Tag Archives: Australia

NEWS

Ineos builds one-off Grenadier Quartermaster Kaiju

The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Kaiju can be likened to a mobile accessories catalog.

This pickup truck, which is packed with a variety of off-road accessories, serves as a guide for modifications.

Produced exclusively by Ineos Australia, the Grenadier Quartermaster Kaiju (which means “monster” in Japanese) will be used for various promotional events across the country in the coming months.

Several major accessory companies have participated in outfitting this pickup truck.

For instance, Norweld has created a lightweight aluminum canopy structure for the back, along with a 40-liter water tank, storage drawers, a 130-liter Bushman fridge, and holders for jerry cans.

Recarc has installed a 2,000W inverter unit and a 150 Ah lithium battery that can last for over 5,000 charge cycles.

All four corners of the vehicle are fitted with BFGoodrich KM3 mud terrain tires, complemented by a custom suspension system that includes remote reservoir electric shocks from JMACX.

In addition to the ambient lighting system, Ineos has also ensured that a 168-liter fuel tank is installed on this pickup truck.

Lastly, Ineos offers several accessories of its own, such as a bull bar, rock sliders, a snorkel, an additional battery, and, of course, access steps.

EV, NEWS

Toyota tests Hilux BEV prototype units at Australian mining site

The Toyota Hilux BEV was introduced in Thailand a few years ago, featuring a single cab body configuration.

To better suit the demands of mining operations, Toyota has decided to unveil a prototype unit of the Hilux BEV, based on the single cab body style.

In collaboration with mining company BHP, Toyota aims for this Hilux BEV prototype to provide invaluable data for developing a production model.

Over the next 12 months, this Hilux BEV pickup will replace diesel trucks for various operations at Port Hedland, one of the largest iron ore mining sites in the world.

This double-cab prototype Hilux BEV closely resembles the diesel engine version, with the only distinguishing feature being the presence of a charging port on the front fender.

Additionally, Toyota has fitted a bull bar at the front, complete with extra LED lights.

To date, Toyota has kept the specifications of the Hilux BEV prototype under wraps.

However, this is not the first time we’ve heard news about the use of electric Hilux trucks to replace diesel-powered vehicles in mining areas.

A few years ago, Toyota Australia developed an electric version of the Land Cruiser 70 Series as part of efforts to reduce emissions.

Last year, SEA Electric and MEVCO announced a AU$1 billion collaboration to develop 8,500 EV units based on the Hilux and Land Cruiser for use in the mining industry.

Moreover, in the UK, Toyota is conducting an initiative to test up to ten prototype Toyota Hilux units powered by fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology adapted from the hydrogen sedan Toyota Mirai.

 

Toyota Hilux FCEV

NEWS

Ford Everest Tremor gains off-road upgrades to take on Australian outback

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In July, Ford Australia added a new variant to the Ranger lineup known as the Tremor. Now, it’s the Everest’s turn to receive the same off-road-focused treatment.

At first glance, you will immediately know that the Everest Tremor is not your average Everest. It boasts a more rugged appearance courtesy of a new, more aggressive bumper fitted with auxiliary LED lights, front tow hooks, and a steel bash plate.

Not only that, the combination of Bilstein position-sensitive dampers and 17-inch wheels wrapped in General Grabber AT3 tyres provide the SUV with an additional ground clearance of one inch, giving it an even more menacing stance.

The interior is adorned with ebony leather-accented seats embossed with Tremor logo, as well as all-weather floor mats. Perhaps what’s more important is the addition of a Rock Crawl drive mode carried over from the Ranger Raptor.

Meanwhile, the Everest’s advanced driver assistance system consisting of features like Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Speed Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Centering, Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert, is retained.

Customers planning to go further than the beaten path can opt for the Rough Terrain Pack offered at no additional cost. It includes a stealth bar and underbody protection from ARB, as well as an auxiliary switch bank.

The Ranger Tremor is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine producing 250 PS at 3,250 rpm and 600 Nm from 1,750 to 2,250 rpm. Power is sent to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system.

In Australia, the Ranger Tremor is available in four colours: Command Grey, Meteor Grey, Shadow Black, and Arctic White, with prices starting from AUD 76,590 (RM 225,000).

NEWS

Ford Ranger Tremor borrows bits from Wildtrak X and Raptor

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Ford Australia is expanding its pickup truck offering with the new 2025 Ranger Tremor, which is expected to hit the market around the late third quarter of this year.

What’s interesting about this model is that it is based on the Ranger Sport, but the Bilstein dampers, heavy-duty power steering, and full-time 4WD system are borrowed from the Wildtrak X.

This gives the Ranger Tremor a taller ride height by 26 mm. Its track width also increases by 30 mm, giving the pickup truck a rather menacing stance.

In addition to the suspension bits from the Wildtrak X, the Tremor also gains several features from the Raptor, such as the Rock Crawl drive mode, Trail Control system, and Trail Turn Assist.

Setting the Tremor further apart from the variant it’s based on are Tremor logos, a steel skid plate, forged aluminum side steps, a black sports bar, and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres.

There are six colour options available, namely, Aluminium, Blue Lightning, Conquer Grey, Meteor Grey, Shadow Black, and Arctic White.

Inside, you’ll find Tremor logos on the seats and rubber floor mats, as well as six auxiliary overhead switches that can be to support accessories like spotlights.

Like the Wildtrak X, the Tremor is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The engine, which requires AdBlue additive, is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system.

According to Ford Australia, only 1,150 units of the Ranger Tremor will be offered in the country. The starting price is AUD69,690 (RM212,689).

NEWS

Toyota Hilux gets new looks, mild-hybrid power in Australia

The Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V, which was launched in Europe last December, has now been introduced in Australia through a facelifted version of the pickup truck.

Similar to the European model, the facelifted Hilux for Down Under combines the existing 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with mild hybrid technology consisting of a motor generator, 48-volt battery, and DC/DC converter.

According to Toyota, the technology provides the Hilux with a Stop/Start system, helps the engine run smoother and improves fuel efficiency by approximately 6% to 10%, depending on variant.

For the Australian market, the 48V mild hybrid technology is equipped as standard in the 4X4 Rogue and SR5 double cab automatic variants, and optionally available on the 4X4 SR double cab.

In addition, all mild hybrid variants are made more capable off-road with the standard fitment of the Multi-Terrain Select system, which offers six driving modes.

However, unlike in Europe, the facelifted Hilux in Australia has been given a fresher look. The octagonal grille has been redesigned, while the front bumper now appears more prominent thanks to a trapezoid-shaped air intake and new fog lamp housings.

Some variants also feature a tough-looking black honeycomb mesh grille and a tailgate damper.

In terms of features, all SR double cab automatic variants now come with six parking sensors (two in the front, four in the rear), while the SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport variants receive a wireless charging pad and two USB-C ports.

The facelifted Hilux will arrive in Toyota showrooms across Australia starting this March, with prices ranging from AUD54,130 to AUD71,530 (RM167,800 to RM221,739) for the mild hybrid variants.