Eight-speed Amarok headed this way

Looks like we'll get the eight-speed auto Amarok announced at the Frankfurt motor show. It will probably be packaged with the Amarok’s permanent f4WD system and a new 132kW/420Nm version of the 2.0 litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel. This setup would make Amarok a quick ute, with a claimed top speed of 179km/h in seventh gear. Braked tow rating is also likely to be increased to 3200kg from 2800kg. The transmission is understood to be the same, or similar to, that  in the Touareg wagon.

How to break your winch rope

The United Four Wheel Drive Association's magazine, The Voice, is out again and includes a worthwhile article on winch rope failure. Download it here, then flick through to pages 30-31. The association is US-based but international in scope. It has strong New Zealand connections, including the editor, Peter Vahry.

A bit more on the Defender concept

Sport version of the DC100 has cut-down screens and a twin-humped fastback tonneau to shroud its rear seats and payload area. Like its fixed-head twin, it rolls on 22-inch alloys and ultra-low-profile tyres.

A press release on the two Defender DC100 concepts at Frankfurt, Land Rover offers little new insight, other than: 

• "Both are based on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform, with three-abreast 'social seating' that is inspired by the very first Land Rovers.

• "A driver-activated spiked tyre system can be deployed at the touch of a button and permanent four-wheel drive with an eight-speed transmission, Intelligent Stop/Start and transfer case. 

• Driveline Disconnect physically decouples the rear axle to save fuel when all-wheel drive is not required. The concepts are powered by 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities. 

• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Leisure key is a waterproof, lightweight alternative to the control fob and 'Always-on' connectivity and telematics allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication."

Here's the original posting. And here's a link to a useful UK Autocar article.

Jimny's back and ticking away

Suzuki Jimny has evidently been scarce after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, but now it's back in full supply, says the company. Not only that, the latest versions are upgraded. That part of the press release grabbed my interest. A 1.6 litre engine, maybe? A wider track, a decent manual transmission, traction control? None of those, just a "more versatile" Sony MP3-compatible audio and a storage pocket and clock below the sound system in the centre of the dashboard. Well, that's something. The Jimny was by my reckoning the only vehicle on sale in New Zealand without a clock. Oh, and the price for the base JX five-speed manual has gone up by $1000 to $19,990, but the higher-spec manual and auto Sierras remain at $22,990 and $24,500 respectively.