2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the trail

Jeep is in the final stages of redesigning it’s flagship vehicle, the Grand Cherokee, set to debut as a 2011 model. The new unibody based model is much more rounded and aerodynamic, with fewer of the classic “Jeep” styling cues that have defined it for the past 4 decades. In fact, with the exception of the 7-slotted grille, this new Cherokee could easily be mistaken for a BMW SUV or many of the other soft roaders available on the market today.

However, by the look of these photos, the new Grand Cherokee doesn’t appear to have abandoned it’s four wheeling heritage. These pics, shot by Brian Williams out in the field, seem to suggest that Jeep is at the very least putting the new Grand Chrerokee through it’s paces off the tarmac to make sure that it performs to Jeep brand standards.

If you want a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’ll probably be able to rest assured that it’ll get be able to handle rough trails … as long as you don’t care about your body panels and factory bumpers.

Click here to see the full set of pictures

ARB's Jeep Wrangler JK Safari Snorkel

ARB USA now offers a Safari Snorkel System for the popular Jeep Wrangler JK. This new accessory serves two primary functions that JK owners will appreciate when taking their vehicle off-road. First, and most obvious, the Safari Snorkel relocates the factory air intake position approximately 28″ higher to prevent water ingestion when negotiating stream crossings. Even in relatively shallow water, the nose of the vehicle can easily become submerged as the front wheels drop into a stream or water hole and the rear wheels still on high ground.

Second, and easily overlooked, the Safari Snorkel System is extremely advantageous for vehicles that are regularly driven in dusty conditions, especially when following other vehicles or driving in a convoy. As vehicles before you stir up dust and debris from the road surface, a heavy cloud of airborne particles tends to hover just a few feet above the ground. As your vehicle passes through the dust cloud, the factory air intake tries to draw the contaminated air into the engine. While a quality air filter will block the majority of dust from entering the engine, the air filter can quickly lose its effectiveness if it becomes clogged with debris.

Aside from the risk of becoming stranded in a remote location, the Safari Snorkel System can prevent costly engine damage to vehicles that are regularly exposed to off-road conditions. Additionally, by drawing air from a higher position, your engine will be treated to cooler, cleaner air with higher density. Not only will this prevent damage to your engine, it may actually cause a noticeable improvement to performance and fuel economy.

All Safari Snorkels are manufactured of UV stable, crosslinked polyethylene for the ultimate in strength and durability. Stainless steel and plated mounting hardware is used exclusively for corrosion resistance. Safari’s unique evacuation system effectively disperses rain and unwanted moisture and high flow design ensures air supply in excess of engine requirements.

FEATURES
- UV stable crosslinked polyethylene body for the ultimate in strength
- High flow air ducting & body ensures air supply in excess of engine requirements
- Each component is designed for maximum dust & water sealing
- Stainless steel & plated hardware for corrosion resistance
- Fully compatible with optional 7″ or 10″ precleaners - most models
- Unique evacuation system effectively disperses rain and unwanted moisture
- Completely Australian designed & manufactured

Part No.  Description
SS1060HF   RH Drive Wrangler JK Snorkel - $521.98 MSRP
SS1066HF   LH Drive Wrangler JK Snorkel - $477.72 MSRP

SPOT recall effects the second generation models only

SPOT, LLC, makers of the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger, have issued a recall on all second generation SPOT Messengers, dubbed the SPOT 2. This voluntary recall affects all SPOT 2s sold after October 1, 2009. 1st Generation SPOT Messengers are not affected by this recall.

At issue in this recall are SPOT 2 devices which ”…might not meet battery and messaging operating specifications.” According to Equipped.org, the issue involves some SPOT 2 devices “…indicating via the ‘ON’ button flashing red that the batteries require replacement well before they actually do.”

Here’s a transcript of the e-mail sent out to existing SPOT 2 customers:

December 14, 2009

Dear Valued Customer,

Spot LLC is dedicated to providing the highest quality and best performance products to our customers, therefore, Spot LLC will be conducting a voluntary return on any new model SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ (SPOT 2) purchased since October 1, 2009. During recent testing, we discovered that some of the new SPOT 2 devices might not meet battery and messaging operating specifications.

We highly recommend you return your product for replacement at your earliest convenience. Please visit www.findmespot.com/exchange for complete details. Replacement product will be available in early 2010. Spot LLC guarantees we will exchange your product free of charge and send your replacement unit when product is available.

This notice does not affect the 1st generation SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker (SPOT 1) devices. Customers can easily identify the unaffected SPOT 1 product as it is clearly marked as the SPOT Personal Tracker. The operating condition does not apply to any other SPOT products.

