Unsealed 4X4 are proud to announce we are the presenting partner for Australian Events running through the sunny state of Queensland. There are seven shows, kicking off with the three day Gold Coast Expo on the 27tah-29th of July at the Gold Coast Turf Club, Bundall. Gates open at 8:30am each day; entry for adults is an affordable $12, seniors card holders $10 while children under 16 are free! You can also buy tickets from their website one the next page to jump the queue.
Not near the Goldie? There’s another six shows along the coast:
Queensland Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo, Toowoomba: 3-5th of August 2018
Fraser Coast Expo: 17-19th of August 2018
Rockhampton Expo: 24-26th of August 2018
Townsville Expo: 31st August-2nd September 2018
Cleveland Caravan, Camping, Boating & 4X4 Expo: 21-23rd of September 2018
Sunshine Coast Home Show & Caravan, Camping & Boating Expo: 12-14th of October 2018
Each show features three days of the very latest in caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, vehicles and 4WDs, fifth wheelers, camping gear and accessories. There’s everything from rolling 5-star hotels to swags, caravan parks to portable saunas; learn from suppliers about suspension upgrades, 12V lighting, metal detecting and everything in between. For more details, visit http://australianevents.com.au/project_category/event-list/
So if you’re looking at getting something that will keep you going far past where your fourby can take you, our mates down south have something for you. Unsealed 4X4 are proud to bring you the 2018 RACV Marine Melbourne Boat Show, which will run from Thursday 28th June to Sunday 1st July down at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. With over 110 exhibitors, there will be something for everyone, whether it be trying to get into fishing, so you can proudly catch your own dinner out bush, or something to help unleash your need for speed, which your old truck can’t seem to do. There will be a number of new release vessels, as well as television presenter Robby Nethercote hosting the show stage this year.
For visitors who scan their tickets at the show floors’ scanners, there will be six prizes to win but the major prize is what you really want – this year the show will be giving away a Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label Special Edition valued at $62,990 to one lucky visitor who registers their ticket, so even if none of the boats take your fancy, you could leave there with a nice, clean, new truck to go get dirty on your next trip away. For more information, visit https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-marine/melbourne-international-boat-show.html
Ford have issued a recall for their Ranger and Everest 4WDs, which sounds pretty serious. The intermediate steering shaft, which sits between (and connects) the steering column and box, has some dodgy welds that aren’t up to scratch. If the weld fails, your steering disappears. So naturally, recalled vehicles will have their steering system inspected, and any suspect gear will get replaced.
There is a total of 288 vehicles included in the recall, affecting Rangers built between March 18 and April 11 and Everests built between March 16 and April 6, 2018. Click here for the list of Everest VINs. And click here for a list of Ranger VINs.
It’s Ram’s new entry-level 4X4 ute, which is aimed directly at those looking to buy top-end 4WD utes like Ranger Wildtrak, V6 Amarok and X-Class. It’s still a Ram, but a 1500 model. This means it’s shorter, smaller and lighter than the big brother heavy-duty models. Along with a lower asking price, it also has a different motor under the bonnet.
Like the 2500, the 2018 Ram 1500 is mostly built in the USA especially for the Australian market, before getting some final manufacture here. These guys are proud to be a fully approved factory importer, with full homologation to Australia ADRs and full volume import approval.
What’s under the bonnet?
The 1500 uses Chrysler’s Hemi 5.7 litre V8, which makes 291kW @ 5,600rpm and 556Nm @ 3,950rpm. Relatively speaking, it’s very similar to Nissan’s VK56 in the Y62 Patrol and Chev’s LS2. If you want a diesel, you’ve got two options: Spend a fair whack more money for a 2500 or 3500 with the Cummins ISB 6.7-litre motor, or wait for the diesel 1,500 late this year. Be still, your beating heart, it’s not the big Cummins six-banger. Instead, the VM Motori 3-litre V6 diesel, used under the bonnet of Jeep’s Grand Cherokee (making 184kW and 570Nm).
