Lack of direction

A fellow off-roader was looking at my Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs the other day – those funny ones with the asymmetric tread pattern. They're supposed to (and do) combine the advantages of a mud tyre with an all terrain. "Too bad they're directional," he said, "or I'd probably buy a set." True, they do have a "directional" look to them, but in fact are multi-directional, although mount specific in that they have an in-side and an out-side and must be put on the rim accordingly.

Holden might have Fieldays surprise

Holden says it might have a couple of new Colorados at Fieldays June 13-16, weeks ahead of its general release. It's also announced pricing that will range from $38,400 to $61,900. The lineup starts with the DX 4x2 Single Cab, powered by a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with manual transmission, the 2.8 litre diesel LTZ 4x4 Crew Cab with automatic, at $61,900. Colorado will be sold in Single Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab configuration, and in four trim levels – DX, LX, LT and LTZ.  All 2.8-litre models have a 3500kg braked towing rating; take that, Ford Ranger.

Here's more; and even more.

Nissan's desert special

News comes from the Lucky Country that Nissan has released a tarted up Patrol to commemorate the first vehicle crossing of the Simpson Desert. Nissan is also re-enacting the crossing with a restored G60. The Simpson 50th Anniversary Edition Patrol includes satnav, reversing camera, an alloy bullbar, driving lights, roof bars, kick plates, bonnet protector, a 41-litre cool box and various other bits and pieces; in other words nothing of real interest.

Land Rovers out and about

I've always enjoyed following the activities of the Land Rover Enthusiasts' Club Rotorua Region, whose membership is wider than the title suggests. The club maintains an interesting website here, which is worth a browse if you like reports and photos of interesting Land Rover adventures. The picture above is from the site.

Blast from the past

While searching for something else, I came across this, part of an article I wrote 16 years ago for NZ Petrolhead. Despite heaps of work, the site never opened and the need for an off-road park was filled by Extreme 4WD near Helensville. Extreme is now just a (mostly) pleasant memory; the farm at which it was based was sold not long after the Jeep Woodhill 4WD Adventure Park opened and is now a haven for the horsey set. 

"Just off SH1 near Pokeno, Pro Track 4x4 Parks is putting the finishing touches on the first phase of its 50-acre farmland off-road centre. They had hoped to be going by now, but bad weather worked against them. When it’s all finished next year (they’re planning to open as soon as the track is ready and add other facilities later), Pro Track will be quite a place, with most of the amenities of the best English off-road centres, and a few more besides. The guys behind it are businessmen and after-hours outdoors types who felt frustration about lack of access to 4WD opportunities. For $60, visitors will be able to drive the park to their heart’s content, or do a complete circuit for $25. The circuit should take a couple of hours, depending on how often you get stuck."