Four Wheel Drive News January - June 1999.

The current Four Wheel Drive News is [here]

[Later 1999]

June 1999: The Variety Club of Victoria has raised $500,000+ from its VicBash motoring "event" from Albert to Airlie held in June. The RetireInvest car #327 raised $120,000 (!) to be the highest fund raiser. And what do they do with the money? They give it away of course, to special kids, e.g. wheelchair lift $13,350, Dynamite communication device $11,600, brailer & Q-talk synthesizer $4500, second-skin arm splint $945, and on and on.
Variety Club: 9420-3299.

30 June 1999: Bulletin #2 for Eurotrial '99 (late July / early August) gives some last minute programme details.

30 June 1999: Covers off the Ford Falcon AU utility, only 4x2 though (see 24/6/99).
Until this date, 30/6, Australian Ford Mondeo buyers can choose to fly to Athens, Paris, Rome or London. [That's a new style of promotion to us!] Rrp: from $26,300 (LX), $28K (GLX), $29K (GLX hatch), ($au).

June 1999: This one has been going around for a while but it stands repeating:
Mitsubishi develops a new test for the dust-sealing on the Pajero. Engineers lock a canary in a Pajero. When they come back two days later, the canary has suffocated.
Land Rover get to hear of this and also adopt the test, locking a canary in a Discovery. When they come back ... the canary has disappeared.

24 June 1999: A circumspect Ford spokesman tells us that Ford Australia is considering importing F-series trucks and, if so, that the F250 and up are the most likely to be brought in, the F150 being "unlikely". He said that no dates had been set but F's would not be (officially) imported in 1999.
In addition, there is a single 4x4 Ford Falcon ute "mule" running to test the concept, with no decision made whether or not to put it into production.

24 June 1999: we received this through email:

Rebuilt Rover 3.5 litre engines
These motors are late 1980 and 1990 3.5L blocks. They have been fully rebuilt by a British Government agency for military purposes. Each unit was given a coat of protective paint, cacooned and encased in a crate suitable for transportation by helicopter. Storage has been in a military environment controlled-storage facility. Several units have been stripped and examined and all have been found to be built to extremely high standards using brand new genuine Rover parts. Remember we are talking about government refurbishing here where money is no object. These motors make a superb base on which to build but may need minor modifications when used for MGB V8 conversions - although I cannot think of what at the moment. The price is incredible when one considers the ancillaries that come with it. The oil filter is interesting as it is the "back and under" variety which should make a remote oil filter assembly redundant. The compression ratio is an 8.25 with stump pulling torque. The heads are for leaded gas but can be modified - see below. The intake equipment is currently Stromberg carbs with Rover manifold but is easily replaced. The compression can be increased if required by changing the new Rover pistons for higher ones - or decking the head when converting to unleaded. The distributor is new or rebuilt but is the old style but can be changed -see below.
The motor comes with the following; new front timing cover, rocker covers (painted blue), sump and strainer, new oil pump and base with oil cooler outlets, gears and filter, temp and pressure senders and wiring etc, water pumps Inc pulley, crankshaft damper/pulley, plugs and plug leads, rebuilt/new starter, rebuilt/new alternate, rebuilt/new distributor, rebuilt/new Strombergs on manifold, viscous fan, breathers.
NB engine comes with 4WD clutch assembly and to add an SD1 you need a $30 spigot - see below.
Price US$1,500, plus shipping charges dependent on destination. No cores required. Crate has to be returned to Barrie, Ontario. Canada. Please note there is no choice between rebuilt and new. Limited supply and price subject to change without notice. Payment by money order, VISA, or Mastercard.
Optional Extras: There are some options but these can be done easily at your home or favourite garage. Prices below are for fitted units. Other options please inquire
new Clutch and flywheel $240, upgraded distributor to electronic one $180, increased compression ratio $150 (with unleaded heads only), unleaded heads $400, mild cam $220, true roller timing chain $150, mains stud kit $200, spigot for SD1 2WD gearbox $30.
- Barrie Robinson

17 June 1999: The Australian National 4x4 Show opened at the Sydney Showground and Exhibition Complex, running until 20 June. The Melbourne show will be held in October.

13 June 1999: Australian Mark Webber had a narrow squeak when his Mercedes flipped (literally) while travelling at about 300km/h (~200mph) on the Mulsanne straight during the morning warm-up session for the Le Mans 24 hour race; he had a similar experience during an earlier practice day. Peter Dumbreck, a team-mate, escaped serious injury when his car performed a multiple loop and crashed into trees at a similar location about five hours into the race; the team promptly withdrew its remaining cars. A BMW LMR V12 driven by P. Martini, J. Winkelhock & Y. Dalmas went on to win the race. A Toyota GT1 came second. Audi competed for the first time, finishing 3^rd and 4^th. Another BMW was fifth. Porsche, the most prolific winner, stayed away in 1999 to save itself for Y2K.

12 June 1999: The Australian ski season opened with light falls during the preceding week, some man-made snow at the major resorts, and snow-falls anticipated from approaching cold weather.

11 June 1999: Those watching television coverage of NATO's KFOR force heading into Kosovo after the peace agreement had been signed with Serbia may have noticed the British army using Steyr Pinzgauers and Land Rover 4x4s.

June 1999: The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with 4.7L V8 ($67K) or 4L 6-cyl' ($52K), will go on sale in Australia in July.

10 June 1999, from email:

Bill Crisp [web] tells us that he is making and selling kits ... for you to build your very own M151A2 replica.

The 4wdonline page for (real) M151s is here.

10 June 1999: Audi Australia has launched a new retail campaign for customers who buy an Audi A3 before 31 July, 1999. From now until the end of July, A3-buyers will receive a factory-fitted sunroof, a 10 stack CD player and five-spoke sports alloy wheels, valued at $3,700 at no extra charge.
Audi A3 Turbo customers will receive a factory-fitted sunroof, valued at $1,785 at no added charge.
Audi A3 Model Range: 1.6 manual $37,450, 1.6 automatic $39,450, 1.8 manual $40,450, 1.8 automatic $42,450, 1.8 Turbo manual $46,400 [-Audi.]

