McCarthy 4x4

Ford Performance Motorsport has made an exciting announcement: they will be participating in the famous Dakar Rally. Sports events and information: yesplay app download. In the upcoming year, a Ford Ranger works team will be competing in Saudi Arabia, aiming to learn and finish the challenging event. They will be using the previous generation Ranger, which is currently seen in the SA Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC). The goal is to prepare for a full-fledged assault in 2025, where they will introduce a custom-built Ranger Raptor that adheres to Dakar’s T1+ class regulations.

There are other connections to South Africa as well. Besides being built locally at Ford’s Silverton plant, Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) will collaborate with long-time partners M-Sport to handle vehicle development, servicing, and event management. The joint team of Ford Performance, M-Sport, and NWM has implemented various development phases until 2023 and plans to continue testing with the Ranger T1+. This version is based on the previous-generation global Ranger and features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine.

To prepare for the Dakar Rally, the team will participate in test races such as Spain’s Baja España Aragón and Morocco’s Rally du Maroc in July and October respectively. Mark Rushbrook, the global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, expressed excitement about leading the charge at this global off-road event. He acknowledged the enormity of the challenge and emphasized the importance of finishing and learning with the Ranger T1+ and the expertise brought by partners like M-Sport and NWM. Rushbrook mentioned that participating in Dakar will help inform their future competitions and contribute to building better products for customers.

While Rushbrook did not provide details about engines, transmissions, or driver line-ups for the 2025 Dakar, he mentioned that Ford Motorsport aims to compete and win while also focusing on improving their products. Although Ford recently introduced a new global Ford Performance branding livery, it is yet to be confirmed if the Dakar vehicles will showcase it.

In addition to the Dakar Rally, Ford Motorsport has been actively involved in other races. They announced their participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other global GT3 series with the Mustang GT3. Furthermore, starting from 2026, they will be supplying power units to the Oracle Red Bull and Scuderia Alpha Tauri Formula 1 teams.

Despite the Ford versus Ferrari rivalry known from the movies, the spotlight will now turn to Ford versus Toyota in the desert as South Africans are particularly interested due to their history of success in the Dakar Rally, especially with the Toyota Hilux.

The design brief for the Ineos Grenadier aimed to create a new off-road car with three non-negotiable priorities: design, durability, reliability, and off-road capability. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO and chairperson of Ineos chemicals group, sketched the first prototype on a napkin at the Grenadier pub in London, emphasizing these priorities. After five years of development, the first cars are set to be produced at the Hambach facility in France, which Ineos purchased from Mercedes Benz. The journey to bring the Grenadier to production hasn’t been easy, as Land Rover brought a court case against Ineos, claiming that the design of the original Defender was trademarked. Land Rover lost the case, allowing Ineos to move forward without restrictions.

The development of the Grenadier involved extensive research and development, including over 1.8 million kilometers of testing in extreme weather and terrain across the globe. In order to meet their design objectives, Ineos partnered with reputable companies such as BMW for engines, ZF for gearboxes, Magna Steyr for design and engineering, Bosch and Tremec for the transfer case, and the Carraro Group for the car’s live axles.

Ineos plans to release three variants of the Grenadier in South Africa: the Station Wagon, Trailmaster Edition for serious off-roaders, and the more bespoke Fieldmaster Edition. Later this year, there may be a hydrogen fuel cell version and a double cab variant.

All three variants are powered by BMW engines, either a 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine with 182 kW and 550 Nm or a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six petrol engine with 210 kW or 450 Nm. The engines have undergone revisions and recalibrations during the three-year live-testing phase to optimize both on- and off-road performance.

Power is distributed to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF gearbox with a heavy-duty torque converter. The Tremec transfer case is manually operated and has an external oil cooling system. The Station Wagon and Fieldmaster Edition can be equipped with front and rear electronically operated Eaton lockers. The Grenadier features a full box-frame ladder chassis, coil springs and dampers, anti-roll bars, a five-link suspension setup, and box and beam steering. Brembo brakes are used, and the vehicle is designed to handle a combined gross fully laden weight and maximum trailer weight of seven tons.

