Articles by James Stanford

The absurd machine is an extremely effective mobile billboard for US outdoor clothing company L.L Bean, which started off selling the waterproof Bean Boot 100 years ago. It stands 396cm tall and would be the perfect fit for a 4.6m tall person, although it wouldn't be all that comfortable given it is primarily made from fibreglass and is based on a pick-up truck. The Bootmobile was made by Echo Arts, which originally planned to simply build a large boot to put on a flat-bed truck, but soon realised it could actually make a mobile boot based on an existing vehicle. It chose a Ford F250 Super Duty diesel pick up for the job because it was the right size and had enough torque. Echo Arts engineer Zachary Weikart explains the process of building the Bootmobile. "The idea here is not to put a boot on a truck, it is putting a truck inside a boot," he says, like this is just another project. "It is obviously not as easy as going down to your local car dealership and buying a truck, putting some foam on it and making it look like a boot," he points out. The team started off with concept sketches, then scanned a boot and pick up truck and joined them using 3D modeling software. Then came a foam shape that sat on the pick up, which was then covered with the fibreglass shell.  The final step was to cut away some of the foam centre and build a steel support frame before artists added crucial details such as the stitching and laces. The Bootmobile apparently drives like a regular pick up and handling is not a strong point. The occupants gain access to boot through a custom door in the heel.  

It will now be called LDV after a title clash with a Maxitrans sub-brand.Importer WMC was planning to call its van Maxus, which is its international title, until it was challenged by trailer manufacturer Maxitrans, which uses the Maxus name for parts built by its sub-brand Colrain.Despite being offered a royalty deal, Maxitrans called for a significant one-off settlement or a name change.WMC opted to change the name to LDV, the title used by the British van manufacturer before Chinese company SAIC took over the company in 2009. The LDV vans are made in China and will arrive in Australia late this year. 

These utes were rough as guts a decade ago and few families could put up with them, but they have advanced to the point of being a realistic family car option.With the ability to work hard but also lug boats, caravans and trailers of up to 3500kg as well as cross rivers, conquer mountains and pick up the shopping, it's easy to see the appeal.A wave of new family friendly trucks has arrived in the last two years, lead by the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and now the new Holden Colorado. CarsGuide assembled the challengers and the reigning sales champion, the Toyota Hilux, at the Melbourne 4x4 Training and Proving Ground in order to pick one winner.A recent facelift upped content and lowered prices Customers can choose from a thirsty 4.0-litre petrol V6 (175kW/376Nm) or a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (126kW/343Nm), which lags behind its rivals when it comes to low down lugging (torque).While six gears are common these days, the Hilux makes do with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Low range is selected with a lever, unlike the other models fitted with a simple dial.The tow rating is the lowest in the class, 1000kg below the maximum tow rating of the Colorado, which could be an issue for some.VERDICTThe interior is spacious and there are some smart storage areas, but the dashboard is old and plain despite a new colour centre screen.It managed the tough terrain with ease, but the Hilux goes to the back of the class due to its ordinary on-road dynamics and jumbled ride, which all points to an old body and chassis. Its engines and transmissions are also getting on.This might have been the benchmark seven years ago, but times have changed and the Hilux drives like an old-school ute.Toyota Hilux SR5Type: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $50,990Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodieselPower: 126kW at 3600rpmTorque: 343Nm at 1400rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual, optional four-speed automatic ($2500)Towing: 2500kgPayload: 835kgFuel Economy: 13L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic Stability Control, anti-skid brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbagsThe Amarok was new last year and bucked the trend with a small 2.0-litre diesel which it fits with one or two turbos depending on the model.Our test ute has the 120kW and 400Nm version which is especially economical (7.9L/100km). Right now a six-speed manual is the only option, but an automatic is coming this month along with more power and torque. The tow rating is a little low at 2800kg, but should increase too.It has all the safety gear but there is no airbag coverage for the rear seats.VERDICTThe Amarok is one of the best in class, with a spacious interior, good cargo area and relatively good handling. The engine is underwhelming in this category. It needs to be pressed hard and, as a result, can get intrusively loud.The Amarok is also