June 1999, email from the US:
The US truck market keeps on booming, and here's what's been happening:
Am General - The Hummer has recently been re-engineered, but other than that, the big, tough truck remains unchanged.
Aro - No changes to their current model, the 24.
Audi - The TT has gone one sale. The TT quattro arrives during the summer. quattro is now standard on all Audi A4 and A6 Avant (wagon) models. It will also be standard on the 2000 Audi A6 2.7 and the 2000 Audi A6 4.2, which both go on sale in the fall. A refreshend A8 and the new S4 go on sale at the end of summer.
BMW - BMW's first truck, the X5, which is more of a hybrid [soft], goes into production in South Carolina this summer, with sales starting around August. Features included an optional navigation system. At first, only two V8 models, 3.5 and 4.0, will be available. The V6 X5 2.8 will arrive in mid-2000. Also in planning is the X3. The X3 will also be US-built, and as the X5 is based on the 5-Series sport wagon (in the US, BMW calls them sport wagons, elsewhere they are touring wagons), the X3 will be based on the new 3-Series sport wagon (which goes on sale in the US next spring).
Buick - They have confirmed that they will be producing a 4WD hybrid. No further information available.
Cadillac - The Escalade continues to be a hit. An all-new Escalade will go on sale in 2001. Also, Cadillac's first pick-up, a crew cab based on the Chevrolet Silverado, will go on sale in 2002.
Chevrolet - The Tracker (Suzuki Vitara) is all-new for 1999. It is available as a converitble or a 4-door. The Blazer continues on. An all-new Blazer will arrive for 2001. The all-new model will be available in a SWB 2-door model, a MWB (medium) 4-door, five passenger, and a LWB 4-door, seven passenger. The all-new Suburban and Tahoe go on sale in the fall. For the first time ever since the SUV was introduced, there will not be one American-made 2-door full-size SUV (for now, Ford and Dodge plan 2dr full-zie trucks) sold in America, as the Tahoe 2dr leaves production. We still have the VEHICross, though. The Silverado line continues to grow. The 2500 model is now available, and the crew cab will go on sale soon. The S-10 continues unchanged. An all-new model will be enginnered by Isuzu and go on sale in 2002. The AWD Astro van is still a big seller, even though it is basically the same exact MPV it was when it was introduced in 1986 (not one major redesign since).
Chrysler - The all-new PT Cruiser defys categorization. It will go on sale this February, and an AWD model will follow. The AWD Town & Country mini-van will take a year vacation for 2000. The all-new 2001 Town & Country arrives next spring. The AWD model, which will use the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic system (modified, of course) will go on sale around fall 2000.
Daewoo - The Korando goes on sale for the 2000 model year. In the US a 225HP V6 will be standard, mated to a four-speed auto and standard 4WD. 2dr and convertible models will be offered. The Musso will arrive in late 2000.
Dodge - The Durango SUV continues as a strong seller. The Dakota pickup will be available in a crew cab model this fall (Dakota Quad Cab). The Ram pickup is unchanged. In Mexico, Dodge is selling the seven passenger, two-door Ram Charger. If it is given the go, US sales will start in late 2000. The Grand Caravan AWD MPV will take will take a year vacation for 2000. The all-new 2001 Grand Caravan arrives next spring. The AWD model, which will use the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic system (modified, of course) and will go on sale around fall 2000. The ultimate combo: The Grand Caravan R/T with AWD, and a 3.5L 253HP V6 engine with an AutoStick (automanual) transmission. A Neon-based mini-SUV, Seqouia, will go on sale in 2002.
Ford - An all-new Explorer will arrive in 2001. Along with the popular 2dr and 4dr bodystyles, a pickup version, the Sport Trac will also be available. The F-Series continues on, so does the Ranger. A new F-150 crew cab goes on sale in Janauary. The Expedition continues on, and as things couldn't get bigger, the new Excursion goes on sale September 29. The truck is longer than a Suburban! An all-new mini-ute, to be called Ex??? [Perhaps we should start a competition ... 'exy, Exit, Explosion, ...; it's all about the Joy of 'ex.] will go into production at the end of 2000. [19 June 1999 update: Ford's new SUV will be called Exscape.]
GMC - The Jimmy and its luxury twin, the Envoy, continues on. An all-new Jimmy/ Envoy will arrive for 2001. The new model will be available in a SWB 4-door, five passenger, and a LWB 4-door, seven passenger. The all-new Suburban get a new name, Yukon XL. It and the new Yukon go on sale in the fall. The Yukon Denali will carry over on the old body until 2001. The Sierra line continues to grow. The 2500 model is now available, and the crew cab will go on sale soon. The S-15 Sonoma continues unchanged. An all-new model will be enginnered by Isuzu and go on sale in 2002. The AWD Sadari van is still a big seller, even though it is basically the same exact MPV it was when it was introduced in 1986 (not one major redesign since).
Honda/Acura - The very popular CR-V is now America's best-selling mini-SUV. It out-sold the previous title holder, the Jeep Wrangler. The Isuzu-built Passport continues unchanged. An all-new SUV will be built at an all-new plant in Alabama. The new truck will be based on the American Odyssey (the American Odyssey is much, much, larger, and much more powerful than the Japanese model), which means an AWD Odyssey is very possible. A luxury version of the truck will be sold by Acura to replace the slow selling SLX (Jackaroo).
Hyundai - The all-new Santa Fe goes on sale in the spring. Base models will be powered by a 4-cyl, but a V6 and AWD will be optional.
Infiniti - The all-new QX4 arrives for 2000. Features include a new 240HP V6 (compared to 168HP in the current model), a navigational system, and an optional pair of rear television sets. The truck will come in at around the same of the current model, which cost 37,000$US.
Isuzu - The US-built Hombre pickup continues, and so do the 4dr Rodeo (Frontera) and 2dr and convertible Amigo (Frontera Sport). An all-new Trooper (Jackaroo) is due shortly. The Isuzu VEHICross has been a hit, and dealer can't keep any in stock. The Oasis minivan (a rebadged Japanese-version Odyssey) continues. Isuzu is hoping to get an AWD model from Honda soon.
Jaguar - No, don't look for any Jaguar trucks soon. The AWD Jaguar X400 will go on sale in the fall 2000. AWD will be standard.
Jeep - The new Grand Cherokee continues. So do the Wrangler convertible and the 2dr and 4dr Cherokee.
Kia - The Sportage and the SWB Sportage convertible continue. The V6, LWB Grand Sportage is scehduled to go on sale next spring.
Land Rover - No changes to the current line, the Discovery SD (old body), Discovery Series II, and the Range Rover. The V6-powered Freelander will go on sale in early 2001. And once Europe requires airbags in the Defender, it will return to American shores.
Lexus - The AWD RX300 and LX470 are unchanged.
Lincoln - The Navigator has a new 300HP V8. A new pickup, Blackwood, arrives next year.
Mazda - The B-Series pickup is available in a limited edition "Troy Lee" edition, which includes glow-in-the-dark stripes. The all-new MPV will not be available with 4WD, unlike the previous model. Mazda will also sell a version of the new Ford mini-SUV.
Mercedes-Benz - There are no changes to the limited edition G500 LWB, SWB, and Cabriolet (only about 200 are imported each year). The ML320 and ML430 will be joined by the ML55 this fall. The E320 4Matic and the E320 4Matic wagon will receive a new face this fall, and two new companions, the E430 4Matic and E430 4Matic wagon.
Mercury - The Moutaineer will be redesigned for 2001. An AWD version of the Cougar is very possible, a concept version is currently touring the auto show circuits.
Mitsubishi - With the all-new Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder, the AWD GSX is dead, and so is the AWD 3000GT. There is a new Montero Sport coming in the fall. The 4-cylinder engine is dropped. The Montero (Pajero/Shogun) is unchanged.
Nissan - The all-new Frontier crew cab is on sale. An refreshed Pathfinder is also now available. The hottest new truck of the year is the US-built 2000 Xterra, which just went on sale. The adveritsing slogan: "Want leather? Wear hiking boots. Want wood? Put a canoe on top. Want heated seats? Stand by a campfire."
Oldsmobile - An all-new Bravada is due in 2001. No changes until then.
Plymouth - An Neon-based mini-SUV, the Freedom, is planned for 2002.
Pontiac - A car-based SUV, Aztek, is planned for 2002.
Porsche - No changes for the 911 line. A new SUV, built with VW, goes on sale in 2002.
Subaru - AWD is standard on all Subarus. The all-new Legacy and Outback just went on sale. Both are available in sedan and wagon. The Forester, Outback Sport and Imperza continue.
Suzuki - The all-new Vitara (2dr and 4dr) and Grand Vitara continue. An AWD Esteem (Baleno) wagon is planned.
Toyota - The RAV4 (Convertible, 4dr), 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, and PreRunner continue. An all-new US-built, V8 truck, the Tundra, has gone on sale. A new V8 SUV, the Highlander, arrives next year.
Volkswagen - Factory problems have delayed production of Passat Syncro models. The Syncro system will be renamed 4MOTION this fall in the US and the UK. A new SUV will arrive in 2002. SWB (5-pass) and LWB (7-pass) models will be available. Engines in the US will include a V6, V8, V8 diesel, V10, and V12. [VW have been experimenting!]
Volvo - The 70-Series AWD models, the S70 AWD, V70 AWd, V70 AWD XC Cross Country, and the V70R continue on. The all-new V80 goes on sale in the spring, and with it will come the V80 AWD XC Cross Country.
- CarorVan

