Four-Wheel Drive News 1997.

The current Four-Wheel Drive News is [here]

URL: /4WD.html

28 December 1997: December news from the Australian National 4WD Radio Network.

25 December 1997: Merry Christmas to you and yours.

December 1997: Ssangyong, like Kia, got into a "bit of financial bother" earlier this year. Now.....

Daewoo has taken a 53% share in Ssangyong. Ssangyong's contracts and licenses stay in place for the time being. Daimler-Benz which distributes the Musso and (soon) the Korando four-wheel drives in Australia, has a 2.3% share in Ssangyong. and intends to retain the Ssangyong franchise.

17 December 1997: The movie Three Colours: Red is on SBS TV again tonight (check the TV-guide) and "stars" a red Jeep.

16 December 1997: from the email:

The Mercedes Benz G-wagen G350 turbo-diesel is out of production for Europe. The successor is a new G300 turbo-diesel having a six-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine with 130kW (or 177PS).
- Clive Schley

December 1998: The NRMA has given the Subaru Forester the best small/medium car award and the Subaru Impreza WRX the best sports car (under $55,000) award. These are in "open" competition, not special 4WD awards. The Forester is priced from $26,990 to $33,490 ($Aus) and the Impreza WRX from $39,990 to $42,290. Subaru says that it has been selling about 350 Foresters per month.

16 December 1997: Two people have been killed in bush-fires south of Perth, WA [- ABC news].

December 1997: Toyota Australia reports that it sold 886 Prados, 547 RAV4s and 860 Hiluxes in November. The company has been looking after its community and environmental credentials, sponsoring Coastcare and also donating sub-zero clothing to the State Emergency Service in the Snowy Mountains. Coastcare week ran from 1 to 7 December. There is also the matter of the prototype electric RAV4 and did you see the "green" Toyota issue of Time magazine?

12 December 1997: The Nissan Patrol GU has started being delivered to Nissan dealers in Australia.

December 1997: Len Beadell's new book (yes, that's right, new) Around the World in Eighty Delays provides a top Christmas read for fans of this Australian legend.

6 December 1997: unexpected rain brought relief to fire-fighters battling bush fires in NW and Sth New South Wales. However it will not take much for the situation to turn nasty again - please take care with fire in the bush.

December 1997: The 1998 Land Rover Discovery is now on sale in the UK but it is just an update of the existing one (high mounted brake light, "Kestrel" cloth trim, indicators in bumper, some new colours) not the coming stretched and reworked model. 3-door Discover XS has 7 seats but no ABS. 5-door S is replaced by "GS" with duo-tone alloys. The 2-litre Mpi petrol engine has been deleted, at least in the UK.
- Tony Luckwill

December 1997: Quad Drive 4WD Club has won the Western Australia Inter-Club Gymkhana.

2 December 1997: sections of the Princes Highway and other roads in NSW have been closed due to bush-fires.

November 1997: The Pajero 4WD Club (Vic') has announced plans for the next 4WD Challenge March 1998

November 1997: The Australian Army has experienced some instances of wheel rims cracking where the wheel centre and rim join, on heavily laden Land Rover 110 vehicles. If you drive a 110 hard on corrugations inspect the wheels as a precaution.

28 November 1997: fire-fighters reported bush-fires in forest areas of East Gippsland and southern New South Wales as a result of the recent hot weather and lightning.

27 November 1997: Only one shopping month left to Christmas and what to buy? Well Suzuki Sierra Surf soft-tops are at $16K with hard-tops at $17K, and Toyota Prado 2.7 litre's are on "special" from $33K+orc ($Aus). On which topic, Toyota reports sales of 1005 80-series LandCruisers and record sales of 812 Prado's for October.

26 November 1997: Victoria experienced its hottest November day (40°C) since 1911. Accompanying lightning strikes started 90 bushfires around the state and nearly twice that number in NSW.

25 November 1997: Australian National 4WD Radio Network - St. Mary's Tasmania base station will start operation on 9 December.

16 November 1997: Toyota have given the venerable Hilux a complete overhaul for the 1998 model year - new chassis, new body, independent front suspension on all models, 2.7L petrol or 3L diesel engines. Prices have actually dropped relative to the old Hilux.

November 1997: organisers of the October 1997 Sydney Motor Show report that 233,636 visitors passed through the gates, a record and 7.6% up on 1996.

14 November 1997: from the email, and you've got to admire confidence:

When our gates open on Friday (14/11/97) I believe our Perth 4WD & Outdoor Show will be the biggest 4WD show in the world! A bold statement, but using the internet I have checked many shows worldwide including some very big affairs in the UK (Peterborough, Maids, LROC) and in the US we know that the big shows are for SUVs and motorhomes but not 4WDs.
   Our Perth event is over 8 hectares(20 acres). Parking is another 10 hectares (24 acres) and our aquatic demos and displays take up another acre or two on the Swan River.
   We'll have a million dollars of Hummers (7), a million dollars of Jeeps (22), another million of Toyotas (24), another million of Rovers (including the new Freelander), another million of Nissans (20), another 5 million of Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Daihatsu, Lada, Dodge, Ford, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, OKA and more. There's a million in caravans from Roadstar, Coromal, Golf, Jayco and more, with about 30 differrent camper trailers from a dozen makers. Add an acre of tents from BBQ Galore and Ranger, eight motorhomes from Winnebago and Travelux, add solar power, accessories from Opp Lock, TJM, ARB, Parkside, Team Poly and more, wheels and tyres from Goodyear, Bob Janes, Pirelli, Michelin, Ensign, Coopers, Yokohama, ROH, and more .... then there's power boats, jet skis, a houseboat, fishing, motorbikes, suspensions, and on and on and on!
   Action a plenty with free abseiling, free test rides, trial bikes demos, mountain bike demos, fishing demos, water ski show, wake boarding demos, jet ski demos, army tank demos, vehicle recovery demos and more!
- Chris

