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Ford Expedition Timberline  

Off-Grid Concept Elevates SUV’s Adventure-Ready Capability

Built for more extreme adventures, Ford recently debuted the Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept vehicle in conjunction with the Overland Expo East in Arrington, Virginia. The one-off model is based on the new 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline series, the most off-road-capable Expedition ever.

The Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept is upfitted with proven names in off-road hardware and off-road accessories to help adventurers confidently trek to hard-to-reach mountainside trailheads, remote lakes and distant desert dunes.

Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept is focused on multi-day off-roading functionality and ease-of-use. Most noticeable is the SUV’s raised stance, custom DeeZee Rock Rail Hoop Steps and unmistakable CG Detroit custom topographic wrap over factory Forged Green exterior paint.

The 2022 Ford Expedition has the best available ground clearance in its class at 10.6 inches, and the concept adds another 2 inches with custom FOX Performance Elite Series 2.5-inch shocks with Dual Speed Compression adjusters and remote reservoirs front and rear. In addition, 17-inch Method Race Wheels with Bead Grip technology are wrapped with 35-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires.

To ensure the best mobile campsite, the Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept leverages Ford’s Outfitter collection with dealer-available accessories. These include a Thule Tepui Explorer tent with crossbars that attach to its roof rails, a factory-available transmission shield, Overland Vehicle Systems’ Nomadic 180-degree awning that easily pulls out to help protect adventurers from the elements, and a Wild Land portable privacy room shower.

Illuminating the trail and the campsite at night, a 50-inch Rigid light bar is mounted above the windshield with an additional Rigid 20-inch light bar below the grille, while D-SS Rigid side shooter cube lights are installed atop the hood. Rigid spotlights mounted within the wheel wells and liftgate further illuminate those areas. The flip of a switch turns the lights red for stargazers.

The interior of the Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept reveals an EZ STAK custom aluminum dual storage drawer unit that sits under a custom Luno camping mattress with room for two. To make sleeping in the concept vehicle even more comfortable, Luno also provides a concept-specific Base Extender, window shades and portable USB fan. And to ensure this concept vehicle can handle electric loads needed at off-the-grid campsites, a Clarios AGM battery specifically designed for vehicles supporting the most demanding applications.

With a Turtleback Expedition Series Trailer, the largest trailer in the Turtleback lineup, the capability of the Expedition Timberline concept vehicle is further extended in the wilderness. The trailer matches the Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept with Method brand wheels and Grabber all-terrain tires. It’s designed to hold additional gear for an extended cross-country trip, including a two-burner propane stove and deep-well sink, a pair of drop-down tables, 42-gallon water tank and 6-gallon water heater with external shower hookup, plus pancake propane tank. Additional available options include a refrigerator and a 100-watt solar panel.

Nissan Reveals Hardbody Racer-Inspired Frontier for 2021 Rebelle Rally 

 Inspired by the Nissan Hardbody champion off-road racers of the 1980s, the 2022 Frontier prepared for October’s grueling Rebelle Rally was recently revealed on Nissan USA social media pages.

In addition to the iconic red, white and blue wrap—updated by Nissan Design America in San Diego—the one-off 2022 Frontier PRO-4X features a range of new NISMO Off Road parts, including 4-inch lights, performance exhaust, suspension kit and AXIS wheels—which appeared recently at the 2021 Overland Expo West.

The all-women’s 2021 Rebelle Rally, the longest off-road rally in the United States, features eight days of fierce competition across more than 1,500 miles of Nevada, Arizona and California desert. It begins Oct. 7 at the Hoover Dam in Nevada and culminates Oct. 16 in California’s Imperial Sand Dunes.

Nissan is the only automaker to compete every year since the event began in 2016. Team Wild Grace co-captains Sedona Blinson and Lyn Woodward have high expectations following last year’s fourth place finish.

“The 2021 field is the largest in Rebelle history with some very formidable teams,” said Woodward. “We are one of them—and we are in to win.

“Having grown up in the ’80s and knowing what the Hardbody means to Nissan’s heritage, seeing our truck rendering for the first time was a legitimate ‘lump in my throat’ moment,” said Woodward.

A Flagship SUV is Born  

Introducing the All-New 2022 Lexus LX 600

 Following three impressive generations, the wait is now over: An all-new LX has arrived. Totally redesigned from the ground up, inside and out, the all-new 2022 LX 600 stands as the ultimate sport-utility flagship in the luxury brand’s growing and diversified model portfolio. The full-size luxury SUV, with its newly reengineered body-on-frame platform, avant-garde style and luxurious cabin, embodies Lexus’ commitment to meeting the diversifying needs and lifestyles of customers. It is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealers in the first quarter of 2022.

Since its launch in 1995, the LX has been a luxury SUV icon shaped by an identity distinguished by an indomitable duality. Its comfortable ride quality and long list of amenities have defined it as a luxurious long-range cruiser, yet its tried-and-tested off-road specifications and equipment have taken it beyond the pavement in more than 50 countries and regions around the globe. As of August 2021, over 500,000 LX models have been sold throughout the world.

For its fourth generation, LX offers unparalleled refinement thanks to a full optimization of nearly every component. It adopts an all-new 20% more rigid GA-F platform, which serves as a robust foundation for its body-on-frame build. Weight is reduced by 441 pounds when compared to its predecessor, and body rigidity is also increased.

Powering LX is a high-output, high-torque 3.5-liter V-6 twin-turbo gasoline engine. More refined vehicle control in both on-road and off-road situations is enabled by the new Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system and Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Beyond the LX’s aluminum doors is an all-new cabin designed for the utmost in comfort and usability. The instrument panel features Lexus Interface with Lexus’ first dual display configuration. A 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen help to create a more comfortable driving experience with their variety of views, instrumentation and control adjustments.

LX’s exterior design pursues a blend of athletic performance, accessible functionality and striking beauty—a combination that began with the all-new NX. Key to LX’s design are optimized proportions that combine sophistication with power and presence.

Speaking to a wide variety of customers and diverse lifestyles is essential to the LX’s ethos. This mindset has enabled the expansion of LX’s range, which adds the all-new Ultra Luxury and F SPORT grades. The Ultra Luxury offers four independent seats for opulent travel comfort on all road surfaces. Customers preferring a sportier look and feel can select the F SPORT grade with its unique touches and handling.