The Grenadier’s exterior design and features adhere to the analog and robust nature of the vehicle. It has rock sliders to protect the sills and undercarriage, 17-inch steel wheels as standard, and the option for 18-inch steel or alloy wheels with specially designed all-terrain Bridgestone or BF Goodridge tires.

The interior of the Ineos Grenadier takes a departure from the sleek and modern designs we’re accustomed to. Instead of a large dominating screen, it features a small digital readout that only shows essential icons and information when the off-road button is pushed. The off-road controls, such as Off-Road and Wading Modes, diff lock, Downhill Assist, and pre-wired auxiliary switches, are conveniently located on the overhead control panel, inspired by aircraft cockpits. The vehicle comes pre-wired for various off-road accessories, with multiple circuits and weather-proof roof mounted outlets.

The centre control panel adopts a similar design, with chunky dials and switches that are easy to operate even with gloves on. There is a 12.3-inch touch screen that displays driver information and can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, the rotary controller on the centre console, or the touch screen itself. The touch screen also houses the Ineos Automotive’s Pathfinder navigation system, a waypoint-based navigation system using GPS signals and coordinates.

Comfort is provided by eight-way manually adjustable Recaro seats specifically designed for the Grenadier. Standard upholstery is a combination of dirt- and water-resistant cloth and vinyl, with the option to have them heated. Full-grain leather seats are also available, and they come with standard heating. During a launch drive in Scotland, the seats proved to be comfortable even in cold temperatures.

Given its utilitarian nature, the Grenadier is built to handle dirt, mud, and grime. The interior features five interior one-way drain valves under removable rubber mats, allowing for easy cleaning. Critical cabin components have an IP54K rating, providing protection against dust and water ingress.

The driving experience of the Ineos Grenadier was tested during the international launch in Scotland. Driving from Inverness to the town of Lusa in the Scottish Highlands, the Grenadier showcased its abilities in the picturesque and rugged terrain. Ineos allowed the drivers to navigate the technical areas independently, with only some guidance on the various 4×4 settings.

During the test drive, the wading depth of the Grenadier was put to the test, with a depth of 800mm. The vehicle features a Wading Mode that monitors engine temperature and disables the engine fan to prevent plastic parts from breaking when water flows over the bonnet. The wading experience was successful, with no water entering the car, a welcome change compared to other vehicles, such as the Defender.

During the test drive of the Ineos Grenadier, the weather conditions played a role in creating muddy and slippery 4×4 sections due to melting snow and rain. However, with all three differential locks engaged, the Grenadier navigated the challenging terrain easily, with minimal wheel slip or damage. The downhill control speed could be set on the cruise-control button, and the traction control system operated silently, contributing to a controlled descent.

Driving on dirt roads is where the Grenadier truly shines, and it feels well-balanced with little slipping and sliding when navigating corners and bends. The vehicle’s weight, ranging from 2,644kg to 2,740kg depending on the specification, doesn’t hinder its handling capabilities.

The combination of the engine and gearbox is exceptionally smooth, surpassing even flagship models from premium brands. The suspension and steering work well together, allowing the Grenadier to handle twisting roads without much fuss. Acceleration is effortless, bringing the vehicle up to speed quickly, and the driving position is near perfect.

Despite adverse weather conditions on day two of the test drive, the Grenadier demonstrated its off-road abilities on a more technical and rocky route. It tackled the terrain with ease, with occasional spins before the differential locks kicked in to propel it forward and upward. The supportive seats provided comfort during the rocking motion.

Overall, the Ineos Grenadier impressed the test drivers, meeting their expectations in terms of design, off-road capabilities, and practical features. The vehicle offers a roof rating of 150kg, strategically placed charging points, ample storage space, and a rear-mounted spare wheel that doubles as additional storage for wet and muddy items. While reliability and durability will be confirmed as more people own the Grenadier, the initial impressions of the vehicle are positive.

