Check out the new XPLORE Adventure Series Jeep Wrangler by Venchurs. It is apparently a one-off and will soon be auctioned-off to benefit the National Park Foundation. But you can order the package form Chrysler dealerships, and it includes four stages of upgrades fro your Wrangler.

Visually, it features matte dark green paint and Mopar and ARB accessories.The options depending on the stage include Xplore/Method Racing aluminum wheels in black or machined-finish, Bilstein 5100 Series shocks, Mopar cat-back exhaust and Xplore aluminum badges and floormats, BF Goodrich off-road tires, expedition quality ARB roof racks, rock-rails, roof-top tents, bumpers, tire carriers, Warn winches and IPF lighting; all available as mix-and-match accessories.

The Octavia Scout 4×4 with DSG transmission improves the car’s fuel efficiency, comfort, versatility. The combination of 103TDI engine with an automatic, twin-clutch, six-speed DSG transmission, a clever all-wheel drive system, and an extensive list of standard features makes the new Scout even more interesting for customers looking for an affordable but refined crossover.

Standard safety features on the Octavia Scout 4×4 include six airbags and ESP including ABS, EBD, ASR and Hill Hold Control. The all-wheel drive system, Škoda’s fourth-generation Haldex clutch, represents the best in modern all-wheel drive technology. It works with other onboard electronic systems and has an exceptionally fast response time.

Equipment Highlights

And that’s what makes it popular. It is also what won it the 2011 2011 Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year title, awarded to the Bavarian car by readers of the magazine “Off Road”. With this double success, the new BMW X3 is quick in following the traces of its predecessor, which, in 2006 and 2007, was able to secure the readers’ vote of both periodicals twice in succession.

So if you decided you can live with its design, let us talk you through some of the technical features of the BMW X3.

Compared to the predecessor model, with which BMW established the concept of the Sports Activity Vehicle in this segment, it offers a noticeable increase in space, even more efficient engines, optimum motoring comfort and a widened choice of innovative equipment features. Both at the front and at the rear the new BMW X3 convinces through outstanding travel comfort and a high-class ambience. With a 550-litre loading capacity, which can be increased to 1,600 litres, and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the vehicle’s carrying capacities also set new benchmarks for the segment. In the spring of 2011, the engine portfolio for the new BMW X3 will comprise two petrol engines and two diesel engines with a power output ranging from 135 kW/184 bhp to 225 kW/306 bhp. Depending on the engine variant, the new BMW X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission either as standard or as an option. The still unique, intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive has been optimised even further. Electronically controlled power distribution ensures not only supreme traction and maximum road stability on slippery surfaces, but also superior dynamics on the road, thus providing that unmistakable driving pleasure that is so typical of BMW.

Another new feature for the 2011 model is the BMW ConnectedDrive system which includes amazing options like in-car Internet access and Head Up Display. They are not cheap though!

The “Jeep Rocks & Road Tour” provides the ultimate off-road driving course for attendees at air shows, auto shows, fairs and festivals all over the country. The program is free for those attending the San Diego Auto Show and is designed for the public to get acclimated with the 4×4 capabilities of the Cherokee and the Wrangler.

The “Jeep Rocks & Road Tour” courses consist of several obstacles that simulate some of the rigorous testing that Jeep vehicles endure before customers get behind the wheel. Courses include elements that demonstrate the Trail Rated capabilities of Jeep vehicles for articulation, ground clearance, maneuverability and traction.

Land Cruiser owes a large part of its success to its image as a robust and capable 4×4, which is the result of 60 years of presence in the market.

In the UK, Land Cruiser is available in three grades, using a 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, 5-speed automatic transmission and provides user-friendly advanced technologies for handling, safety and driver guidance. This includes Multi-Terrain Select system, Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitors. The Land Cruiser V8, uses Toyota’s most powerful diesel engine, a 4.5-litre D-4D providing 282bhp and 650Nm of torque, through a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual gear change.

Further Readings:

• Toyota Hilux 3.0 D4D chipped by Unichip
• Toyota Prius Plus

The new Compass looks pretty much like the Grand Cherokee but in a smaller size, and that has also ruined the great character of the Cherokee! The car’s upgraded interior also is based on the Cherokee which means it offers fresh design and better quality  and it’s also loaded with features.

The 2011 Compass can be had with either a 2.0-liter World Engine for the Compass and Latitude models that provides 158 horsepower (117 kW) and 141 lb.-ft. (191 N•m) of torque or the 2.4-liter World Engine produces 172-horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque.

Standard equipments include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power/heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, aluminum wheels, fog lamps, cruise control and sunscreen glass. New for 2011 the Jeep Compass offers an All-weather Capability Group option which includes Goodyear 17-inch all-terrain tires, all-season floor mats, daytime running headlamps, engine block heater and tow hooks.

First we had the Mini Countryman WRC, and now this, the MINI ALL4 Racing which is a tough 4×4 off-roader built by Monster energy X-Raid team for 2011 Dakar Rally.

The ALL4 will be using the same 315-hp and 523 lb-ft of torque turbo-diesel engine from X-Raid’s BMW X3-CC crosscountry racer, and will have its shakedown in France on December 13/14th. It will then be transported by airfreight to South America for final preparations for scrutineering in Buenos Aires at the end of the month.

The event starts in Buenos Aires on New Year’s Day and finishes in the Argentine capital on Sunday, January 16th, 2011.

Well, it does, and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee has been named as the winner due to its unmatched blend of legendary Jeep capability, premium on-road refinement, superb craftsmanship, world-class design, and advanced safety and technology features, which appeal to both consumers and journalists.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers improved fuel economy (up to 23 mpg) and a driving range of more than 500 miles, courtesy of Chrysler Group’s all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.

Here’s a list of some of the other awards the new Cherokee has snatched since its introduction:

• Urban Truck of the Year
• Consumers Digest “Best Buy”
• Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award for Off-Road Ability
• Texas Auto Writers Association “SUV of Texas”
• Texas Auto Writers Association “Full-size SUV of Texas”
• Ruedas ESPN “Best SUV”
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick

But it has one redeeming feature that can outweigh all those problems, and that’s the price. The 2011 model starts at just $15,999. It’s powered by a 158-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder engine or 172-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder and comes in three trim levels.

2011 Jeep Patriot Pricing details:

• 2011 Jeep Patriot Sport X 4×2: $15,995.
• 2011 Jeep Patriot Sport X 4×4: $17,695.
• 2011 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4×2: $19,695.
• 2011 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4×4: $21,395.
• 2011 Jeep Patriot Latitude X 4×2: $22,195
• 2011 Jeep Patriot Latitude X 4×4: $23,895.

Featuring a fabric-roof, the Murano CC has also been turned into a two-door car and gets a whole new rear-end design. Looks aside, it seems to be huge fun driving it.

The thing is Nissan will launch it in early 2011, which is right in the middle of winter! Not the perfect time for enjoying a high-riding convertible.

The engine and drivetrain of the Murano CrossCabriolet is the same as the regular Murano with the 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, mated to a standard second-generation Xtronic CVT™ with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and AWD system.

The car, with destination charge included, will cost around $47,000 in US.

Further Readings:

• Nissan Micra DIG-S Announced
• Nissan 370Z Roadster with COBRA N+ Sports Kit