11 November 1997: Anyone in the Dandenong Victoria area around the Nissan plants can spot new Patrols being driven daily by Nissan employees. The only disguise being badgework covered over with masking tape. They first appeared several weeks ago, as the new GU Patrols were appearing in the media
- Jay

11 November 1997: Land Rover 50^th plans (UK).

Nov 1997, US news from the email:

Acura, a divison of Honda, has a refreshed it's SLX (Holden Jackaroo) with a face-lift and a bigger engine. AM General, maker of the Hummer go anywhere SUV has made no significant changes. Audi has redesigned its A6 Quattro, with an Avant coming soon. The Quattro A8, A4 1.8T, A4 2.8 and A4 Avant are unchanged. Chevrolet has given a facelift to its Blazer 3dr and 5dr SUV's, as well as to its S-10 pickup. While its Tahoe 2dr and 4dr, Tracker 2dr and 4dr, and Suburban, SUVs, its CK pickup and Astro AWD MPV remain unchanaged. Chrysler gives a facelift to the Town & Country AWD MPV. While at Dodge the Ram, Dakota, and Caravan AWD(Chrysler Voyager) remain unchanged. But the Durango SUV is added. Eagle, in its final year keeps the Talon TSi AWD. At Ford the Expedition and F-Series are unchanged, while the Explorer (avail' in USA as 3dr or 5dr) gets a new rear end, and its Ranger cousin is redone. GMC, the premium truck brand, the Jimmy(3dr/5dr) and Sonoma are facelifted. The Yukon, Sierra, and Safari AWD MPV are unchanged. Honda's CR-V adds 2WD [?!] and a manual, while the Passport (Holden Frontera) is redone. Infiniti (a Nissan divison) keeps it's QX4 unchanged. Isuzu has redone its Rodeo and Trooper, while adding the Amigo 3dr. The Hombre is unchanged. Jeep's Cherokee (3dr and 5dr) is unchanged, duo for Wrangler, but the Grand Cherokee get a 5.9 litre V8, having this vehicle storm from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds! Kia adds leather and a 2dr to the Sportage line, while Land Rover keeps its Discovery and RR mainly unchanged. [Toyota] Lexus adds the RX300 SUV [?Harrier - Camry based?], and replaces the LX450 with the LX470 [~ Landcruiser 100 series]. Lincoln-Mercury adds the Navigator while facelifting the Moutaineer (a redone Explorer 5dr). Mazda redesigns the B-Series, while keeping the MPV AWD (which itself is an MPV) unchanged. Mitsubishi redoes its Montero (~Pajero) and keeps the Montero Sport (Challenger) unchanged. Nissan keeps the Pathfinder unchanged and redesigns the Frontier pick-up. Over at Oldsmobile the Bravada is redone, Saleem has a high performance Explorer coming to. Over at Subaru, the Forester is added. The Outback, Imperza, and Legacy are mainly unchanged. Suzuki will redo its Sidekick mid-way through the the year, and keeps the X-90, while Toyota's 4Runner, LandCruiser and T100 remain unchanged, the RAV4 adds a Cabrio, and the Tacoma is redone. Mercedes adds the M-Class and E320 AWD sedan and wagon, while the G-Class is mainly unchanged. Over at VW, there's a new Passat sedan and wagon Syncro in spring. The low volume SUV makers, Gazelle, Aro, TC, LaForza and others are pretty much un altered, while SsangYong is preparing its US assult.
- MAH4546

November 1997: News from the Australian National 4WD Radio Network - revised schedules, selcall numbers and more `base' plans.

November 1997: The RACV has chosen the Toyota Prado as its best value four-wheel drive of 1997, $40K-$53K. Prado's starting price has crept up from $36,990+orc for the 4-cylinder when introduced in 1996 to $39,990, while the V6 Mitsubishi Pajero now starts at $37,520.

October 1997: The FWDFWD club hosts the SWFWDA Fall Quarterly meeting in Clayton OK USA.

27 October 1997: from the email -

Just a quick e-mail to say .... our [Osmark] Adelaide 4x4 show just finished with a top result. 17,181 show visitors in three days was above our forecast of 15,000. They saw over 90 exhibitors spread over almost 12 acres. We also had (and needed all of it) 26 acres of free parking at the Parklands. On Sunday this was chock-a-block. We often wonder, as do many of our exhibitors, how some shows claim incredibly high attendance figures when they have little parking and go for similar hours! Our exhibitors have reported great sales, early estimates around A$5 million. ARB claimed several records, the Isuzu-GM people were over the moon at the exposure they achieved, very good sales at the show were made by Mercedes and Rover. Cavalier Campers reported the best ever result in twelve years, the caravan guys are taking more space next year, BBQs Galore have now booked over 700 sq metres for all our 1998 shows .... and heaps more success stories
- Chris Osborne

24 October 1997: Subaru has updated the interior and standard equipment of its Impreza range for 1997 / 1998. Prices have also been trimmed, the Impreza WRX turbo 4x4 sedan dropping $1000 to $39,990. 83% of Subarus sold in Australia are all-wheel drive (don't be surprised if they drop 4x2 some time in the future). The Imprezza RX was $29,990 drive-away, and is now $26,990+orc, a claimed effective drop of $1000. It now has new alloy wheels, upgraded interior and standard dual airbags and ABS brakes. Impreza GX 4x2 now starts at $22,490+orc. Impreza LX 4x2 still starts at $19,990 drive-away [- from Subaru]
Other prices: Jeep Wrangler Sport $29,990, new Jeep Cherokee $39,990, Grand Cherokee Laredo from $50,990 (+orc); Kia Sportage from $24,990+orc; Land Rover Discovery S $39,990, SE $42,990, SE7 $49,120 (+orc), Range Rover 4.0 SE $99,500, 4.6 HSE $114,500, Autobiography $149,750 (+orc); Mitsubishi Pajero GL $37,520, GLS $47,770 (+orc); Nissan Pathfinder RX $39,990, TI $47,990.