The Ineos Grenadier comes with a five-year/100,000km warranty, and an optional service plan is available.
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Ineos has recently formed partnerships with two companies to operate three retail and service locations in South Africa. The SMH Group will oversee operations in Johannesburg and Pretoria, while SMG will cover Cape Town and Durban. Additionally, selected service-only sites will be established to enhance after-sales support.

Below are the prices for the Ineos Grenadier models, excluding optional extras, on-the-road (OTR) costs, and emissions tax:

3.0L Turbo Petrol, Straight-Six Engine:

– Station Wagon: R1 513 100
– Trailmaster Edition: R1 630 560
– Fieldmaster Edition: R1 630 560

3.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel, Straight-Six Engine:

– Station Wagon: R1 513 100
– Trailmaster Edition: R1 630 560
– Fieldmaster Edition: R1 630 560

The specifications for the Ineos Grenadier include:

– Ground clearance: 264mm
– Wading depth: 800mm
– Approach angle: 35.5˚
– Ramp breakover angle: 28.2˚
– Departure angle: 36.1˚
– Maximum side angle limit: 45˚
– Front axle articulation: 9˚
– Rear axle articulation: 12˚
– Wheel travel: 585mm
– Crawl ratio and speed (petrol): 53.81 and 2.04km/h
– Crawl ratio and speed (diesel): 56.37 and 2.08km/h

Source: IOL Motoring

In East London, South Africans are passionate about their lifestyle vehicles, whether it be an SUV, double cab, or MPV. Some enjoy going off-road and require serious off-road skills, while others prefer a more relaxed approach but still want reliable tires. When it comes to off-road adventures, ordinary road tires won’t cut it, so most people opt for all-terrain tires or, in more extreme cases, mud tires.

There are also those who spend most of their time on paved roads but want to give off an impression of toughness. These vehicles usually come with highway-oriented tires, but many owners quickly replace them with tires featuring a more aggressive tread pattern. It’s important to remember that the tires on each corner of a vehicle play a crucial role in stopping and preventing accidents.

To meet the needs of off-road enthusiasts, General Tire, a division of Continental Tyre, recently fitted their new General Tire Grabber ATX and AT3 tires on Isuzu’s D-Max V-Cross bakkies. They invited us to experience these tires on challenging terrain in the Transkei. While much attention is given to local vehicle manufacturers, we sometimes overlook that Continental Tyres South Africa has been producing tires for 75 years in Gqeberha.

Many South Africans prefer white lettering on their tires, influenced by American trends. General Tire has recognized this preference and now offers the ATX tire with highlighted lettering. The ATX comes in four popular off-road sizes, ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter, 265 to 285mm in width, with aspect ratios of 65 to 75. It has speed indexes of R (170km/h) and S (180km/h).

The AT3 tire comes in LT (Light Truck) or standard specification. It offers a wide range of sizes, from 15 to 22 inches in diameter, 205 to 275mm in width, with aspect ratios of 40 to 75. Its speed ratings range from S to V (180 to 240 km/h). In heavy-duty LT specification, the Grabber AT3 is available in 21 sizes, ranging from 15 to 18 inches in diameter, 215 to 285mm in width, with aspect ratios of 60 to 85. It carries an S speed index (180 km/h).

When we think of light trucks, we often picture single cab delivery bakkies or small trucks seen on construction sites. However, choosing LT tires for your vehicle provides a stronger carcass, higher load capacity, thicker sidewalls, and deeper tread patterns, making them ideal for rough terrains prone to punctures. Although the speed rating is lower, anyone who has driven close to 180km/h in an SUV or bakkie knows it’s not a safe place to be.

With the technical details covered, it was time to put the tires to the test. We traveled from East London through Butterworth, staying overnight at the Wavecrest Hotel on the beach. The decay in large parts of the Eastern Cape was evident, reflecting years of mismanagement, infrastructure destruction, and dirty streets, which is a disheartening reality for its residents. This journey provided an early indication of the capabilities of the new tires. They performed well and quietly on the tarred roads, offering excellent grip and stopping ability. Once we turned off the main road, the conditions became more challenging, with large potholes and muddy tracks from heavy rainfall the previous night. This further emphasized the importance of fitting a reliable set of all-terrain tires for such terrains.

