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One technique you need as you teach learners to drive manual cars

30 August 2021 Robert Pepper

Driving is a massively complex task, especially a manual. Even to get into a car and pull away requires a lot of knowledge and skill; how to sit correctly in the car, insert a key (or press a button) to start the engine, select a gear, release the parkbrake, coordinate clutch and accelerator, even knowing […]

4X4

5 Transmission Windup Myths (transfer case bind)

28 August 2021 Robert Pepper

Transmission windup, also known as transfer case bind, has been around since the first ever 4X4, but it’s often misunderstood. Here’s four myths: 1.You need to drive quite a long way before you get windup No, you can get windup even by driving a few metres. Just go full lock and turn on a high-traction […]

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4X4

You can now run 18″ wheels on your L663 Defender D300 and P400

26 August 2021 Robert Pepper

Land Rover make some immensely capable 4X4s, but ever since the new generation kicked off with the Discovery 3 in 2005 the company has, sadly, fitted low-profile tyres to its vehicles which look good outside an urban cafe but compromise offroad capability and are prone to damage in the bush. And the new Defender L663 […]

4X4

What the South African LC300 specs mean for Australia – towing, suspension, differentials and more

25 August 2021 Robert Pepper

One of my readers has sent me the South Africa specs for the LC300, and there’s a few interesting nuggets of information for Australians. LC300 Differentials There are several differential types for the LC300. All vehicles will get Toyota’s excellent brake traction control system, but in addition there is: Front and rear cross-axle differential locks […]

4X4

Amid the chip shortage – should you buy an LC200, sell yours, wait for the LC300 or what?

23 August 2021 Robert Pepper

The world is in turmoil right now, and it’s hard to know what’s happening next week let alone next month. And the arrival of the LC300 is just adding to the uncertainity. I can’t predict the future, but I have driven the LC300 so have an idea of what it’s like, and I’m keeping an […]

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Racetrack Mistakes

20 August 2021 Robert Pepper

There’s plenty of mistakes made on racetracks, and they can end up rather expensive or painful. So I’m analysing a few in the hope of helping myself, and others not make those same mistakes again! 1. Lotus Elise Oversteer What mistake was made to enter an oversteer condition, and how was it recovered? And why […]

4X4

Guess these 9 Australian 4X4 touring locations

19 August 2021 Robert Pepper

Microsoft Flight Simulator now has graphic rendering of the entire world…so I thought I’d fly it over a few 4×4 touring locations in Australia. Can you pick which they are? There’s jump links in the video description. And if you’re into car racing, here’s one flying over some Aussie racetracks:

4X4

Toyota Landcruiser LC300 2022 – first drive, specs, explanations

12 August 2021 Robert Pepper

In May 2021 I was one of the first people outside of Toyota to drive the new Toyota MY2022 Landcruiser LC300. The video below is my drive impression, information gleaned from conversations with engineers, and a summary of what’s out in the public domain with explanations of how various systems work. And because there’s lots […]

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Will Starlink replace satphones for 4×4 overlanders?

5 August 2021 Robert Pepper

For many years the remote-communications market has been satphones, messagers and HF radio. The satellite networks of Iridium, Thuraya, Inmarsat and Globalstar are old, and aren’t designed for the modern, data-driven world. Now there’s Starlink, which offers incredibly fast high-speed Internet access, anywhere in the world. So, no need for satphones, just use your smartphone, […]

4X4

LC300 pricing and more specs revealed

4 August 2021 Robert Pepper

Toyota has released pricing and more specs for the LC300: Here’s the range and pricing, exclusive of on-road costs: GX: $89,990 – centre diff lock, brake traction controlGXL: $101,790 – centre diff lock, brake traction control, MTS (Multi Terrain Select, Toyota’s adaptive terrain system)VX: $113,990 – centre diff lock, brake traction control, MTSSAHARA: $131,190 – […]

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