October 1997: Rover Australia has won a contract for 37 all-wheel drives from the Australian Defence Forces (ADF). The 6x6's are based on the Australian Perentie and "carry trunk and satellite communication equipment for the Army's Project Parakeet. Since 1987, Rover Australia has supplied in excess of 4200 one tonne (4x4) and two tonne (6x6) vehicles to the ADF..." [-from Rover].
See also Bushranger update.

17-26 October 1997: The (Sydney) Australian International Motor Show included the new Land Rover Freelander and Nissan Patrol GU, the tiny Daihatsu Terios, and huge GM Suburban 4WD's.

15 October 1997: The Thrust SSC jet car raised the world land speed record above the sound barrier, with an average speed over two runs of 1221km/h (763mph) [ABC radio]. The British car was designed by aerodynamic engineer Ron Ayers and driven by fighter pilot Andy Green, and the team was lead by Richard Noble. The previous day, the car completed two runs above the sound barrier but the interval between them was 61 minutes - one minute longer than allowed by the FIA. Thrust SSC is of course zero wheel drive but there is an all wheel drive connection.

14 October 1997: from the email:

After anxious waiting, Americans have finally gotten the M-Class. The 5dr SUV went on sale here last month [September] at US$33,995. In its first month, it racked up about 4,000 sales. Everyone wants one, and the V6 ML320 is sold out through September 1998, about the same time it's scheduled to hit Australia and the UK. In other news, the limited G-Class (100 units a year), has gotten a power top (on the Cabriolet that is).
- MAH4546

13 October 1997: Peter Bradley sends email that the Land Rover Freelander will be used in the 1998 Camel Trophy. If this news reported in Offroad and 4WD Mag' turns out to be the case, it will be interesting to see how the monocoque Freelander (how do you attach a winch?) manages in this rugged part (not even a low-ratio) of South America. As usual Defender 110's will act as support vehicles. Will the event be toned down to suit the Freelander or is the latter really as tough as Land Rover claim? [Camel]

3 October 1997: The Australian Army's Project Mulgara, to find a light surveillance and reconnaissance vehicle, was cancelled. priority will be given to improved capability in armoured vehicles.

The September issue of Trackwatch, the newsletter of the Victorian Association of Four-Wheel Drive Clubs (VAFWDC) starts: MVO Track Access Breakthrough. The Association has gained access to Management Vehicle Only (MVO) tracks in the Lake Eildon National Park for members of affiliated clubs on a trial basis.

9 October 1997: The National 4x4 Show opened at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The show runs until 6pm Sunday 12 October.

8 October 1997: Two Toyota LandCruisers are off to the Antarctic with a Swedish expedition. The VX Sahara turbo-diesels fitted with 44" balloon tyres will be used in conjunction with snowmobiles. The 80-series LandCruisers have been modified by Loftur Agustsson of Arctic Trucks, Iceland, and draw on experience of glacier driving. Each big-foot Toyota has a 300-litre fuel tank and an emergency exit in the roof [- Toyota].
[Also see Antarctica]

October 1997: The 10th Off-Road 4WD Recreation Show, Brisbane, 31 October - 2 November 1997, will feature 4WDs from GMH-Isuzu, Toyota, Rover, Suzuki, Kia, and Mercedes Benz and new-release vehicles from Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Anoger 4WD. Kia will have the Ceres diesel truck. Winnebago will show 3 MotorHomes including their latest 4WD version! The event includes a dynamic all-weather day/night demonstration track. - from IB Exhibitions
...and...
13 new models of 4WD and AWD will be at the (Sydney) International Motor Show (17-26 October 1997). It seems the Australian 4WD all terrain market is up by 14,000 (40%) to over 49,600 for January to September 1997; Landcruiser leads on 8300 [- CAI NSW].
(See Events.)

7 October 1997: The Variety Club of Victoria VicBash '98 (which is a motoring event, sponsored for charity and not a prize-fight) is now full. The event will run from 26/5/98 to 6/6/98.
[email] tel:9420-3208

3 October 1997: The email brings news of the formation of the Air Bag Club (below). (4WD believes that airbags save lives. There have been accidents, e.g. due to infant capsules being carried in the front seats, contrary to specifications. Wearing a seat belt is compulsory in Australia, so local air bags are designed to trigger at higher speeds of 25kph+ and are a valuable supplement to safety.)

The official Air Bag Club has now been formed to unite the voices of all who have experienced an airbag deployment. Free membership to this worldwide Internet based club will, for the first time, give the public a forum to link up with other groups involved with this debate. The Air Bag Club will recognise membership through a personalised certificate and keyring tag as well as collect data from each member relating to their experience. This information will be readily available to researchers working on airbag technology and safety as well as those looking to other options in this area.
[...]
How to get your free official Club membership certificate and keyring tag, heaps of information on airbags, as well as links to other airbag related sites?
- Geoff Chester [email] [web]

September 1997: The Daihatsu Terios mini-4WD went on sale in oz. Get this - five doors, full-time 4WD and it starts at $18K(Aus)!

September 1997: The Honda CR-V four-wheel drive went on sale in Australia - the manual costs $30K and the automatic $32K (plus on-road costs).