June 1999: Analysis of real accident statistics gathered by the Monash accident research centre suggests that the Mitsubishi Pajero (1992-1997) is perhaps the safest 4WD to have an accident in, equalling the rating of the 4x2-leading Volvo car. A booklet summarising the results is available from the RACV. (The survey is necessarily weighted towards the more numerous older vehicles and recent safety advances in newer cars and 4WDs will not show up until they have been involved in more crashes.)

June 1999: We are told that Mike Smith of the Yarra Valley 4WD Club won the recent (Australian) Warn Challenge.

2 June 1999, right: One of some photographs of fine examples from the Ex-Military Land Rover Association [more....].

1 June 1999: Ford's 1999 Explorer XLT and Ltd will come with self-levelling rear suspension, replacing the `ride control' system of the previous Ltd model. The two 4 litre V6 engines remain, with the SOHC version driving the 5-speed automatic gearbox on the XLT and Ltd, and the base V6 in the XL. The Explorer XL now gets 16" wheels and heavier duty tyres. A new front bumper and new driving lights distinguish the three models from their predecessors. Prices ($au): XL from $40,500, and XLT from $48,500, Ltd $60,000 (from July 1999).

1 June 1999: Kia is keen to shake off the now fading Asian crisis, showing the military-based Retona 4x4, Sportage SWB 4x4, and new T8D 1.8 litre direct-injection petrol engine & J3 2.9 litre 16-valve DOHC turbo-charged and intercooled diesel engines at the Korean Motor Show. [-Kia]

June 1999: From 21 June 1999, ARB is holding a second-hand stock clearance sale as part of the move of its HQ (Victoria, au) from Maroondah Highway, Croydon to Kilsyth - tel:9726-7166. [From LROCV mag'.]

June 1999: the annual survey of car running costs in the RACV magazine includes four 4x4s: Mitsubishi Pajero GXL auto', Land Rover Discovery V8 auto', Nissan Patrol ST auto' and Toyota Landcruiser GXL auto'. That's the order that the running costs come out in, $183, $197, $209 and $231 per week respectively ($au), based on private purchase in March '99 and 15,000km/year over five years. As always, the dominant costs are depreciation and interest. By comparison a Ford Falcon Forte auto' (4x2) costs $154/week.

1 June 1999: Most of the seasonal track closures for this winter in Victoria take effect from 1 June 1999 or 17 June 1999, typically until 29 October 1999, weather permitting.

May 1999: The 1999 Suzuki Jimny soft-top due to be launched at the Barcelona motorshow
- Henry van Gorkom

May 1999: Toyota Australia has a Limited Edition of the Prado, the "Snowy" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. Based on the Prado GXL, the SNowy is said to carry $2.5K of extras.

May 1999: Car V003 `Columbus Jeep' is the winner of the Variety Club of Victoria's 4WD Excellent Adventure.

May 1999: The RACV and the NRMA revealed a planned merger of their insurance operations to form a new insurance company. Separate Victorian and New South Wales brands and "identities" will be maintained.

26 May 1999: Mitsubishi Chadstone (Vic' au) are having a sale.

May 1999: `profpinz' tells us about the interesting Tireloc device which binds a tyre bead to the rim tightly so that very low pressures may be used offroad without the tyre parting from the rim: [tireloc] or [schaffter]. They are not cheap, but sound interesting.

May 1999: With the Western Link of the Melbourne CityLink tollway about to open very soon (if they can sort out the etags), some four wheel drive owners might be in for a rude shock. There are three classes of vehicle for charging purposes: (i) Car, (ii) Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), and (iii) Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV). LCVs are defined as cab-chassis, cab with (box) body, and crew-cabs from 1.5 to 4.5 tonnes GVM with two axles. HCVs are defined as cab-body, cab-tray and articulated trucks over 4.5 tonnes GVM, or three or more axles. Cars are what is left. Leaving aside some cut-price deals for cars until the southern link opens, from January 2000 LCVs are to be charged about 50% more than cars and HCVs are to be charged about twice the car rate. For example, a Mitsubishi Triton crew cab will be charged $5.23 to travel from Toorak Road to Kings Way, against $3.28 for a Mitsubishi Challenger station wagon, despite them being very similar vehicles apart from the former having an open rear tray (to which a canopy may well be fitted) and the latter being closed. It sure will add up if you do the trip everyday.
CityLink enquires, tel: 13-26-29.

May 1999: The Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) has released its proposed forest management plan for N.E. Victoria, including four wheel drive tracks [plan], including closures. The area includes the Strathbogies, Mansfield, Jamieson River, Mitta Mitta, Bright, Mt. Beauty, Myrtleford, Corryong and Wonnangatta. Have a look online or get a copy from:
NRE Information Centre, 8 Nicholson St, East Melbourne, tel:(03)-9637-8080.
The closing date for submissions is 11 June 1999.

24 May 1999, from email:

Opposite Lock has opened an extensive new office/ showroom/ warehouse complex in Sydney's western suburbs. Located at 22 Stoddart Road, Prospect, the 1260 square metre facility will serve as a central warehousing and stock distribution point for the group's east coast operations and act as the focus for increased activity in New South Wales. [...] just off the Prospect Highway near the Great Western Highway and M4 intersections, the new store is easy to get to, easy to find (just opposite Prospect's popular Home Base centre, in fact), and easy for parking. [...]
- tel:(02)-9688-8644, from [esscom]

and

an announcement that the Bullbag exhaust-gas jack (right) is back and available from Opposite Lock.

