Important Innovations

  2023 Ford Ranger Raptor                                                  Source:  Ford Mid-Sized Off-Roading Truck with 392 hp The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor with 392 hp is coming to the US and going on sale in 2023.  It will also be launched in Europe with 284 hp in late 2022. The US version will likely have some additional adaptations over the global version. The Ranger Raptor has a powertrain similar to that of the Branco Raptor.  The US model will have a twin turbo 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 engine that will deliver 392 hp and 430 pound-feet of torque. The European version has been tuned to deliver 284 hp and 362 pound-feet of torque. More Tech Specs Both the US and the European twin turbo engine versions are coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission.  There are 33" BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires.  The vehicle has seven different drive modes, a new suspension system with Fox 2.5-inch live valve internal bypass shock absorbers and an electronically controlled exhaust system t

  Bronco Everglades   Can Drive Through 3 Feet of Water                                     Source:  Ford Bronco Everglades Engineered and Outfitted for Extreme Adventures Ford has unveiled its new 2022 Bronco Everglades, which is designed for very serious off-roading, extreme adventures.  The vehicle is engineered and outfitted to take the driver beyond the road less travelled that other off-roading drivers can't reach.  This ultra-rugged new version of the Bronco can traverse more than 3 feet of water.  It was unveiled this weekend at the Chicago Auto Show.  It has some awesome new off-roading technologies. Tech Specs There are unique and significant off-road upgrades in the Everglades.  There's a factory installed snorkel down the right rear passenger side that enables better performance in water, mud, swamp and dust by raising the engine's air intake above the nasty terrain conditions.  There is also an integrated Zeon 10S 10,000-pound winch.  It provides more traction

  The Jeep RX 200 - "Just Like a Wrangler"                                                  Source:  Jeep Trail Rated and Ready to Go Jeep and e-scooter maker Razor have teamed up to create a rugged off-road electric scooter called the Jeep RX 200. This vehicle is Jeep's first e-scooter model. It is available for purchase at a price of $499.00. Jeep recommends the vehicle for adults 18 years old and up. The e-scooter can carry weights up to 154 pounds.  For Jeep, it is a new form of travel adventure on two wheels.  They're hoping it will become as popular as the Jeep Wrangler which has a bevy of longstanding, loyal global customers.  Jeep and Razor claim that it has "the style and feel of a Jeep Wrangler". Tech Spec The 39.5 pound electric scooter has a steel chassis and rugged 8-inch pneumatic tires.  It is powered by a 200-watt electric motor with a 24-volt battery.  It has a ride time range of 40 minutes and a top speed of 12 mph.  The handlebars are adju

  Off-Roading in Harmony with Nature                                             Source:  Lexus Two New Concept Vehicles - 1st Hydrogen Vehicle At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 show, Lexus introduced two, new off-roading concepts.  The NX PHEV offroad concept SUV is a rugged, large crossover that has a plug-in powertrain. with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Lexus, which is Toyota's luxury brand, also officially unveiled its hydrogen powered ROV.  These side-by-side vehicles are designed for adventurous off-roaders who enjoy travelling the road less traveled with zero or very low emissions. NX PHEV Concept Lexus says these two new concepts are representative of its goals to expand travel choices for customers and simultaneously work toward a carbon free society with zero emissions driving. The NX PHEV offers both BEV (battery electric vehicle) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) modes.  It is built on a new platform, making it wider, taller and longer than the first generation NX.  It