too easy to stall at low speed. Its manual gearbox is crisp and shifts easily. An auto version of this should be good, but we'll have to wait and see.The interior is quite plain and drab compared to the Ranger, but it is all very practical. There is no Bluetooth, which is a glaring omission (we're told it is coming soon).Volkswagen Amarok Highline TDI 400Type: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $52,990Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin turbodieselPower: 120kW at 4000rpmTorque: 400Nm at 1500-2500rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual, no automatic optionTowing: 2800kg (braked trailer)Payload: 992kgFuel Economy: 7.9L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic Stability Control, anti-skid brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags (not curtain airbags).This is the newest truck on the block and has the highest towing rating of 3500kg. It's built off the same base as the Isuzu D-Max but is significantly different. The base Colorado gets a 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel with 110kW and 350Nm.A strong 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is standard on the higher spec models and provides 132kW and 440Nm. This jumps to 470Nm when customers order the optional six-speed automatic, though power remains the same.VERDICTIt isn't the sharpest tool in this shed, but the Colorado still has a lot going for it. The big Holden is comfortable around town, but its soft suspension means it moves around at higher speeds on bumpy roads. It doesn't like corners you need to turn the wheel a lot to get around tight ones.The 2.8-litre engine is the loudest, but the pitch is not irritating. It pulls as hard as the BT-50 and Ranger five-cylinder. We like the very roomy interior, but the dashboard of the high-end LT-Z looks cheap with ordinary plastics and a retro digital display.Holden Colorado LT-ZType: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $49,990 (plus $3230 hard tonneau and snorkel)Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodieselPower: 132kW at 3800rpmTorque: 440Nm at 2000rpm (auto 470Nm)Transmission: Five-speed manual, six-speed automaticTowing: 3500kgPayload: 1000kgFuel Economy: 9.1L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic stability control, front driver and passenger airbags, side curtain airbagsLike its Mazda twin, the Ranger is new except for its revised engines. Entry level Rangers are sold with a four-cylinder petrol engine. Then is a choice of a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel (110kW and 375Nm) and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder (147kW and 470Nm).Shared with Mazda, these are the strongest in the class. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The maximum towing capacity is a considerable 3350kg.VERDICTThe Ranger XLT comes with the most gear, but is also the most expensive. Its interior is spacious and practical and the dashboard and instrument cluster is stylish (in a masculine way) with a high quality colour information display and quality surfaces.The 3.2-litre engine sits at the top of the class in terms of performance, but (as is the case with the BT-50) makes a slightly annoying and inconsistent rattle (injectors apparently).The ride is better than the Mazda's but firmer than the others. The upside is brilliant handling and excellent suppression of big bumps, especially on country roads. We also like the sharp and direct steering and quiet cabin.Ford Ranger XLTType: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $53,390Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodieselPower: 147kW at 3000rpmTorque: 470Nm at 1500-2750rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual, optional six-speed automatic ($2000 extra)Towing: 3350kgPayload: 1041kgFuel Economy: 9.2L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic Stability Control, anti-skid brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbagsThe BT-50 is the same as the Ranger under the skin, but Mazda and Ford came up with their own interior and exterior designs. It is available with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel (110kw and 375Nm) or a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel which pumps out a handy 147kW and 470Nm.You can have a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The maximum tow rating for the big Mazda is a respectable 3350kg. Mazda fitted the test BT with a bull bar and alloy wheels which cost $6540.VERDICTThe BT-50 has much the same strengths as its Ranger twin, including strong engines, but there are some differences. Firmer suspension tuned for sportiness, means a fidgety ride on imperfect roads. The interior is plain, but the quality is excellent.BT-50s are cheaper than rival Rangers (about $4000 in some cases) but usually have a little less gear. Then there is the appearance. It is ugly and looks like a Ssangyong. The bull bar covers up the worst elements, but costs more.Our BT-50 suffered a mechanical problem in the middle of a water crossing, which the other vehicles managed repeatedly without incident. It has been trucked back to Mazda for a diagnosis.Mazda BT-50 