26 September 1997: ABC radio reports bush-fires in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia.

25 September 1997: The new 4WD in the block - Gazelle - is it an Ibex in antelope's clothing?

24 September 1997: Plans for 4WD Recreation Show, Canberra, 7-8 Feb 1998.

23 September 1997: Corkwood Press is publishing Lennie Beadell's (1923-95) last book for the first time. The title is Around the World in Eighty Delays, and is the humorous account of Lennie's trip to England to visit the Scientist he worked with at the Woomera, Emu and Maralinga sites. Len travelled there in 1959. It has 32 full colour photos taken by Len, many cartoons drawn by him and even the jacket was produced by him. It consists of 232pp and is in hardback. There is an introduction by Anne Beadell. There is to be a special souvenir issue of 50 copies in kangaroo leather, with a gilt design on the cover also drawn by Len. These are also signed by Anne Beadell. Price is $25 for the standard issue and $65 for the leather issue, direct from me. The book is to be launched late in October.
- Richard Barnes

September 1997: The Engineer (21 Aug 97) reports that Ricardo Engineering of Shoreham UK are to start building vehicles, several 100's per year. Ricardo undertake military conversions, engine development, and automotive consultancies. With Transfield Defence Systems, Ricardo were a tenderer for the Australian Project Mulgara ~1996.

11 September 1997: Entries for the next Tyrepower / Kumho 4WD Challenge are nearing the limit of 25 vehicles. [See 1997 event.] The Variety Club made numerous grants to help children, from $270 for a rollator walking frame, to $16,600 to the 20th Man Fund Back to School Program (books for homeless young people).
- from Variety Club (Vic), tel: (03) 9420 3208.

Day Tripper, by Richard Gammage

11 September 1997: After Peter Bradley's [humorous] remarks in the [Randonee] article, Chris and his fellow trail finders have new trip meters designed and manufactured by myself. They are the start of a new family of devices called the 'Day Tripper' and details can be found on my homepage.
- Richard Gammage

September 1997: The Land Rover Freelander was officially brought out at the Frankfurt Motor Show although pictures of it have been in circulation for some time. The new Nissan Patrol is also out.

6 September 1997: Blue Road 4WD Trial and final results for Finnish Off-road Trial series.

6 September 1997: Toyota has released an Australian-40^th anniversary edition of the 80-series LandCruiser.

September 1997: Organisers of the Australia International Motor Show (see October Events) report that the cheapest 4WD to be at the show costs $18,000 (must be the Daihatsu Terios) and the most expensive around $150,000 (Rangie???).

August 1997: Fans of Scotland, Land Rovers and quirky TV welcomed Hamish Macbeth back to Australian television.

29 August 1997: Sydney Spokes Bicycle Club is looking for two 4WD'ers to support their MTB ride from Dead Horse Gap, Thredbo to Orbost, Vic' in the first week of December 1997. The ride is through some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia: mountains, brumbies, rivers and forests. Sydney Spokes is a gay and lesbian cycling club. We hope there are some 4WD'ers that will read this and take an interest in our ride. Please email me if you are interested and I can let you know the details and answer your questions.
- Michael

29 August 1997: Michelin sold $13.1 billion ($US) of tyres world-wide in 1996, followed by Bridgestone ($12.9 billion) and Goodyear ($11.7 billion) according to `European Rubber Journal'! [- The Age]. My, what a lot of rubber.

28 August 1997: Land Rover 50^th Gathering (Cooma, Easter 1998) event and booking.

26 August 1997: News from the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Radio Network.

23 August 1997: Serena Off-Road Jamboree (4WD Trial) results.

August 1997: The revised Jeep Cherokee has made it to Australia. The "make-over" is far from obvious, the main external change being a rounding-off of the corners. Mechanically, a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo-charged and intercooled diesel by `VM' is now offered (alongside the 4L 6-cyl petrol). A similar diesel engine was an option in the old Range Rover Classic around 1986. There should be excellent end-of-model deals on the old Cherokee.

21 August 1997: There have been various rumours that a "4WD driving test" or the like might become necessary for users of 4WD tracks in South Australia. The true picture is:-

The Office of the South Australian Minister for Tourism, Local Government, Recreation & Sport (The Honourable Scott Ashenden) advises that at this time there is no legislation being introduced into South Australia for compulsory accredited 4WD driving courses to drive in National Parks nor is there any intention to do so in the near future.

The Office of the Director for National Parks (Mr. Alan Holmes) has confirmed this. They have advised, however, that there is legislation being introduced for commercial operators in National Parks. More information can be obtained from Mr. Jim Night - Natural Resources Group on 8204 9169.

20 August 1997: The Variety Club of Victoria's survey team for the May 1998 "Bash" reports that at least 200km of the Gibb River Road and 200km of the Tanami Desert Road are presently in poor condition.

August 1997: Severe storms in Chile have caused floods and destroyed many of that country's roads [-ABC news]. Some scientists attribute the bad weather to the deepening El Nino effect which looks set to be as strong as, or stronger than, any such event on record. On past experience, Australia will probably experience drought conditions.

August 1997: The Subaru Forester went on sale in Australia.

9 August 1997: Nokia Offroad Trial results.

August 1997: This is the new fashion in bull-bars from Toyota (au). It is said to be air-bag compatible. The large diameter tubing should be easier on pedestrians in an accident and perhaps this also explains the low positioning of the cross-bars, maybe trying to "scoop" a person up in a collision.

See also 4WD safety.

July 1997: The Variety Club of Victoria [email] have already received 57 entries out of a maximum of 90 cars for their next "Bash" which will include the Flinders Ranges, the Lake Eyre Basin, Central Australia, Tanami Desert, the Lake Argyle area, and the Kimberleys. (tel:9420-3208)

July 1997: Seasonal 4WD track closures in Victoria.