20 May 1999: The Age newspaper today published photographs of a Ford Falcon `AU' utility converted to four wheel drive, code-name `Grizzly'. Rear suspension is by live-axle with over-axle leaf springs, and part-time 4WD is fitted. Ford has been down this path before, actually building 400+ 4WD versions of the XY Falcon ute in the '70s. (The current AU Falcon carries the controversial `Edge' styling and has necessitated an extensive advertising campaign to boost lagging sales.) The Age also carried was an artist's impression of an AU-based 4WD station wagon, `Raptor', aimed at the export market. It suggests a taller, "chunkier" body. The project could only be viable if it were exported world-wide and one wonders how such a vehicle would fit into Ford's range with the Explorer. 4WD prototypes of Falcon passenger cars have been built in the past but have never quite made it into volume production (yet?).

17 May 1999: Book news from Corkwood press:

Mark Shephard The Simpson Desert: Natural History and Human Endeavour, Mark Shephard's definitive account of the Simpson Desert is back in print. Price:$29.95

Len Beadell Too Long in the Bush - Talking Book, read by Adelaide actor Mike Scheid, released in two cassette tapes. Price:$19.95

Ernest Giles Journal of a Forgotten Expedition, This trip was taken by Giles in 1876 with a view to opening up pastoral country between Fowler's Bay and Beltana in South Australia. A limited edition of 400 numbered copies hand-bound in Oxford buckram with an accurate facsimile of the map in the very rare first edition. Price:$35

- Corkwood Press

15 May 1999: Snow in the Dandenongs, Victoria and 15cm at Mount Donna Buang!

May 1999, from email:

The Beadell family have finally organised a [web page] with a run-down on Len's life, plus information on his books (including the biography and "Around the World in Eighty Delays" (see a [review]), 2 video's and 2 audio tapes currently available from Mum (one a brand new talking book of "Too Long in the Bush"). There is also an order form and price list for anyone interested in purchasing anything.
- Connie Beadell

May 1999: A report by the NRMA (NSW) suggests that the LandRover Discovery is the most theft-proof four wheel drive on the Australian Market and that the diesel Daewoo Musso is the least theft-proof 4x4 (it is harder to immobilise a diesel engine without electronic controls).

11 May 1999, from the email:

Introducing the Cargo SafetyWeb, by SafetyWeb Technology. Our product is designed to keep cargo in its intended place in the vehicles and off our roads and highways. Any questions please contact us directly by e-mail: [Bruce Foggy], President, Safety Web Technology.

10 May 1999: Bulletin #1, for the approaching Eurotrial'99 off-road trial (28 July 1999), has information on ferries, Eurosport TV, and the event time-table.

May 1999: the ANFWDC has made a press release concerning the Canning Stock Route [e.g. CSR] and access tracks:

During periods that the south end of the CSR is impassable, alternative routes may be available between well 9 and Wiluna via Glen Ayle Station, or between well 5 and Wiluna via Granite Peak station.
[...] these alternative routes are subject to closure during wet weather [...] Enquire at Wiluna before setting out to go north. If travelling south, weather and road condition reports should be sought via HF radio. Members can check with the Australian National 4WD Radio Network [VKS737].
[...]Granite Peak and Glen Ayle charge a $20 track maintenace fee per vehicle.
Do not press on in wet conditions [...] retrace steps or wait and notify officials of your position [... and] be prepared for extended delays. [...]

	tel	fax
Granite Peak	08 9981 2983	08 9938 3033
Carnegie	08 9981 2991	08 9981 2994
Glen Ayle	08 9981 2989
Wiluna Police	08 9981 7024	08 9981 7009
Wiluna Shire	08 9981 7010	08 9981 7110
RFDS	08 9414 1200

8 May 1999: There are rumours of a Tdi (diesel) version of the Toyota Prado (the mid-sized family 4x4) coming to Australia, possibly with announcements in June/July about a Tdi Prado and also Toyota Hilux.
[Thanks to RL.]

May 1999: Audi TT had its Australian press-launch with 4x2 sales to start ~June and Quattro sales ~November 1999.
The Audi A4 has also been updated.

April 1999: Kia reports that the Kia Sportage entered in the 1999 SCORE Desert Racing Series has won its class -- short wheelbase (SWB) sports utility vehicle (SUV) -- in the first two rounds. (The 4x4, driven by Darren Skilton, won its class in the series in 1997 and 1998.)

28 April 1999, from email:

Opposite Lock has expanded its network of 4WD accessory stores with the addition of new outlet on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Taking the tally of Opposite Lock stores to 22 nationwide is Maroochydore's Col Nutt 4WD Centre. Well known to 4x4 enthusiasts in the area through owner/operator Colin Nutt's involvement with the Caloundra 4WD Club, the already established business joined the OL group earlier this year to become Opposite Lock Sunshine Coast. "We're really going to power on now," said Col. "Opposite Lock is a fast growing group and this is a really exciting time to get involved with them. "I believe we and four-wheel-driving in general have got a great future ahead of us." Col's conversion to the Opposite Lock fold means that Sunshine Coast 4x4 enthusiasts now have easy access to the full range of Opposite Lock products as well as Col's traditional range of services. Equipped with a hoist, facilities for front and rear wheel alignment, a wheel balancer, press, MIG and alloy welding equipment, Col and the crew offer a complete 4x4 workshop service which includes tuning, suspension work, diffs, gearboxes brakes and clutches, as well as regular repairs and maintenance. Fitting, of course, is a major part of the business - especially so now that the showroom at the Sugar Road, Maroochydore premises is packed with Opposite Lock accessories. "We've got a good range of Opposite Lock products on display," says Col, "and people are more than welcome to come in, have a look, and have a bit of a talk to us. "If you're on the Sunshine Coast and you're into 4x4s you really ought to drop by. Give us a call on (07)-5479-4955 or come down to 127 Sugar Road - we're just off Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore - the heart of the Sunshine Coast. "It's the same place premises we've always been in, but if you've visited us before this time around you should be looking out for the red and white Opposite Lock signs!" - Nick Deathridge

April 1999: Nissan GU Patrol cab-chassis (ute) now out with coil-spring front-end, coil- or leaf-spring rear, and 4.2 litre diesel with a turbo option.

25 April 1999: Anzac Day and the annual parade.

April 1999, from email:

Thought you would like to know that there is a man in Perth building Holden Overlander 4x4s. His name is Mick (lastname unknown), and the company is Molecraft Conversions. (08) 9390 6682 --> His conversions are well known in Western Australia. I know of over twenty of his vehicles in Perth; some of them are car-show winners. All conversions are [well] engineered and are very economical to do and those who do the conversions know they bought the right vehicle in the first place (thanks to the anon).
- Andrew Pirrit drewmax vianet net au 4/1999 -->

19 April 1999, from email

I live in Hong Kong and would like to note that [Aussie Outback Tours' 4x4 trip to China, see News 24 March 1999, below] is in no way the first 4WD tour by Westerners into China. When some of the British expatriot Hong Kong police left around the handover back to China they drove their Land Rovers back to the UK through China. My wife and I took a trip into China last summer (granted with a group from Hong Kong) and on Sunday, April 25 we are flying to Vladivostok, Russia to join our Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4WD on a journey across Siberia, Mongolia, Western China, Central Asia and Turkey. We will be doing it alone and will spend about 3 or 4 weeks in Western China around the silk road after entering China from Kazakstan (we leave through Kyrgystan). Granted 4wd travel in China is not easy to organise, but it is available to any individual traveller with the time and patience to organise it.
Regards, Mark Hutchinson [web]

April 1999: Subaru Australia has released a "special edition" Forester, based on the 4x4 Forester Limited. It has "classic dark blue [paint] with slate metallic skirting" and is fitted with a "Sports Pack": "15-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, mesh-type front grille, leather steering wheel...". The extras cost "just $1700 more than the standard Forester Limited". Prices: $33,190 manual dual-range 4x4; $35,190 automatic ($au 4/99). Also included: dual air-bags, ABS brakes, cruise control, remote central locking, and power steering windows & mirrors,

April 1999: Having been taken-over by Hyundai, Kia is aiming for domestic (Korean) sales of 300,000 vehicles and exports of 500,000 in 1999. The company reports that its plants are running at 100% capacity, with strong demand for the Mentor sedan, Sportage 4x4 and new 2.5L V6 Carnival people-mover.