XT-RType: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $48,810 (plus $6540 bull-bar and wheels)Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo dieselPower: 147kW at 3000rpmTorque: 470Nm at 1750-2500rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual, optional six-speed automatic ($2000 extra)Towing: 3350kgPayload: 1097kgFuel Economy: 9.2L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic Stability Control, anti-skid brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbagsCONCLUSIONThe Hilux might top the sales charts, but the ageing warrior finishes a clear last in this company. We'd be happy to recommend the Volkswagen, Ford, Holden and Mazda, which all demonstrate how far crew cab utes have come.An underdone engine and lack of automatic transmission knocks the Amarok out of contention in this test, along with a plain interior and some missing gear, but upcoming changes could put it back in the hunt.The buff Colorado is a comfortable cruiser and its engine is a bit rough but it lugs along without fuss. Ordinary handling and a cheap interior prove the difference here but it is surprisingly easy to live with.That leaves the twins. The engines can be intrusive and automatic transmissions can hunt but they are clearly the best trucks here. The BT-50 is the best value for money, but has an uncompromising ride and plain cabin. Sadly, the awful styling will put off many buyers.The pricier Ranger does everything the Mazda does, but rides better, has a bit more equipment and looks great. Its superior interior seals the deal.Others:Nissan's Navara is old, but good. New pricing makes it worth looking at. The new D-Max is Isuzu's take on the Colorado and is a contender. Mitsubishi's Triton is in the same class as Hilux: its best days are behind it.

These hills are alive with the sound of Porsche music.VALUEThe GTS will come to Australia this September for $164,900, which is $13,600 more than the Cayenne S. For the extra cash you get a bunch of extra equipment, a more exciting drive, a pinch more power and torque and some enhanced motor music.TECHNOLOGYPorsche engineers developed a system that enables the GTS Cayenne to operate in a relatively serene manner until the driver presses the Sport button and effectively switches on an amplifier.Flaps in the exhaust open wide and two sound chambers in the engine bay draw ear-pleasing notes into the otherwise well-insulated cabin. The 4.8-litre V8 in the GTS has been tweaked with two new camshafts which bumps power up by 15kW over the S to kW and increases torque by 15Nm to 515Nm.Even with a hefty weight tally of 2085kg, this is enough firepower to sling the GTS from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds. It certainly feels that fast when you mash the accelerator, especially with the added soundtrack of Sport mode.The responsiveness of this engine is just brilliant and the power delivery comes on strong through to the 6700 rev cut-out without any lumps or gaps. The official fuel consumption figure is 10.7L/100km, but give it a hard time and you could uses as much a 18L/100km.Porsche says it is the most emotional largely because it has a sweet-revving naturally aspirated V8 engine that responds instantly to driver instruction instead pausing slightly for a turbocharger to spool up.The only transmission is a ZF eight-speed torque convertor automatic (not to be confused with the faster shifting dual-clutch auto from sports models) which is standard across the Cayenne range.DESIGNSilver is the standard wheel colour, but customers can have them painted all kinds of colours. One red GTS at the launch had red wheels, which looked hideous and clashed with the callipers (a different shade of red). A wide spectrum of body colours is available including an exclusive eye-ball assaulting green (with matching interior stitching).   All GTS Cayennes get a full body kit including a dual-layer rear wing, side skirts and a meaner front bumper with bigger air inlets and Cayenne Turbo headlights. Alcantara is used for the seats, doors, centre column and even the headlining.Like other Cayennes, the GTS has two easily accessible grab bars for the passenger which can come in handy if the driver is having a crack. Porsche dropped the suspension by 20mm, further reducing any chance this 4WD will ever make it off road, which helps it to sit as flat as can be expected in the turns. All Australian Cayennes get air suspension, so the driver can choose between the firm Sport mode, benign Normal mode and marshmallow Comfort mode.DRIVINGThe Cayenne sounds incredibly loud outside the car and the gravity-defying mountain cows at the highest point of our climb look at me with a form of bovine contempt. If they had opposable thumbs, they’d call the cops.Inside, the GTS sounds awesome whenever you have the throttle wide open, but is too quiet when you back off the throttle. All the cabin sound insulation that makes the Cayenne a quiet cruiser blocks out the fury of the exhaust unless you drive with the windows down.The transmission was chosen for comfort and even though it has been tuned for the GTS, the gearshifts are too slow for such a sporty car. The transmission is linked to all four wheels using a system that automatically shifts power between the front and rear wheels on the run. There’s no doubting the GTS is fast in a straight line, but what about when it arrives at corners? Thanks to a raft of changes to the suspension, the GTS corners remarkably well, for what it is. There’s no escaping the fact that this is a great big, heavy crossover wagon that seats four people comfortably (the fifth seat is near-useless) and has a big boot.  