26 July 1997: Ita-Helsinki Trial and...
22 July 1997: Norte Trial results

19 July 1997: The email brought perhaps another opportunity for 15 minutes of fame:-

We are called Pioneer Productions, and are a UK based independent production company specialising in science and technology programme making. Our programmes are shown on Channel 4's Equinox and on the Discovery [satellite] network. I am currently working on a series called Four-Wheel Drive. We are looking to track these vehicles through a wide variety of terrain's. [...]
Louise Goldman Extreme Machines

18 - 20 July: Land Rovers gather at Billing UK.

18 July 1997: Dr. Eugene Shoemaker, as in Comet Shoemaker-Levy, died in a two car accident on the Tanami Highway (actually a dirt road) in the remote north of Australia. His wife, Dr. Carolyn Shoemaker, was seriously injured and taken to hospital. The Shoemakers were on one of their regular visits to outback Australia to study meteor impact sites [- ABC News].

18 July 1997: US news and rumours:

The new USA Isuzu Rodeo has been shown, although I have not seen it yet. The US Rodeo will be pretty much identical to the European Frontera; the 2dr will be called Amigo. Volvo has an all-new range of AWD cars in the US - the V70 AWD [e.g.], V70 XC(for Cross Country) and V70R, the latter two arrive in the fall,they are priced at US$34,420, US$36,420 and US$40,995, respectively. BMW is supposedly readying an SUV based on the upcoming 5-Series tourer, going on sale here this spring,the vehicle is supposedly going to built here at BMW's US plant. Also VW said that all gas-powered Passat Sedans and Wagons will be available with 4WD syncro as an option (Feb 98). There will not be a Syncro option on the US diesel version. Mercedes-Benz will release the E320 4WD 4Matic Sedan and Estate Wagon in the US this October.
- Carorvan

15 July 1997: A cold snap in Victoria brought snow as low as 600m and created hazardous road conditions at Mt. Macedon.

15 July 1997: VW has leaked details of a VW Golf-like 4x4, with aluminium bodywork for possible release ~ 2001; see Auto Motor Sport 11 July 1997. There are hints of a 4x4 Transporter van also. So, if a VW enthusiast, get to that VW survey [Tom Niksch].

14 July 1997: The Camel Trophy Club is formed.

10 July 1997: If you have seen a lot of Land Rover Defender 110 tray-tops in the country, it's probably because the Tdi cab-chassis can be had for $29,990 (Aus) tax exempt, which with its 1.4 ton payload is making it attractive to farmers.

5 July 1997: Norte Offroad Trial, Finland.

4, 5 July 1997: The (unmanned) USA space-probe Pathfinder landed on Mars (4/7/97) carrying with it the most remote off-road vehicle in the solar system, the 6x6 Soujourner which rolled onto the Martian surface on 5 July (left). See [NASA] or CSIRO [au mirror]

4 July 1997: Changes to conditions of use of the CREB track in the Daintree River area, Queensland.

1 July 1997: The snow reports from all of the Victorian resorts are sightseeing or patchy (read sightseeing).

June 1997: Major tobacco companies in the USA agreed on a $A500 billion ($US370 billion) settlement with the US Government that gives them some protection from future law-suits in return for which restrictions on advertising will be introduced and nicotine content may be reduced. We may see less of characters such as Joe Camel - whose name is attached to the Camel Trophy.

27 June 1997: At cross purposes in the ether? Steve Johnston writes that two Australian radio networks are competing for frequencies and members - one supported by the Australian National Four-Wheel Drive Council, the other supported by Telstat Communications and Lencom Antennas.

June 1997: Daihatsu is releasing the Daihatsu Terios 4WD ($18K-$22K) a small 4-door four-wheel drive to take on the likes of the Suzuki Vitarra.

June 1997: Rumours on the North American future of the Defender:

Land Rover North America imported 500 Station Wagons [Defender 90's] under the 1995 tariff. These were mostly delivered in 1996, but are all titled 1995. Currently there is a 4.0 ltr, automatic tran' D90 SW being imported under the 1997 model year. Supposed to be the last of the D90 to hit our soil. I think they're talking about 1500 or so D90 this year and next (total) of which 1000 are SW's?
- Damon

18 June 1997: 4WD Rally Wesola Poland.

June 1997: Subaru have presented a Subaru Impreza WRX STI verIII limited edition to 1996 Australian Rally champion Possum Bourne for his sterling service to the marque [Subaru].

17 June 1997: Expansion of the Australian National 4WD Radio Network

16 June 1997: Here's an interesting piece of email:

We are shooting a low budget film near Adelaide South Australia and have several stunts in the story. One, a big wheeled 4x4 chrushes an old sedan by climbing up the boot and off the bonnet. The volunteer will drive his own truck and play a small part in the film. Any help you can offer in finding someone would be greatly appreciated. There are also several non-speaking parts for 2 more 4x4's.
- Tim Holtby CEO About Face Pictures [web page]

So if you fancy 15 minutes of fame contact Tim.

June 1997: The new Mercedes Benz M-class four-wheel drive gets a showing in Steven Spielberg's The Lost World.

June 1997: Nissan Terrano II's are being advertised from RX:$33,990 + orc (Aus) and Ti:$39,990 + orc (Garry Rogers Nissan). It's the end of the tax year and there is some competition out there.

June 1997: A [truck] combination known as the B-triple is undergoing trials in Queensland. The 36.5 metre long B-triple consists of a 6x4 Mack Titan pulling three special semi-trailers and provides an alternative to traditional road-trains. If you do come up behind the truck on the highway, remember it is 120 feet long before trying to pass it. [Commercial Vehicle Industry Assoc. Qld news]. The smaller B-doubles are relatively common, even in country Victoria.