Peter Bradley writes in about the 4th Bulldog Trophy (UK).

7 April 1999: Tropical cyclone Gwenda is heading for the Port Headland region of the N.W. coast of Western Australia.

1 April 1999: With the Easter break coming up, police are mounting a blitz on speeding and are reminding drivers to take regular breaks to rest on long trips.

March 1999: The RACV says that the Australian Government's planned Goods and Services Tax (GST) could increase imbalances in federal road funds to Victoria: "[Victorians] contribute 25% to federal road funding but get just 20.6% of available funding in return". The RACV believes this matter should be addressed before a new tax system is introduced. It also says that petrol taxes should no longer be automatically linked to the CPI, and suggests that the proposed 7% reduction in petrol taxes (claimed to be price-neutral with the 10% GST) will in fact increase the difference in petrol prices between the city and the country. Instead the RACV favours an 8.9% reduction. It predicts that vehicle repairs and service will rise by 4%, insurance by 3%, and third party compulsory insurance by 10% under the GST. Against that, the price of [non luxury] cars should fall by 8.3%.

29 March 1999: Police in Western Australia are stopping motorists heading into Exmouth, which was recently flattened by tropical cyclone Vance (23/3/99), and are turning tourists away. The town's power, water and sewerage systems are not yet up to the strain of a big Easter holiday influx.

March 1999, below left: A Toyota 100-series diesel did well in its class in January's Granada - Dakar Rally. Right: Toyota Hilux in use around the Australian bases in Antarctica. [-Toyota]

March 1999: Ford Australia is opening the Ford Discovery Centre showing automotive technology, in Geelong, Victoria. The foundation partners are "Ford, Deakin University, and Geelong Steampacket Place representing the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong". The centre is in the former Denny's Woolstore building on the waterfront. Apparently Ford began manufacturing Model T cars near there in 1925.

March 1999: The New Scientist, number 2178, 20 March, page 5, reports the discovery, by Ahmet Selamet of Ohio State University and engineers from the Ford Motor Company, of a new style of exhaust manifold that both increases engine power and improves the efficiency of catalytic converters during cold starts. Pollutants are reduced and power is increased by 3 to 5%. The pipes leading from the exhaust ports are perforated with many small holes and then enclosed in a gas-tight casing; the design rather resembles a silencer (muffler).

March 1999: Toyota Australia have released the Max limited edition RAV4 with, it is said, $6K worth of goodies "thrown in".

24 March 1999, from email:

What we believe to be the first 4WD tour by Westerners into China has been organised; flights, food, accommodation, vehicles are all included. Cost is approximately au$7,000 per person (exchange rate variations explain the above "approx" figure, but a fixed price will apply in about 2 weeks time)
Lloyd Junor, Aussie Outback Tours^*, [email] [web] 42 Fernhill Rd., Mt. Evelyn 3796, Australia, tel:(+61-3)-9737-1000, fax:(+61-3)-9737-1111
(^* Australian for "Caravan, camper and RV touring through the great Australian Outback with fun and in safety.")

23 March 1999: For a while, $22,222 ($au) will buy you any Sportage you'd like in Kia's Sportage run-out sale, regardless of equipment level. The CD is standard, and the only extra is air conditioning (at about +2K). The sale is said to be to make way for new stock.