Reducing the tire pressures to 1.5 bar made a noticeable difference in the quality of the ride. The D-Max suspension, combined with the AT3 tires, handled road imperfections with ease. My driving partner couldn’t help but comment on my occasional encounters with muddy pools and road imperfections.

Our main purpose was to test the tires, and driving in 4H mode, both the D-Max and AT3 tires proved to be a great match for the terrain.

Once we left the urban and peri-urban areas, the Transkei revealed itself as one of the most stunning places on Earth. Its untouched green landscapes, vast stretches of empty beaches, rolling waves, and friendly locals make it one of the few places left in South Africa where you can truly experience adventure driving.

Day two offered more challenges, including tougher obstacles that required the use of low range gear.

Equipped with the more aggressive ATX tires, river crossings and rocky inclines posed no problem. We even had to navigate through a marsh, which put the tires to the test in muddy conditions.

The ATX tires, with their widely spaced chunks of rubber, cleared the mud from the treads and provided excellent grip.

I’ve often heard people boasting about their stock 4×4 vehicles with standard highway tires being able to conquer any terrain. But from personal experience, I can confidently say that without the right tires, even the most advanced off-road systems on modern vehicles won’t get you very far. A stock Series Land Rover with terrain-specific tires will outperform any vehicle with standard tires on challenging terrain.

As we crossed the Kleinmond River on the pontoon to reach the Morgan Bay Hotel, I shared a story of one of our extreme 4×4 trips to Lesotho. Our group of enthusiasts enjoys pushing ourselves and our modified vehicles to the limit, tackling difficult mountain crossings in winter temperatures as low as -19 degrees Celsius.

In the summer, rain makes the terrain slippery, and a single misstep on a boulder could send you tumbling down a 300-meter cliff. It’s safer, albeit colder, to take precautions.

On this particular trip, we had someone join us with a highly sophisticated vehicle. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get the specific mud tires he wanted and settled for standard ones. When he had to be pulled up a steep rocky river bank, his tires slipped and slid, alarms went off, and he had to admit defeat and follow a more established route back to base.

General Tire also caters to those types of terrains and drivers with their Grabber X3 tires. It offers 14 sizes, ranging from 15 to 18 inches in diameter, widths from 205 to 285mm, aspect ratios of 60 to 85, and a Q speed index (160 km/h).

So, whether you’re heading off-road, going on a vacation in your SUV, or just commuting in your sedan or hatchback, don’t compromise on tires.

Oh, and it’s always a good idea to support local brands.

Stuttgart – Porsche is preparing to unveil its first off-roading sports car, the 911 Dakar, at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. This may seem like a peculiar move for Porsche, but the company actually has a history with off-roading, having won the Paris-Dakar rally in 1984 with a modified 911 fitted with four-wheel drive for the first time.

Though Porsche has not yet released any technical details, Autocar predicts that the 911 Dakar will feature the same 331kW flat-six engine found in the Carrera 4S. Other modifications will likely include raised suspension and off-road tires, but more specifics will be revealed next week.

Prior to its official debut, Porsche conducted extensive testing on the 911 Dakar, covering over 500,000 kilometers around the globe. The Château de Lastours test track in southern France was used to assess the car’s handling on rally courses and fine-tune the suspension. Porsche works driver Romain Dumas, who was initially puzzled by the assignment, was impressed by the car’s off-road capability, including its ability to handle jumps.

The 911 Dakar also underwent testing on ice in Arjeplog, Sweden, with double WRC champion Walter Röhrl praising the car’s precision and calmness. Additionally, the car was put through its paces on fast sand tracks and steep dunes in Dubai and Morocco, enduring temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius.

More information about the 911 Dakar will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show next Thursday.