Sincerely,

The SPOT Team

If you have a SPOT 2, visit their voluntary recall page for instructions on how to verify if your unit is an affected messenger. Affected customers will be sent a postage paid return envelope, to return the SPOT 2 device. According to Equipped.org, customers will receive a free month of SPOT service as compensation for the estimated time it will take to replace all units.

This recall may help to explain some the recent reports of SPOT 2 shortages at outdoor stores. Click here to for more information on the SPOT exchange program.

Rafiki Safari Lodge

Pangaea Expeditions traveled to Las Vegas for the 2009 SEMA Show at the beginning of November. The SEMA Show is the worlds largest automotive aftermarket show, and it brings together the best (and sometimes the worst) products on the market.

As you may have heard ;-), Pangaea Expeditions debuted our Bio Bonatti Land Rover Defender 110 at the show, but it was just one of thousands of examples of automotive craftsmanship and ingenuity on hand at the show. OEM manufacturers and aftermarket fabricators were on hand to debut new products as well as test out prototypes for nearly any type of vehicle imaginable.

Follow along on a photo journal of highlights of the four biggest and gaudiest days on the automotive aftermarket industries calendar. Click here to learn more.

Land Rover Defenders travel across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan in Botswana

It’s no secret that we at Pangaea Expeditions are big Land Rover fans. Despite some of their shortcomings, Land Rovers remain one of the classic overland vehicle choices. But. enthusiasm for this this quirky English vehicle brand is something that’s often hard to quantify or express to many people. However, we recently stumbled across this great video from Top Gear that goes a long way towards articulating the appeal and sense of history of the Land Rover marquee.

For those that have never seen it, Top Gear is an automotive show on the BBC which features a combination of car reviews, performance tests and absurd automotive stunts (ie going to ridiculous lengths to “kill” a famously reliable Toyota Hi-Lux). Production values on this show are top notch and episodes are always entertaining for almost any automotive enthusiast.

Pangaea Expeditions Bio Bonatti Project at 2009 SEMA Show

Pangaea Expeditions’ Bio Bonatti Project made its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show and the accolades keep coming in. Most recently, The Bio Bonatti Land Rover Defender 110 was put on the short list by Motor Trend as one of the 25 most “amazing” project trucks at the SEMA show.

Response to this project has been positively overwhelming. The Bio Bonatti Land Rover Defender 110  is the first stage in our goal to complete an around the world expedition using renewable energy.

Pangaea Expeditions Discoverys on expedition in Guatemala

In the late 1980s, Land Rover decided to add a third vehicle to add to their product lineup. Built on the Range Rover chassis, this new vehicle would help to fill the product gap between the workhorse Defender and the upscale Range Rover, enabling them to compete with up and coming Japanese SUVs. This vehicle, dubbed the Land Rover Discovery was released on November 16, 1989 and in the twenty years since, it has become yet another 4×4 icon. The combination of robust design, off-road capability, affordability (in the used market) and ease of modification have all contributed to make this vehicle a top choice for vehicle dependent expeditions.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Discovery, Land Rover has released a video highlighting the history of the beloved Disco (below).

Clouds cling to the edge of the Book Cliffs on the Colorado Plateau, en route to SEMA 2009

After months (years) of work, Pangaea Expeditions debuted the Bio Bonatti Project, a “green” Land Rover Defender 110, at the SEMA 2009 show in Las Vegas. To help demonstrate the viability of renewable energy, the Bio Bonatti truck drove round trip from Denver to the show on SynDiesel, a blend of synthetically manufactured diesel and soy-derived biodiesel fuel.

We’ve uploaded a photo gallery, courtesy of Bill Green, of our drive out to Las Vegas. Click here to learn more.

Pangaea Expeditions Bio Bonatti Project at 2009 SEMA Show

The 2009 SEMA Show is the world’s largest automotive aftermarket show in the world. For one week a year manufacturers, tuners and retailers come together to show off and highlight what’s new and hot in the auto industry.

Ecozome Magazine was at the 2009 SEMA show covering the emergence of green technology in the automotive aftermarket industry. They’ve posted their review of the show, and we’re proud that Pangaea Expeditions’ Bio Bonatti Defender 110 was named as one of the Top 5 Sexy Alternative Fuel Cars at the show.

The Bio Bonatti Project couldn’t have been done without the generous help and support of a number of people and our sponsors. Joshua White of Sagen Media shot and edited this great time lapse video of our “monster garage” installation day the week before the SEMA show. Thanks to Joshua, Bill Green, Tracy Hindman and Graham Jackson of Overland Training for their generous help in getting the truck finished in time for the SEMA 2009 show.