The Ram 1500 uses an 8-speed Torqueflite automatic gearbox, has a part-time 4WD system and a low-range transfer case.
There are a few big surprises with this Australia-bound RAM 1500. Firstly, it’s significantly lighter than you’d expect. It’s a huge 1,100 kilogram saving in weight over the ‘Heavy Duty’ models, coming in at a somewhat spritely 2.4 tonnes. The GVM is a bit on the spritely side as well for a full-size truck, coming in at 3,330kg. More than one tonne of payload is lots, but we would have like to see the full 3.5-tonne GVM for some extra flexibility.
What does it tow?
3.5 tonnes is the simple answer. Interestingly, the towing capacity can be increased to 4.5 tonne as a no-cost option, but changing the gear ratio in the differentials. The ratio gets shortened from 3.21:1 to 3.92:1, trading off efficiency for a bit more punch through the lower overall gearing. Beyond the gearing, only a body control module re-flash is needed for the extra tonne in towing capacity.
The 2018 Ram 1500 Express: starting at under $80,000
What about GCM, I hear you ask? Pertinent question, with no answer yet. Our spec sheet still says ‘TBC’ unfortunately. That’s something they must still be figuring out. We’ll let you know as soon as we find out.
How much fuel does it use?
I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when the friendly folk at Ram told us it had a combined cycle of 9.9 litres per hundred kilometres. Such little fuel usage for a big petrol V8 truck is mighty impressive, helped no doubt by the cylinder deactivation technology and variable valve timing that the Hemi V8 uses.
I have to say I’m a little sceptical about how accessible 9.9 litres per hundred will really be, especially after spending some time in Y62 Patrol with a very similar engine under the bonnet. The Patrol is a few hundred kilograms heavier, but it was using an absolute bull’s roar from anything resembling 10 litres per hundred. Stay tuned, because we’ll be putting this figure to the test.
2019 Ram 1500 – RamBox is awesome, but quite expensive
Why would you buy one?
One reason: you want something bigger than old mate next door. Beyond that, there are quite a few reasons why a RAM 1500 makes sense: If you’ve outgrown your (insert ute name here) and want more, well, everything, then this RAM does become a logical step. Aside from having an on-road presence only a big yank tank can muster, the RAM 1500 does have more space, payload, towing capacity and power than any other 4WD ute. Well, not including RAM 2500, HSV Silverado and other RHD-converted big rigs with 6.5+ litre turbo diesel motors and four-figures worth of newton-metres. Being bigger means you’ve got more load space inside and out, and have the option of towing up to 4.5 tonnes. Or, maybe you just want a 4X4 ute with a 300kW petrol V8.
Different sizes and specs
You can have your Ram 1500 in two main flavours: mid-range Express and top-end Laramie. Along with getting some extra chrome and nice interior finishes, the Laramie trades off tub size for some extra space in the 2nd row. It’s a noticeable change: the tub shrinks from 192cm to 170cm, which turns into handy legroom. It’s worth noting here the tub stays very wide, giving a lot more space than your typical dual cab ute. So if you want a real family ute, it’s worth thinking about stumping up for the more expensive Laramie ($99,950).
The 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie scores leather and tech inside, bringing it in line with other high-end utes.
How big is it?
If you thought the Ram Truck was always too big, then you might be happy with the smaller footprint of the 1500. It has a 3,573 mm wheelbase and 5,816 mm of overall length. Width and height are 2,018 mm and 1,968 mm.
Compared to a Ranger Wildtrak, the 1500 is 390mm longer, 158mm wider and 120mm taller. It’s still bigger, that’s clearly evident when looking at and sitting in the Ram 1500. But it is a touch smaller than a 2500. How easy is the 1500 to drive? We’re not sure yet, we’re also not sure how well it will tow or go off-road, so stay tuned until we get some time behind the wheel.
When is it available?
The first available will be the Laramie, from July 2018. Then the Express is coming in September, followed by V6 diesel-powered variants and a ‘Black Pack’ towards the end of the year.