9 June 1997: VW / Audi are conducting a Market Survey into possible four-wheel drives that they might produce.

7 June 1997: The Queen's Birthday weekend got underway with only patchy snow at the resorts for the official start of the Australian ski season. Drive carefully to and from the ski fields!

30 May - 7 June 1997: The inaugral 4x4 Variety Club of Queensland Bash Bashers travelled from Brisbane to the tip of the Cape York Peninsula. The bash raised funds for underprivelidged children. The Variety Club of Australia is Australia's largest childrens charity.
- Mark Tell, Communications Director, Qld Variety Club.

30 May - 7 June 1997: Great Escape Bush Trek, Bendigo to Melbourne via Cameron Corner and Flinders Ranges - Australian Kidney Foundation. The event raised money for the Australian Kidney Foundation. Contact - tel:1800-350-450.

--> June 1997: The 4X4 Radio Nett has been created for users of HF radios in the outback. The purpose is "to provide 4x4 enthusiasts who have late model high frequency radios a set of base stations that become a point of contact for messaging and a set of frequencies that four-wheel drivers can use to communicate with each other over long distances." So far base stations have been set up at Geelong Victoria and Woomera South Australia. The radio must be able to have the frequencies on the channel one to five position, and must have FSK selective calling. It must scan prefer radios with automatic antannas for easy channel changing. Costs: network fee $30.00/year for membership; for a trip prepay $20 to cover costs of local phone calls that the base operator may have to make; once only fee of $65.00 to add the frequencies to your radio and get a selective call number. The base station is provided by Telstat Communications and the antennas by Lencom Antennas.
Contact: Telstat Communications, 52 Brunel Road, Seaford, Victoria 3198; tel:03-9786-9422; fax:03-9786-9610.
NB. This is different from the Australian National 4WD Network!

1 June 1997: Fuel prices should fall in Victoria (Au) following a drop of 1.6c/L for petrol and 4.1c/L for diesel in the fuel franchise fee.

1 June 1997: Ari Myllyla describes Offroad Events in Finland and [here] are the results for Forest Trial II.

June 1997: The RACV has issued its annual analysis of car running costs - it's nearly the end of the tax year again! The really bad news is that running a Toyota Landcruiser GXL auto works out at $261 per week! ($Aus) This compares with about $160 per week for a family sedan such as a Ford GLi auto, Holden Commodore Executive auto or Mitsubishi Magna Executive V6 auto. The estimates are based on travelling 15,000km per year over five years. The four-wheel drive compares particularly badly on depreciation due to its higher purchase price and on running costs - fuel, tyres, servicing.

31 May 1997: A cold-spell in the Australian Alps has been accompanied by snow falls of a couple of inches at Mt. Buller and Falls Creek. The resorts are also snow-making for the opening of the ski season. It's time to check the anti-freeze and to get the wheel chains out.

The NSW police's Snow Safe 97 programme is ready to stop hoons both on the road and on the snow with this Toyota Prado GXL 4WD (left), a booze bus and skidoos [Toyota news].

May 1997: Blinman 1997 results, South Australia.

25 May 1997: 4WD Clubs Internet Database up and running. Search for four-wheel drive clubs with similar interests to your own or enter details of your own club.

22 May 1997: Planning for the Land Rover 50th anniversary meeting at Cooma NSW (Easter 1998) is well under way.

20 May 1997: Tom Niksch sends details of Iglhaut's Mercedes Benz based four-wheel drive campers

May 1997: Results of Challenge 97 Victoria, Australia 3-4 May 1997.

17 May 1997: Blinman 1997 Land Rover trials South Australia.

10 May 1997: The Australian Alps have had an autumn dusting of snow with Mount Buller reporting a fall of half an inch. Here's hoping ....

10 May 1997: "Marks Four-Wheel Drive conversions, Melbourne au, make a very sound 5-speed gearbox which changes the drivability big time - a days work to fit. It makes the old girl a much easier to drive and gives you a very low first gear in low range approx 7.2 to 1. I have done the conversion to my 1976 long wheel base g60"
- Peter Eldred or maybe eldred@usa.net -->

5 May 1997: News of an unusual item for sale ... Currently have 1949 Cadillac Amphibious Tank Engine with Hydromatic Transmission for sale. Port or Starboard install. "Pickled" for infinite storage in 1954 for shipment to Korea, but war ended. Never run, never out of crate. In hands of private collector and diesel expert for 35 years. Seeking buyer @ $25K FOB Florida, USA. Serial numbers and shipping information available on request.
email: Anne Hillebrand

5 May 1997: Around town ($Aus) -
Daihatsu Feroza 1.6L 5-manual or 4-auto $23.5K drive away - Daihatsu.
Holden Jackaroo LWB V6 auto' 7 seats $40.5K (rrp $45K) + orc - Reg Hunt. Holden Jackaroo SE $38.7K (rrp $43K) + orc - Reg Hunt.
Holden Jackaroo LWB V6 5-manual $36K + $1K dealer + gvmt charges - various.
Holden Frontera Sport $29K + $1K dealer + gvmt - Penfold Holden.
Jeep Cherokee 4.0L, alloy wheels, air-con', auto' $40K drive away - Jeep.
Land Rover Discovery S V8 petrol or Tdi, stereo, air-con', central locking $40K + dealer + gvmt charges - Lance Dixon.
Nissan Patrol RX turbo diesel, LWB, air-con' $40K drive-away, Nissan Pathfinder RX (1996 built) $38K + orc - Nissan.
Subaru Impreza Sportswagon 5-manual from $26K drive away - Subaru.
Toyota RAV4 LWB 4-door from $26K + orc - Graham Werner.

3-4 May 1997: Challenge 97 Victoria, Australia.