The ride is surprisingly comfortable even running in Sport mode on optional 21-inch rims (20 inch wheels are standard). After conquering the mountains, we are allowed to flog the Cayennes around a tight and twisty track, following a Boxster S.This activity does showcase the relative agility of the GTS, but also highlights the fact that while the steering is accurate, it is overly light and passes on very little feeling. The brakes also have to work extremely hard to pull it up in a timely fashion.VERDICTThe GTS is sportiest model in the Cayenne range. It isn’t the fastest, as the Cayenne Turbo out-guns it in a straight line, but the GTS is the most agile and driver-focused. I can’t help but want to be sitting nice and low in the Boxster, enjoying a real Porsche sportscar.That’s only natural, because Porsche sportscars are really something special, but the kind of person looking at a Cayenne wants an SUV and all the space and comfort that comes with it. In that case, the GTS is about as good as its going to get.

The Japanese brand recently introduced the latest generation Canter 4x4 and although the new model brought a wide range of improvements it was missing the low range gearing that gave the previous models remarkable off-road capability. Mitsubishi Fuso has accepted feedback, much of it from Australia, and is currently well advanced developing a new Canter 4x4 with a dual range gear set that will allow the rig to take-on the toughest terrain. It is currently referred to as the ‘high-low gear’ version. The company will also continue to sell the existing Canter 4x4 that does without low range because it is lighter, uses less fuel and easier on its engine (at highway speeds) as it has taller gearing, which allows for easier highway cruising. This is currently called the ‘high gear’ version. It will also be cheaper, although Mitsubishi Fuso is not about to say how much less it will cost. Mitsubishi Fuso Australia says the new Canter 4x4 without low-range is doing well and has no problem running in mild off-road conditions. It is doing particularly well in mining applications, as the selectable 4x4 system is more than capable on slippery surfaces such as gravel and dirt. The new model has also been well accepted by many companies who turn the Canter 4x4 into a versatile camper that is not limited to tarmac roads. While it could conquer some of the meanest terrain, hop rocks and wade through deep mud, the lower gearing of the previous dual-range Canter 4x4 meant that it was not at home cruising on the highway. Its engine revved hard to maintain 95km/h, making it a mobile chicane for many other motorists and it was far from serene in the cabin. The 4x4 model that has just been introduced benefits from a smoother-revving engine and different gearing, which allows for a theoretical top speed of 129km/h. This in turn means that cruising at 100km/h is a far more serene experience. Mitsubishi Fuso is expecting the new ‘high-low’ model will appeal to hardcore go-anywhere campers, utility companies that need to access extremely difficult locations and rural fire services. Both the ‘high gear‘ and ‘high-low gear’ models will be available with the standard cab as well as the crew cab version. Apart from the gearing the trucks will be essentially the same. They have a gross vehicle mass of 6500kg (including the truck and its load), which gives it best it class payload. The trucks run a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel that generates 110kW between 2840 and 3500revs and 370Nm between 1350 and 2840revs. It runs a variable geometry turbocharger for a more even spread of torque. While the European version runs Selective Catalytic Reduction and requires AdBlue exhaust treatment fluid, the Australia specification gets by without it. However, it does use a Diesel Particulate Filter, which catches a range of exhaust nasties and burns them off at super high temperatures. This is an active system, working away in the background as you drive, but may also require the truck to be stopped for a manual burn-off. A five-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission option. While the regular Canter is available with the ground breaking Duonic dual clutch automated manual gearbox, which can automatically change gears far quicker and more intuitively than a regular automated manual transmission, it is not available with the 4x4 model. This is partly due to the fact that an automated manual is not the best solution for an off-road vehicle carrying heavy loads as both the payload and off-road capability would be compromised. A torque convertor automatic, which would be the best solution, is not available. The Canter 4x4 comes with a front airbag for the driver and passenger and a standard suspended driver’s seat.  