What do you think? Will the Ram 1500 become an Australian success story?
2018 RAM Price List from 1 July 2018
Recommended retail prices excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery unless indicated as driveaway
RAM Model and version
Price
RAM 1500 Express
RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub
$79,950
RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub with RamBoxes
$84,450
RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub Black Pack
$89,450
RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub Black Pack with RamBoxes
$93,950
RAM 1500 Laramie
RAM 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 5’7” Tub
$99,950
RAM 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 5’7” Tub with RamBoxes
$104,450
RAM 2500 Laramie
RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub
$139,950
RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub with five seats (*)
$140,950
RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 8’ Tub (*)
$140,950
RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub Sport Appearance Pack
$146,550
RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub with RamBoxes
$144,350
RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub with RamBoxes and five seats (*)
$145,350
RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 6’4” Tub Sport Appearance Pack with RamBoxes
Cold, wet and windy … but nobody was miserable at this amazing off-road event
Located down in the valley of the Werribee Gorge, you would have found the team from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles flat out, preparing for their 2018 Spirit of Amarok. This massive event held at the 4X4 Proving Grounds over the 10th and 11th of May, saw 48 two person teams compete across three disciplines. On the day, the team with the most points obtained from the technical, rally and regularity stages were given the opportunity to represent Australia at the finals of The Spirit of Amarok, in South Africa. With such a big prize on offer, the nerves were high on day one. The smallest of mistakes saw teams dropping points at crucial moments.
Everyone was keeping an eye on competitors and on the cold front, as the weather was quickly swirling. Luckily the weather held out and the winners, team ‘Dwayne Johnson’, were ecstatic to learn their fate. However, letting the wives know they would be heading to South Africa without them was heard to be just as difficult as the driving…
On day two, even the Melbourne locals were embarrassed as to how bad the weather had turned. Teams went out in the morning and safely competed in two disciplines before coming in to warm up over the lunch break. Sadly, weather and general conditions had proved too difficult, with fairness of the competition a priority, along with the safety of the competitors, the VW team moved to Plan B.
The team on the highest points for each group had a sudden death playoff, with the team who gets closest to the pin winning the trip to South Africa to join team ‘Dwayne Johnson’. That team was called ‘Team Tombstone’. A massive congrats to all participants and those lucky buggers heading off to South Africa to represent Australia.
If you think you have what it takes, enter the 2019 event here.
Is it too little too late for the aging BT-50 though?
It’s taken roughly two years of development, but Australian BT-50 utes have just received a visual front-end makeover. We are the only market to receive this update too. The updated styling cues are courtesy of a new bumper and grille design, undertaken right here in Australia. The front-end tickle up has put a new step in the BT’s stride, with a more squared look removing the ‘smiley’ front-end, which polarised the market since it was introduced in 2011. But is it kind of pointless considering most buyers will install a bullbar?
Brisbane-based canopy and accessory manufacturer, EGR Auto, was given the green light to handle the manufacturing process, once Mazda engineers painstakingly sculpted their redesigned front-end. They also tell us that no structural changes were required, as existing mounting points and locations were used when designing the updated panels.
Not only have the looks improved, Mazda engineers who were tasked with this project claim that the new front-end improves cooling, with increased airflow through the grille into the radiator and front-mounted intercooler. The original equipment bull bars offered by Mazda for the BT-50 have remained untouched design wise, however a redesign of the Mazda nudge bar was undertaken. We are unsure if aftermarket bull bars will need to be updated at this stage to suit the facelift.
As well as visual updates, the 2018 Mazda BT-50 scores Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range, as well as a 12V socket in the tub which stays active with the vehicle switched off (until voltage drops). Service intervals have also changed from every 10,000km to 15,000km, with Mazda claiming a saving of $854 over five years for BT-50 owners. Pricing starts from $37,990 for the 4X4 single-cab XT and tops out at $51,990 for the top-of-the-line GT dual-cab model.