23 March 1999, email from America:

Here is some of the latest 4WD news from the US:
Acura:- Honda's luxury division is planning on replacing its slow selling (even the NSX outsells it!) SLX (Jackaroo/ Trooper/ Horizon/ Bighorn/ Monterey) with a new Canadian-built SUV, internally dubbed MAV. To be based on the Odyssey mini-van (our Odyssey [USA], not yours [oz]. The Odyssey in the US is more than 200 inches long and features sliding doors. Your Odyssey is sold in the US as the Isuzu Oasis) and built in Canada. The truck will be rather larger. No plans for exports.
Audi:- The current line continues. The TT Coupe has gone on sale, though the TT quattro won't go on sale until June, along with the TT roadster. The A4 and A4 Avant will receive some minor refreshing around June, and a redone A8 arrives soon. The A6 4.2 quattro will go on sale this fall, along with the A6 4.2 Avant quattro.
Aro:- unchanged.
BMW:- BMW's X5 SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) which features standard 4WD and is based on 5-Series mechanicals goes on sale late this summer. It is built in the US.
Cadillac:- No one ever thought `Cadillac' and `truck' would be in the same sentence. The Cadillac Escalade has just gone on sale, but a redesign is planned for next spring. The redesign will fix one of the Escalade's major flaws: no third seat (when the room is there).
Chevrolet:- The new Tracker (Suzuki Vitara) has gone on sale in 4dr and convertible. The convertible is available with a choice of two engines, while the 4dr with only the larger 1.8L 120HP I-4. The new Silverado is here, while a convertible version of the 2dr Blazer is scheduled for next year. The 4dr Blazer gains a new top of the line trim level, the Trail Blazer. The Suburban (4dr) and Tahoe (2dr/4dr) await a redesign next spring. The S-10 remains unchanged, ditto for the C/K and Astro AWD MPV.
Chrysler:- The Town & Country AWD MPV remains unchanged. A new T&C arrives next spring. The PT Cruiser also goes on sale next spring. The versatile mini-minivan will be available in AWD a year after it goes on sale.
Daewoo:- The Musso and Korando are scheduled to go on sale in the US within the next two years.
Dodge:- The Dakota pickup adds a full fledged 4-door model, the Quad Cab. Unlike the Ram Quadcab, the doors on this one swing out. The Durango SUV remains unchanged, with the exception of the addition of a new 360HP Shelby model, while the Grand Caravan AWD MPV awaits redesign in a year. The Ram Charger, a 3dr nine-passenger (that's no typo, it is really nine) SUV has gone on sale in Mexico. Americans anxiously await its US debut.
Ford:- The F-Series, Explorer Sport (3dr), Explorer (5dr), Ranger, and Expedition remain unchanged. The biggest news is the biggest truck yet, the 2000 Excursion. Going on sale September 10, the big truck is about 232 inches long, will seat nine and have an available V10. Also, the world's fastest pickup, the 360HP F-150 Lightning has gone on sale. The Explorer Sport Track and F-150 Crew Cab, both SUV's with a pickup bed, go on sale in January.
Honda:- The Passport (Frontera/ Rodeo/ Wizard) remains unchanged, ditto for the CR-V. A new SUV is being developed that will be larger than the Passport. It will be based on the US-version of the Odyssey MPV. An Odyssey 4WD model is under consideration.
Hyundai:- The new Santa Fe SUV, to be powered by a 4-Cyl or V6 will go on sale next Spring. It will be about the size of a RAV4.
Infiniti:- The QX4 (Pathfinder/ Terrano) is freshened up for the mid-year.
Isuzu:- The Vehicross, the world's most unique SUV, has gone on sale in the US at the same time it's discontinued in Japan. So far, response has been positive. The Amigo (Frontera Sport/Mu) adds a hardtop model with dual moonroofs. Isuzu is also hoping to receive an AWD version of the Oasis from Honda. The Oasis is a rebadged Odyssey (the smaller one). The rest of the line, Hombre, Rodeo (Frontera), and Trooper (Jackaroo) remains unchanged.
Kia:- Sportage and Sportage Convertible remain unchanged. There is talk of a possible AWD version of the Sedona MPV.
Lamborghini:- No changes for the Diablo VT.
Land Rover:- The Discovery Series II has been on sale for three months already and has broken sales records. No surprise, I own one and love it! I suggest it to anyone in the market for a similar SUV; it's my second Disco. The Range Rover is unchanged. Production will move to the US in late 2000 (which I'm not happy about, I hope they change their minds).
Lexus:- The RX300 and LX470 are untouched.
Lincoln:- The Navigator now has 300HP while the Blackwood pickup goes on sale next year.
Mazda:- The B-Series is untouched, while the MPV is redesigned. Mazda also wants to import the Protege All-Sport, an AWD wagon with SUV styling.
Mitsubishi:- In a sad bit of news, the Eclipse AWD coupe drives away into the sunset. The FWD [front-WD] model remains, and so does the AWD 3000GT. The Montero and Montero Sport (Challenger) are untouched.
Mercury:- No changes for the Moutaineer.
Mercedes-Benz:- The G500 joins the G320 in the G-Class range of 3dr, 5dr and Cabriolet SUVs. The ML55 AMG will soon join the ML320 and ML430. The E430 4Matic and E430 4Matic Estate will go on sale in the fall, joining their respective 320 counterparts. A new 4WD MPV will go on sale in the fall of 2001.
Nissan:- The Pathfinder receives a new face, while the Xterra goes on sale in two months. The small, US-built SUV will be available with a 4-cyl. or V6. The Frontier pickup gains a Crew Cab model. The Desert Runner goes on sale in the fall.
Oldsmobile:- No changes for the Bravada. [?...o?]
Porsche:- The 911 C4 has gone on sale.
Subaru:- The all-new Outback and Legacy will go on sale this summer. The Forester and Impreza continue.
Suzuki:- The Vitara (2dr, 4dr) and Grand Vitara have been a big hit.
Toyota:- The Tundra has gone sale. The Land Cruiser remains unchanged. The 4Runner has received a new face. The Tacoma, RAV4 Cabriolet and RAV4 are unchanged. A new mid-size SUV will arrive in the fall of 2000.
Volkswagen:- No changes for the Syncro Passat, which will soon be badged 4motion.
Volvo:- The V70 AWD, V70 AWD XC Cross Country, V70R AWD, and S70 AWD remain unchanged. There are plans for AWD versions of the S80 and a Volvo V40 XC Cross Country.
- CarorVan

and subsequently...

Ford is going to build something similar [to the Sport Trac] based on the Lincoln Navigator which is bigger than an Explorer [right] and much more expensive. The new vehicle will have a 4x8 foot bed behind a four door cab; it's made for the 5th-wheel trailer crowd. It seems that once again bigger is "better" in the American marketplace. I'm sure you have heard about the Ford Excursion which is the biggest SUV. It is going to be more than a foot longer than a Chevy Suburban! - Rick Horwitz

23 March 1999: Stan Serr provides some [insight] into the Hummers used in the 1996 action-movie Broken Arrow.

22 March 1999: Tropical cyclone Vance threatens the NW coast of Western Australia and is estimated to cross the coast at about ~3pm today in the Exmouth - Onslow region; Vance is producing winds of 250km/h.
Farther south and just 150km north of Perth, the town of Moora has been flooded by rain from the remains of an ex-cyclone Elaine.
23/3/1999: After damaging Exmouth extensively, the remains of Vance are headed SSE for the WA Goldfields, still carrying, and dumping, plenty of H₂O.

21 March 1999: All adventurers will surely congratulate Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones who completed the first balloon flight around the world in their craft the Breitling Orbiter 3, taking 21 days, and landing in Egypt.

20-21 March 1999: Pajero 4WD Club Vic., 4WD Challenge is on this weekend, a 24 hour 4WD event held in eastern Victoria, [previous].

19 March 1999: The Variety Club 4WD Excellent Adventure (Vic, au) (19-27 March) got under way, aiming to raise $money$, at least $2500 per vehicle, for charity while having 4WD fun. Tel:9697-7145 (was 9420-3208, fax:9420-3563),

14 March 1999: Heavy rain in north Queensland has brought flooding to coastal areas around Cairns.

March 1999: The financially troubled Japanese car, 4x4 and truck manufacturer, Nissan is being mentioned as a possible take-over / merger target. Its name has been linked with Ford, and more recently with Renault.

March 1999: Australian Defence Industries (ADI) has won the Army's Project Bushranger and are to supply 350 Infantry Mobility Vehicles, i.e. wheeled armoured personnel carriers. The winning Bushmaster 4x4 is built by ADI at Bendigo, Victoria. The vehicle is due to enter army service from about 2002.

News of Eastern Goldfields 4WD Club's Sept' 1999 and 1998 (past) 4WD Gymkhana Challenge

7 March 1999: The (4x2) Australian F1 Grand Prix at Albert Park Lake, Melbourne was won by Eddie Irvine driving a Ferrari; it was his first Formula-One win. The Stewart-Fords of Rubens Barichello and Johnny Herbert caused a delay when they both started smoking furiously on the starting grid after the parade laps and moments before the start; Barichello had the consolation of starting in the spare car and going on to finish fifth. The McLarens of David Coulthard and defending world champion Mika Hakkinen retired on lap 14 with a hydraulic failure and on lap 21 with a throttle failure respectively. They had been dominating the race. Michael Schumacher stalled his Ferrari on the warm-up lap of the restart and had to start from the back of the grid. He was further delayed by a puncture and by electrical problems with the steering-wheel mounted controls, finishing eighth.
1. Eddie Irvine, Northern Ireland, Ferrari, 10pts, 2. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Germany, Jordan, 6pts, 3. Ralf Schumacher, Germany, Williams, 4pts, 4. Giancarlo Fisichella, Italy, Benetton, 3pts, 5. Rubens Barichello, Brazil, Stewart, 2pts, 6. Pedro de la Rosa, Spain, Arrows, 1pt. Eight cars finished out of 22 starters.

March 1999: The RACV warns that a Victorian parliamentary inquiry into emissions by older vehicles is to proceed. The RACV believes that compulsory emissions testing and annual roadworthiness testing would be unnecessary expenses with marginal benefits. To have your say, contact:
Brad Miles, executive officer, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000. Tel:9651-3530, fax:9651-3674.

