not that bad for a 4×4.

More affluent car folks would probably skip the 2019 Jeep Wrangler for a fancier, more premium and feature-packed option. Budget-conscious off-road fans would probably be happy with most of what the ride has to offer, though. Especially if they can save cash in the long run if they opt for this one. In any case, we’re excited to see what the model for 2020 will bring to the table.

CHECK IT OUT

Photos courtesy of Jeep

Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo S

Polaris has unveiled a four-seat revamp to its iconic RZR XP Turbo S. While the original model set new standards in nearly every category, the new four-seat upgrade pushes things a notch further. It serves as the first-ever four-seat, off-road monster with a 72-inch stance. You also get 32-inch standard tires, exclusive DYNAMIX Active Suspension, and 16-inch ground clearance. These turn Polaris’ latest rover into a unstoppable beast.

For the four-seat model, Polaris added a reinforced chassis and bigger, stronger axles, not to mention significant performance upgrades across the board. There’s a new isolated front drive with three times higher impact strength. Plus beastly 32-inch tires that are 249% more puncture-resistant than rivals.

The new rover also boasts 25% more assist in terms of power steering, and better steering feel at high speeds. Polaris also calibrated throttle mapping to provide drivers with better and more immediate throttle control, and they also redesigned the clutch box for improved air flow and decreased belt temperatures.

“The launch of the Turbo S platform was met with overwhelming excitement from our consumers, we knew the next step was to make it available in a four-seat model. As a result, we effectively raised the bar again, setting the standard in 72-inch side-by-side performance,” said Polaris’ Chris Musso.

You can now get the 168-horsepower RZR XP Turbo S in either Indy Red or Polaris Blue. Pricing starts at $30,500 — surely a small price to pay for something so agile, robust, and aggressive when it comes to all your off-road adventures.

LEARN MORE HERE

Photos courtesy of Polaris

Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 Off-Road RV

The folks at Nevada-based Hunter RMV have built a thin but excellent portfolio of robust and reliable off-roaders in the country. Its latest, the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6, is no exception.

Resembling a camper stacked on top of a military vehicle, the Predator 6.6 was converted from “Light Medium Tactical Vehicles” used by the military to transport soldiers and cargo throughout rugged environments across the globe. In other words, it’s a military vehicle that’s been converted into a house on wheels. That’s probably sufficient enough a selling point for many.

You’ll find all the amenities you’d expect on a modern RV, like beds, a dining area, a shower, and a toilet. It’s exactly like the ComVee from The Wild Thornberrys, down to the nature-inspired decals.

The off-roader measures 27.5 feet long and is over 13 feet high. Its 22-inch ground clearance makes it even more beastly. The cab seats three people. That is if the middle passenger is willing to perch on what appears to be a transmission hump.

Under the hood, you’ll find its 6.6-liter Caterpillar six-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Hunter RMV was light on details about this bad boy’s power, but we do know a seven-speed automatic transmission goes to all of its four wheels. The base model boasts a top speed of 58mph and a range of 400+ miles. However, you can upgrade that to a 70+mph with 800+ miles. Other optional additions include a winch, an extra water tank, and solar panels.

The Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 is a giant, robust, and reliable off-roader that’ll take you anywhere you want to go. Including the harshest of environments, of course. With it, no adventure is too far-fetched, no terrain is too impossible to tame. Get it now for $197,500.

BUY IT HERE

Photos courtesy of Hunter RMV

“Honcho” Jeep Wrangler By Bruiser Conversions

Bruiser Conversions is one of the top dogs in the tuning and custom ride game. Its latest Jeep Wrangler Honcho is a stellar addition to the company’s already impressive off-road monsters collection.

This tough and ruggedly handsome machine is beefier than you can imagine. It dons a retro-styled front end, winch, steel bumpers, and a custom bed with an integrated roll-bar. Add to that a new Teraflex suspension and shocks, plus the choice of two powertrains — a 368 kW V8 petrol engine from General Motors and a 2,8-litre four-cylinder from Cummins — and you’ve got yourself one extreme Jeep Wrangler Honcho.

If that’s still not metal enough for you, it’s possible to crank up the Honcho to a whopping 515kW. That adds more power to the V8 version than you’ll ever need. Matching all this badassery is an equally hardcore exterior, featuring grey paintwork boasting a Gorilla front clip. Plus, you can get optional beadlock wheels if you want them. There’s a removable hardtop using factory freedom panels, a roof-mounted auxiliary light bar, and new rims wrapped in huge off-road tires.

Needless to say that this Jeep Wrangler Honcho is more than capable of handling the harshest of environments. You’ll be out touring benign bumpy roads to unforgiving terrain. You’ll love its electronically locking differentials on both the front and rear axles, in addition to the BFGoodrich Krawler TA tires, making this custom Jeep Wrangler the perfect ride for all your off-road adventures.

Pricing starts at $40,000, but expect to pay way more for the optional items mentioned above.

Jeep Wrangler Honcho

Photos courtesy of Bruiser Conversions