The 14-year-old allegedly stole the truck from his dad’s yard in Christchurch three days after it had been collected from a dealership, and took it on a 175km jaunt around New Zealand's South Island. He apparently drove to Timaru, two hours away, with a friend and visited his mum, then headed further to pop in and see his grandparents.  Police say he even filled up the truck, using dad’s fuel card, and bought cigarettes at a service station on the way. The boy was finally apprehended by police, who expressed concern at the danger the boy had placed himself and other road users in, but were also impressed at his ability to operate such a complex vehicle.

Ford has presented the production version of its next generation Transit in England and will introduce it in Europe towards the end of this year, but the grand van won’t go on sale in Australia until September 2013 at the earliest. There is every chance the new Transit, called the Transit Custom, will be worth the wait judging from the styling and features of this vehicle, which is fresh from the ground up. It’s now clear that when Ford showed the Torneo Custom Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March that it was giving us a very clear indication of what the new Transit would look like. The production vehicle is very close to that concept, including the use of the trapezoidal air dam and sleek wrap-around headlights that make up Ford’s Kinetic design language and also feature on cars like the Fiesta and Focus. It’s a lot more exciting to look at than the current plain but practical Transit. Ford Europe chief designer, Paul Campbell, says: “It’s still a Transit, so the superbly practical loadspace is a given, but with its sportier stance and bold rising shoulder line, the Transit Custom makes a powerful new impact.” The new van will be offered in two lengths, a 4.970mm short wheelbase and a 5340mm long wheelbase. Ford says the long wheelbase version has a class leading load capacity of 6.0 cubic metres, with a bulkhead in place. It has also revealed there will be a clever bulkhead latch to allow longer items such as pipes to be carried. The company claims even the short wheelbase model is capable of carrying three Euro pallets. There are some interesting features such as an integrated roof rack, which can be folded down and out of the way when not being used. The new Transit will continue with the recently introduced 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel, which will be available with outputs of 75kW, 93kW and 116kW.  