February 1999: Daewoo is to export completely knocked down (CKD) kits of the Daewoo Musso and Korando 4WDs to Poland for local assembly in Lublin.
While we're on Daewoo, Nubira 1.6 litre sedan (4x2) limited edition X-series prices are: 5-door Eurohatch $19,250, 4-door sedan $19,500, 5-door Eurowagon $20K ($au). Included are alloy wheels, CD player, air-con', power steering, central locking, front power windows, dealer charges, free care maintenance (3 years).

February 1999: Land Rover prices 1999.

26 February 1999, right: Melbourne International Motor Show opened, running until Monday 8 March.

21 February 1999: Annual 4WD Field Day Wandin Victoria: the sun shone, all the manufacturers were represented and Field-Day discounts could be had.

19 February 1999: Nigel Buxton goes roaming in Western Australia.

16 February 1999: News arrived of an England to Australia trip for Microcars being planned for year 2000.

15 February 1999: Aircraft are flying in and stands are going up for Airshow99, the 1999 Australian International Airshow, Avalon, Victoria, opening to the general public from the evening of Friday 19th through to Sunday 21st.

February 1999: The RACV has spoken out against the possible introduction of annual road-worthiness tests in Victoria (au). The State Government is reviewing the roadworthy system and it is no secret that ``industry'' would like annual tests. At present, a car must have a test when it is sold. 4wdonline is fairly cynical about even the present system which often seems like a hidden tax on car sales, with a token change of a perfectly good wind-screen being the most common ``charge''. The RACV reports that the ACT tried and dropped annual tests, NSW admits that they don't work, and that the likely cost to motorists of such a system in Victoria would be $300 million for $30 to $90 million of safety benefits. Safety would be better served by spending money in other ways.

12 February 1999, AN4WDRN News:

VKS-737 Darwin Base has now received its licence to operate on 11612kHz.
1. The base is now operational on the following frequencies:

• Channel 1. 5455kHz
• Channel 2. 8022kHz
• Channel 3. 11612kHz
• Channel 4. 14977kHz
• Channel 5. 3995kHz

All transmission are in USB
2. The complete list of users on the VKS-737 Network is now published on the Network's Web Site at http://4wdclubs.sofcom.com/au/an4wdrn/ The list shows all details including Callsign, Selcall Number, Frequencies fitted & Name. The list is available sorted either by Callsign or Selcall Number. The list is updated weekly.
3. The January 1999 issue of Network News is now available on the Network's Web Site (above).
Happy reading and listening,
Steve Johnston, Chairman/Network Coordinator.

11 February 1999: Is anyone else mystified by Melbourne petrol prices, which seem to be oscillating between 58c/litre and 65c per litre for unleaded?

10 February 1999: South East Queensland has been hit by heavy flooding, the town of Gympie being the worst affected and now half under water.
11/2/99: Maryborough is also badly affected and tropical cyclone Rona lurks off the north Queensland coast.
On the other side of the continent, there has been heavy rain in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

6 February 1999, from the email: I was at my Toyota service centre yesterday (5 Feb') getting my Prado serviced. In the general discussion, the subject of the TDi Prado came up. The Toyota person told me that Toyota is soon to release the TDi Prado in Australia (small numbers are available as unoffical 2nd hand imports already). Apparently, the dealership already has a waiting list for them!
- Rob Logie

5 February 1999: Volkswagen Australia are to put the Syncro version of the VW Passat on sale shortly: 142kW, 2.8 litre V6, Syncro (front wheel drive plus viscous coupling to rear), about au$65K.

5 February 1999: Daewoo is keen to share the results of an NRMA study which suggests that 3-year maintenance costs for the Daewoo Musso 4x4 are the lowest in its class: Daewoo Musso $4470, Ford Explorer $5420, Jeep Cherokee $5950, Mitsubishi Pajero GLS $6114, Holden Jackaroo SE $6420, Landrover Discovery $6444, Toyota Prado $6700, Nissan Pathfinder TI $6800 ($au, over 3 years). [-Daewoo]
In large part this result is due to Daewoo's `free care' program.

4 February 1999: The Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria reports that 108 commercial exhibitors, including all the major manufacturers, the Landrover Roadshow, the Army, CFA, SES, about 28 club displays, are booked for the coming annual 4WD Field Day, 21 Feb 1999, Wandin, Victoria.
Other petrolhead events on the horizon are the Melbourne Motor Show and the Australian F1 Grand-Prix (7 March). Right: the new Ford-Tickford AU XR8 Falcon that will have its debut in the 1999 touring-car Shell Championship Series, the opening race supporting the F1 Grand-Prix.

February 1999: Toyota is sponsoring 50th anniversary events for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The Scheme made extensive use of Land Rover and LandCruiser 4x4s in its development, and giving Thiess its start in importing early 'cruisers into Australia.
A 50th anniversary reunion picnic is planned for October, in Jindabyne.

1 February 1999: As from 1/Feb/99, a person in Victoria (au) selling a registered vehicle to a non-dealer must send the (current) road-worthiness certificate to VicRoads, as well as giving the buyer a copy [-RACV].

29 January 1999: Fire-fighters are combatting a blaze in South Australia's Gnarkat Conservation Park which has spread across the border into Victoria's Big Desert National Park...
...and 1 February 1999: It's still blazing.

January 1999: The bridge over the Yarra nears completion and Melbourne's motorists will be paying to use the western link of the Citylink toll-way in the not too distant future. (The towers of the bridge serve no useful function and are "statements".)

29 January 1999: New sedans fitted with airbags have received `good' or `acceptable' safety ratings in the latest `Australian New Car Assessment Program' (ANCAP). New Ford Falcon, Mitsubishi Magna ('96 on), and Holden Commodore ('97 on) with driver's airbag were `acceptable'. Toyota Camry ('97 on) with dual airbags was `good'; Camry ('97 on) and Magna ('96 on) without airbags were `marginal'. [-RACV, NRMA]

28 January 1999: Ford has made a deal with Volvo to buy the latter's car division for us$6.45 billion (au$10.3 b). Volvo is the world's #2 heavy-truck builder, but only a relatively small car maker. Ford will be hoping that Volvo's reputation for safety and quality will rub-off on it. Share-holders are expected to agree to the deal.

28 January 1999: Rumour is that the future update of the Land Rover Defender will have ABS brakes, traction control and the 2.5 litre 5-cylinder turbo-diesel out of the new (1998/99) model Discovery. The 130 is supposed to keep the 4-cylinder turbo-diesel as an option.

newsbreak 28/1/99 -->

26 January 1999 (Australia Day): A sun-dial and plaque unveiled to commemorate the memory of Alf Traeger, inventor of the pedal wireless.

24 January 1999: Hyundai is to keep its recent acquisition Kia as a separate brand and Kia Motors Australia will remain the Australian distributor of Kia products. [-Kia Australia].

24 January 1999: Suzuki Australia will bring in a new short-wheel-base 2.0 litre Grand Vitara 4X4, in 3-door soft-top and hard-top versions from the middle of 1999. A soft-top Jimny is also anticipated. [-Suzuki].