2 May 1997: Scientists have discovered that users of mobile phones are less likely to die of cancer; they drive into trees first.
- Paul McDermott, Good News Week, ABC TV Friday 2 May 1997. Check the Australian TV Guide.

2 May 1997: Michael Shifflette writes ... "[...] I have developed an engine component which will: (1) Eliminate engine damage from hydrolock. Full throttle, full load to idle to starter motor resistance. (2) Eliminate detonation once initiated. This device is presently patent pending. It is a remarkably simple device, a spark plug. [...]"
- J. Michael Shifflette

May 1997: Customs Watch, Australian Customs would like to hear from four-wheel drivers and other travellers in remote areas if they have news of any suspicious activity which might be associated with smuggling etc. tel: 1800-06-1800 (free phone).

1 May 1997: A long spell of unseasonally warm and dry autumn weather continues in Victoria (Au). It is so extreme that farmers have been trucking fodder south to Gippsland. The Victorian weather bureau issued its first ever total fire ban for this time of year covering central Victoria, including Melbourne. The dry spell does mean that four-wheel drive tracks are in good, if dusty, condition but do be mindful of the fire risk.

22 April 1997: Nigel Buxton reports that the track out to Empress Springs WA has been graded, to allow access by the state minister of transport! Tread Lightly!!
The Eagle Highway is now called David Carnegie Road and signposted from the Great Central Road (renamed from the Laverton - Warburton road).

18 April 1997: chugging along the Maroondah Highway near Yea when we came up behind a semi-trailer. On the top of its tail-gate was painted "How's your Toyota 80 Series going?" On drawing closer one could read beneath that "Mine blew up at 86,000 klm". Oops, not a happy traveller.

On the other hand, Gary White of Nullarbor Adventure Tours (tel: (086) 25 3447) is happy with his Toyota LandCruiser and Hilux crewcab, both diesels of 1989 vintage. Nullarbor Adventure Tours runs two-day whale-watching trips, four-day Nullarbor Cave trips, and seven-day safaris in the Great Victoria Desert [-Toyota].

April 1997: Land Rover is recalling over 22,000 Discoveries built between April 1995 and July 1996 to "replace a screw" ULR --> in the door locking mechanism of the front right hand door. Land Rover reports that in a "small number" of cars the door may not latch correctly and can then come open of its own accord.

16 - 19 April 1997: Tread Lightly! on The World - the world conference of the Tread Lightly organisation held at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia.

April 1997: Land Rover Freelander (CB40) outed. Also Mercedes Benz M-class nears release.

April 1997: Neill Brown writes .... I have started a club for owners of ex - Camel Trophy vehicles and our membership numbers 20 thus far. Both Landrover and Global Event Management have been very helpful. We would like to increase our membership - ideally worldwide, we already have a member in Greece! There are ex-marshalls, ex-competitors and even current Marshalls amongst our numbers.
- Neill Browne

April 1997: In response to a number of accidents, some fatal, involving jet skis and other water users, authorities have started seriously enforcing the laws relating to jet ski usage.
In New South Wales, the NSW Waterways Authority has formed the Ride Smart team to monitor jet ski users, warn the careless and book serious offenders. They are using Kawasaki STX 1100 jet skis and Toyota RAV4 four-wheel drives. Nice work if you can get it.

April 1997: Did you know, did you know that the average motorist from Darwin in the Northern Territory is $15/year worse off than his or her counterpart in Melbourne Victoria because the heat in Darwin causes fuel to expand? Fuel is sold by volume but the energy content depends on its mass. - ABC Radio Science Show.

March 1997: Recent Australian Land Rover Discoveries have been suffering from dashboards cracking around the fresh air vents and lifting along the windscreen. If yours is coming up to end of warranty, check it carefully.

25 March 1997: John Savage (UK) writes ... We have developed a retrofit Central Tyre Inflation (CTI) system for military vehicles that could have application for recreational offroad users. It uses two Thomas compressors and feeds to all four-wheel hubs. The air lines pass from the suspension to the individual wheel hubs and are only pressurised during inflation or deflation, extending the lives of the rotary joints to at least 120,000 kms. The other aspect of pressurising only when needed is that any damage to the air lines will not lead to any tyre losing air pressure. - [email]

22 March 1997: Tropical cyclone Justin finally crossed the Queensland coast near Cairns after dithering offshore for two weeks. Expect north Queensland to be seriously wet and windy.

17 - 22 March 1997: Tyrepower / Kumho 4X4 Challenge (Victoria) raised money for disadvantaged children; organised by the VAFWDC and the Variety Club of Australia. Results: [here], pre-event flier: [here].

March 1997: Plans are gearing up for Tread Lightly! On The World, Tread Lightly's international conference to be held 16-19 April 1997 at Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia.

March 1997: GM Holden are advertising the Jackaroo from $35,990 (Aus). There must be a price war on.

12 March 1997: Australian Outback Traders (aussietraders) are selling a new 60-minute 4WD video documentary on the 1996 Land Rover `Calvert Centenary Expedition', which travelled 4,000km through three of Australia's great deserts - Graeme Hunt.

March 1997: From Update, newsletter of the QAFWDC: Basic and advanced 4WD courses of the ANFWDC have been accredited in South Australia. The cost of the trainer / assessor course is $150 and includes manuals.
A reminder that the CREB track in the Daintree River area traverses private land at its southern end; there is a fee of $10 for its use.
The QAFWDC committee has written to the Dept of Natural Resources to find out why Mapleton SF and Mooloolah SF on the Sunshine Coast have been closed to 4WD's.
The QAFWDC needs a Queensland member for the Executive of the National Council to replace David Moon who has resigned.
QAFWDC

9 March 1997: Drive-disadvantaged 4x2 Formula One cars competed in the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Lake, Melbourne: 1st: David Coulthard (McLaren - Mercedes), 2nd: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari), 3rd: Mika Hakkinen (McLaren - Mercedes). World champion Damon Hill had his Arrows-Yamaha fail on the warm-up lap. Pre-race favourite Jacques Villeneuve (Williams - Renault) was take out at the first corner by Eddie Irvine (Ferrari). Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Williams - Renault) led for much of the race until brake problems caused him to spin.