The American brand has designed an outlandish concept truck called Wanted, designed to highlight the Western part of the Western Star name with enough cowhide, fancy scroll work and gleaming steel to make a cowboy grin from ear to ear. The remarkable custom rig was developed especially for the giant Mid America truck show last year and was a real crowd favourite. It's based on a low-riding 4900EX Low Max prime mover, but is anything but standard. The build team, led by Western Star designers and Oregon's Twins Custom Coaches, completely overhauled the truck, giving every element the Wild West treatment. The Redmond-based outfit let their imagination run free although they did stop short of fitting revolvers to either side of the bonnet, as per one member's suggestion, but they did install unique double-barrel exhaust stacks designed to mimic rifles. Twin Custom Coaches has done some pretty dramatic Western Star show trucks in the past, but the crew admits this is bolder than all the other rigs. "This year we have gone off the chart with custom modifications and paint work," says company chief, Mickey Larson. There are so many unique features, but it is the leather that most people's eyes are drawn to. Instead of limiting the use of leather to the interior, like most truck-builders, the Western Star team decided to use in on the outside too. It enrolled the services of Redmond's Gauteraux Boot Co, run by two ex-rodeo performers who create $4000 cowboy boots while wearing 10-gallon hats. The massive front bumper is lined with fine leather, as are the tool compartments and even the fuel tanks. And no, you're eyes are not deceiving you, the fuel tank covers are designed to resemble saddle bags, with special straps and buckles fitted to finish the look. The leather surfaces have intricate patterns that need to be seen at close range to be appreciated. A gear-cog Western Star emblem is bolted to the middle of the bumper and resembles some kind of gargantuan belt buckle. You will find leather on the inside too, but there is nothing custom about. The whole interior is fitted out per the Western Star catalogue, but it also fits in with the Western theme. There is a table and cabinet doors made from timber and dashboard, door and seat coverings made from a material called Prairie Tan. The standard Low Rider truck already looks dramatic, so the team had a good base to work with. "One thing that makes the Western Star perfect for customization is its classic lines," says Larson. "It is a perfect example of Americana." The Wanted team used unique wheel arches, or fenders, to give the truck a striking appearance, going to the length of making its own custom arches. "One of special things we did for the Low Max build was these special fenders. It mimics the front fender of a Western Star," Larson says "These wouldn't look right on any other truck but a Western Star." Another modification your eyes are drawn to is the big stainless steel wing on the roof that may or may not be effective, but certainly does look cool. There are also gleaming vertical truck stacks so large that they resemble industrial chimneys. The team spent a lot of time working on the Wanted truck's paint scheme, which is a lot more dramatic in the metal. "A lot of show trucks I've seen are beautiful but one of the things that is typically overlooked in the trucking industry is the beautiful finish," says Larson. "This probably takes as much time as the rest of the build." However, he says it was all worth it. "It is very time consuming but the proof is in the finished product, when you have a mirror finish on a canvass that large, it is very breathtaking."  

Only two utes are made in Australia, the Ford Falcon Ute and the Commodore-based Holden Ute. Both are struggling as more buyers switch to one-tonne utes, which have dramatically improved in quality through the last decade, to the point crew cab versions can double as family cars. Ten years ago, Ford sold an average of 1490 Falcon Utes a month but that number has dropped to just 439 sales a month so far this year according to VFACTS figures. In contrast, Ford’s Ranger (then called Courier) sold just 497 a month in 2002, but has managed and average of 909 per month this year despite supply issues following the Thailand floods. It averaged 1300 a month last year, even though the flood issues also impacted sales. The sales pain is not just limited to Ford, with Holden Ute sales dipping from an average of 1149 in 2002 to just 599 months so far this year. These are unprecedented numbers. They are so low that, based on domestic sales alone, it would be very difficult for Ford or Holden to justify the development costs for a new generation version of either vehicle. In Holden’s case, the future could get brighter thanks to on-going interest in its Ute from its General Motors parent company, which is reportedly keen to sell it, along with the Commodore sedan, in the US. While Australian-made utes are battling, Thai-built one-tonners are booming. In contrast, sales of imported workhorse utes are doing very well. Back in 2002, the Toyota Hilux sold a monthly average of 1876, but has managed 2620 a month so far this year. It was even the best selling vehicle in Australia in April, although Toyota says the monthly total of 3565 included a backlog of Hilux models that had been delayed due to those floods. Despite last year’s disruptions, Toyota sold an average of 3010 Hilux utes per month in 2011.  

The military coalition is about to be charged about $1000 (NOTE: $Aus) by Pakistan authorities for every single truck that passes through the country on its way into Afghanistan, according to reports.A senior official says the fee is only fair because the NATO supply carrying trucks have caused more than $1 billion worth of damage to local roads.Pakistan closed key supply routes in November following an unauthorised cross-border NATO strike and is considering re-opening them following negotiations.