January 1999: Around town: Daewoo 6-cyl Musso from $44.5K inc' dealer charges, Ford Explorer from $39,990 + orc (with free air con' and bull bar), Jeep new Grand Cherokee from $49,990 + orc, Kia Sportage from $21,990 + orc (free auto'), Land Rover Freelander from $27,950 (3-door) $30,950 (5-door) + orc, Discoverys (sp?) from $39,990 drive away (NB. '98 model), Mitsubishi Pajero GLX from $41,540 + orc, Nissan Patrol ST turbo diesel from $43,990 + orc, Pathfinder about $36K + orc, Terrano II about $32.5K + orc, Toyota Prado GXL auto from $41.5K + orc, Suzuki '98 Vitara 2.0 litre JLX run-out from $24,990 + orc (with free air con' and $1K cash-back). orc = on-road costs, i.e. dealer and government stat' charges; prices $au.

January 1999: On 15 January, American broadcaster ABC took a damning look at the Eurasia Gazelle saga.

22 January 1999: Sofcom MyWheels launch! The new MyWheels Motoring Magazine is a humorous one-stop guide to the motoring world. It includes what's hot, a humour page, and much more.

17 January 1999: The Schlesser buggy (4x2) of Jean-Louis Schlesser / Philippe Monnet had a substantial overall lead in the Granada-Dakar Rally (car section) after the 17th and final stage into Dakar to win the 1999 event. The Mitsubishi (4x4) of Miguel Prieto / Dominique Serieys was second, 34 minutes behind. The Tatra T815 of Karel Loprais / Radek Stachura / Joseph Kalina was 1st in the truck section.

January 1999: Les Siviour, driving a Nissan Patrol GU won class 7 (production 4WDs) of the 1998 Australian Off-Road Racing Championship, for his 14th title and Patrol's 15th consecutive victory. His daughters, Bobbielee (19, driver) and Katie (16, navigator), took 2nd place in the championship in a Nissan Navara dual cab 4x4. The final round of '98 took place at Springfield near Brisbane, 28-29/11/98 [-Nissan].

January 1999: 4X4 Australia Magazine gave its 1998 4x4 of the year award to the Toyota LandCruiser, also citing the 100-series as the best new release over $45,000(au).[-T]
Overlander and Bushdriver magazines voted the LX470 best new 4WD of 1998.[-T]
Wheels Magazine  gave its 1998 Car of the Year award to the Subaru Liberty, an award the (then current) model also won in 1994. Subaru Australia sold 20,445 cars in 1998, including 4568 Liberties.[-S].

January 1999: Toyota Australia reports sales of 158,290 vehicles in 1998, to claim #1 spot in Australian. Over all makes, 800,000+ vehicles were sold, including 137,312 four wheel drives (all makes), the latter up 30% in 1997.

January 1999: The Detroit Motor Show brought some new four wheel drives to light:
Hyundai had the Santa Fe concept SUV. This has a transverse engine in a "car-style" 4WD driving the front wheels and with a viscous coupling to the rear wheels - nothing unusual with that ~ CRV or Freelander. The engine is a 2.5 litre 24-valve V6, and a 2 litre four will be the other option. Being a show car, some of the fancier features, such as low-profile tyres on 17" rims might be toned down in production.
Chrysler Jeep showed the Jeep Commander. This is larger than the current Jeep Grand Cherokee and ... powered by fuel-cells! Don't expect fuel-cell power in the shops any time soon, but it is one of the many technologies that car makers are working on as possible alternatives to the infernal, internal combustion engine.
Mercedes had a performance version of their M-class 4WD, the ML 55 AMG. Australians should get to see the (ordinary) V8 version of the M-class in early to mid 1999.

January 1999: The WRX STi version of the Subaru Impreza has arrived in oz and goes on sale this month. So that everyone knows what you've got, the WRX STi features STi strut brace, STi fog light covers, STi exhaust, STi sports bucket seats, and 16" gold alloy wheels. Under the hood are forged pistons, larger teflon-coated turbo, inner shim valve-adjustment, sodium-filled exhaust valves, hollow inlet valves. Power is 206kW at 6500rpm and torque 353Nm at 4000rpm on 100-RON petrol. RRP is au$60K+ [-Subaru].

7 January 1999: Schlesser buggies are making a race of this year's Granada-Dakar rally in the `car' section at stage 6 with: Jose Maria Servia / Thierry Delli-Zotti 1st, and Jean-Louis Schlesser / Philippe Monnet 2nd. Jutta Kleinschmidt / Tina Thorner's Mitsubishi is 3rd. Karel Loprais / Radek Stchura / Joseph Kalina's Tatra T815 leads the trucks. Oscar Gallardo's BMW leads the bikes.

6 January 1999: A large bushfire is burning out of control in the Grampians National Park, Victoria (Au). Campers and bushwalkers have been evacuated.

5 January 1999: NRMA research suggests that if parents teach their child to drive then the latter is less likely to have accidents when finally going solo. It seems that under-25's are involved in half of all accidents resulting in injury! Consequently, NRMA insurance is waiving the under-25 `excess' ($1200 male, $800 female!) that normally applies if a young learner has an accident, provided that they are `under instruction' by their parent [- Ch7 report]. Check with your insurance company.

January 1999: Kia Sportage 4x4 won the SCORE Desert Championship series class-three (short wheelbase SUV) for 1998, the second year in a row. Darren Skilton's Sportage won (class in) four of the six races and came second in the final race, the Baja 1000. [-Kia].
Specifications: wheelbase: 2650mm, track: 1542mm/1542mm, approach: 38, departure: 38, weight: 1521kg,
2 litre, petrol, 4-cyls, efi, 4-valves/cyl, dohc, power: 125kW at 6200rpm (up from 94kW standard),
transmission: 4-speed automatic, suspension: indep-coil/live-coil, brakes: disc/disc, tyres: BFG Baja TA 33x10.5/15 on 15.7 wheels by American Racing, fuel-tank: 121L
The race car manages 30cm of front suspension travel.

January 1999: Bureau of Meteorology figures show that if Australia was dry in 1997, then it was hot in 1998. The average temperature has 0.7°C up on the average for 1960-1990.

4 January 1999: The early stages of the Dakar Rally, this year Granada-Dakar, suggest that it will turn into a Mitsubishi benefit, as has been usual in recent years.

4 January 1999: Heavy snow has brought chaos to the US mid west, with almost 60cm falling in Chicago.

2 January 1999: Audi Australia released the 1999 model year Audi A3 and A3-Turbo with extra features. The non-turbo A3 has: remote central locking, concert stereo system (as in A6 and A8), front side airbags, rear carpet floor mats and leather bounds steering wheel; prices rise by au$500 on the 1.6 and 1.8 litre A3s. The A3 turbo gets a 10-stack CD player in addition to the above; prices rise by au$400. The A3 passed the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro-NCAP) with the highest possible `four star' rating [-Audi]

A3 1.6 manual A3 1.6 auto A3 1.8 manual A3 1.8 auto A3 1.8 turbo manual

$37,450 $39,450 $40,450 $42,450 $46,400

1 January 1999: Happy New Year to all our readers.

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