9 March 1997: Tropical cyclone Justin, the strongest for this year, is nearing the north Queensland coast.

5 March 1997: re conditions in South Australia - I was talking with Garry Griffiths the OIC at the Oodnadatta Police Station yesterday and he told me that they had just started the "Oodnadatta Yacht Club". He did say that they expected major problems when the waters from Queensland start to flow down towards the area in a few weeks time.
- Regards Steve Johnston

March 1997: ABC TV is repeating the BushTucker Man series on Saturday evenings; check the Australian TV Guide.

3 March 1997: heavy rain has caused flooding at Cloncurry near Mt Isa Queensland [ABC TV].

February 1997: Jake Zahl and Iggy Eaton of Hot Land Safaris are using a diesel powered Toyota LandCruiser "troop carrier" on their tour business, taking groups into the far north of Western Australia. Each troopy seats up to six people. They ran 12 six day trips in 1996 in addition to many shorter trips.
- Jason Zahl, Hot Land Safaris,
PO Box 232, Derby, WA 6728.
Tel:(091)93-1312.
28 February - 10 March 1997: Melbourne International Motor Show.

February 1997: US magazine Automobile has awarded Toyota RAV4 its 1997 Automobile of the Year Award.

February 1997: Rover Australia has released a basic version of the Discovery, the Discovery S at $39,900(Aus). Described in the managing director's immortal words as "almost a `hose-out' model for people who use their Discoverys [sic] a lot". Let's see ... $39,990 ... Jeep Cherokee Classic, Toyota Prado, ...

20 February 1997: "....a new Cruiser Wagon will see the light of dawn in the year 1998. According to the German "Gelaendewagen Magazin", a new Cruiser Wagon will be launched, starting in early 1998 for Japan. Europe will follow in summer 1998. Based on the current 4.2L 1HD-TE tdi, an improved 190hp version will be implanted, complying with the most severe emission laws ([expletive deleted!-]) worldwide. To satisfy US customers, an additional 4.5L V8 will be launched, with an estimated 250hp."
- from the 80 Series mailing list - Chris

18 February 1997: Melbourne swelters under a hot spell that looks set to break a 100 year record. Meanwhile, the central locking systems of some new model Ford Falcons (4x2) can't take the heat in Perth - there have been reports [on TV] of the cars unlocking themselves, blamed on faulty electronics and the heat!

13 - 16 February 1997: Off-Road 4 Wheel Drive Recreation Show, Exhibition Centre, South Bank, Melbourne, Victoria (Au).

6 February 1997: Heavy rain in the Pilbara region of [WA] has caused the Ashburton river to flood, cutting the highway and flooding the Ashburton Roadhouse. Onslow is expected to be isolated in a day or three. There has also been flooding in outback South Australia [SA].

5 February 1997: The Victorian Government has announced that there will be no downhill ski resort on Mount Stirling for at least fifteen years. (The announcement comes a day after the Government suffered a shock defeat in the Gippsland West bye-election, loosing what was one of its safest seats.) A report on the cancelled project said that Mt. Stirling and nearbye Mt. Buller were vulnerable to the likely effects of global warming over the next 30 years.

3 February 1997: Severe flooding in southern Queensland, particularly around Charleville where the Warrego River is expected to peak at 7m [- ABC TV]. Check before you go.

31 January 1997: Toyota extends its warranty to 3 years / 100,000km on new vehicles.

21 January 1997: This is getting boring, but the Toyota Prado has won another award - the Gold Award for 4x4 of the year at the 4x4 annual industry awards. Also, 2.7L Prado RV - best new release under $47,000 - and 3.4L - best new release over $47,0000. No wonder Mitsubishi is going overboard with an advertising campaign implying that Toyota took a "good look at" the Mitsubishi Pajero when designing the Prado. Finally, RAV4 - best compact four-wheel drive.

January 1997: Sofcom opens an online shopping mall where a seller can use `Store Builder' to create his or her own store.

January 1997: Both Toyota and (Land) Rover Australian four-wheel drive sales figures for 1996 are out. Also ...
... Toyota Prado wins Overlander magazine's 4WD of the year award for 1996 with Ssangyong Musso second!

15 January 1997: Toyota is producing Tamworth Limited Edition double [crew] cab models of the Hilux in association with its support of the Golden Guitar Awards (re the country music festival 17-27 January 1997). Just 123 petrol 4x2's (rrp $26,000) and 292 diesel 4x4's (rrp $38,200) will be made.

2 January 1997: The Australian National 4WD Radio Network is pleased to announce that Anne Beadell is its new patron. The network has undergone expansion and reorganization in recent months - more details [here]

1 January 1997: Autocar magazine (UK) started the year with a great scoop - pictures of Land Rover's coming but much delayed CB40 baby four-wheel drive, rumoured to be called `Highlander'. The pictures show a four door model, probably being shipped somewhere for testing - heads will surely roll at Solihull if the mole is caught. The new car, now delayed until early 1998, features monocoque construction and apparently does not have a "proper" tranfer case, no low-ratio. It's a Brummy RAV4!

January 1997: Rover Group announced plans for a new engine factory at Hams Hall, North Warwickshire UK. Expected to be completed in 4 years it will produce 500,000 engines per year. [So ... BMW isn't going to close Rover down!]

January 1997: holiday time [oz].

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