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https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a38036111/ford-patent-exhaust-tips-retractable/ "Retractable Exhaust Tips Star in New Ford Patent The point of the 'exhaust tip retract module,' or ETRM, is to protect it during off-road driving. Don't worry, the "where's the problem, we have a solution" squad over at Ford has been busy, apparently, with figuring out a way to make your truck's exhaust tips disappear. Well, at least retract back into the safety of the rear of the truck when you're going off-roading, for example, in order to allow for better departure angles. The idea is called ETRM, for "exhaust tip retract module," and it appears in an application Ford filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.. It's nuts what some people will hang off of their truck's rear bumper. A new Ford patent shows that strange ideas can be a part of the entire back end of a truck. Say hello to the retractable exhaust tailpipe. While this kind of chrome turtle head has elicited its share of ridicule online, it's not like having an exhaust tip that doesn't stick out as far is a worthless idea. Especially when installed on a truck that is going to see some off-road time, thinking about departure angles is a worthwhile experience. Ford's patent even says a system like this "reduces a probability of vehicle tailpipes contacting a ground surface in an off-road condition." Ford calls this invention the "exhaust tip retract module," or ETRM. The idea here, as Ford takes great pains to point out in its patent application, which was published earlier in October, is not just to extend the tailpipe, but to retract it to protect it. The ETRM "enables the exhaust tips to be retracted a certain length when in an off-road mode in order to take the exhaust tips out of the way and changing the limiting component to be a rear bumper instead of the tips," the application reads, after talking about two other, similar patents for retractable exhaust tips that didn't solve the off-road problem. Ford really thinks it's solving a problem here. What are the benefits of a tailpipe that moves instead of just building the exhaust system so that the tips don't stick out in the first place? you might ask. The obvious answer is that Ford knows how worried some truck drivers are about how they might appear to the outside world if their exhaust tips don't poke out. Or, in Ford's words, "the application of this system does not interfere with the looks, styling, or aesthetics of a vehicle." Ford's ETRM patent was filed in both the U.S. and Europe, according to CarBuzz, which first surfaced the application, so if Ford ever wants to build a real-world ETRM, it might do so on both markets. It is worth noting, though, that a lot of European cars have faux tailpipes due to insurance policies. If the actual tailpipes are too close to the rear bumper, a small rear-end accident can cost more if the exhaust system gets damaged."

Bros and Sisters out there, anybody have lobang or contacts for fox suspension system for trucks? Many Thanks

The Pajero name is alive? Not bad looking I say, has the new face like the Outlander. Although rear tail lights look like Honda Jazz/Fit with an extra line. ...Interior though reminds me of really old cars or Nissan. At least better looking than Forester, but dunno how the qualities are. Should be good offroad too.

Not too long ago, we had the chance to sample the Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited in its natural habitat. We jumped at it, considering we never had the chance to witness the car's capabilities off-road. To do that, Jeep organised a trip for us to venture into the wilderness of Johor. On the way there, we also tested the Wrangler’s high speed stability via some of the highways. Considering it was built to excel off the tarmac, its on road manners was pretty good and it was more comfortable with four up than what we expected it to be. Its 285bhp, 3.6-litre V6 powerplant made short work of the highways too. We wished the Wrangler's steering could be adjusted for reach though. Otherwise, the cabin is user-friendly and it felt like it could last a lifetime. Once off-road, everything fell into place. Its ride, which was slightly soft on road, soaked up all the bumps and ruts easily. Ample suspension travel allowed its wheels to articulate well also. Having some fun with mud... Switching to low range 4WD mode, the Wrangler made mince meat out of the muddy climb. Like little boys, we aimed well at the mud puddles and charged through. Another hill that proved too easy for the Wrangler. All in all, we had a blast driving the Wrangler. If you want something funky looking, capable, fun-loving and be an occasional cabriolet (its doors and roof are detachable), this may just be for you.

Some cars, like whisky, just get better with age and the Range Rover is certainly one of them. The mother of all SUVs that you see here has lost some 420kgs from its previous model, thanks to the lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure. From the beautifully grained leather to the metal finishing, the material selection and build quality is immaculate. Even the plastic and rubberised mouldings exude an impression of quality and luxury. With a formidable output of 503bhp and 625Nm of torque, throttle response from the 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged Rangie is lag-free while taking off from the line is monumental. The 0-100km/h timing of 5.4 seconds is formidably fast for an SUV. The Range Rover is like the sweet girl you knew back in secondary school, just that she has matured, lost a few pounds and has the right curves at the right places. She even carries herself with the kind of style that isn't overly exaggerated now. It just simply reminds you why you were attracted to her in the first place.

Hi, Lately, have observed that we have many lorries & trucks plying the highways epecially during peak hours (both morning & evening timing), where some of these truckes are zooming in & out of lanes dangerously... Maybe it is time for us to consider measure(s) like other countries?...where big trucks / lorries can only go onto highway during off-peak hours? Believe this can help to reduce traffic conjestions / accidents.

Hi, Anyone with comments to share on this model for offroad driving? I am musing to go into offroad driving holidays

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sg...eu_are_not.html i think he really sway

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singapor...d=76001#comment hey guys!!!!! check this out!!! Section 44 PARKS AND TREES ACT (CHAPTER 216) Parking of vehicles on green verges and turfed open spaces prohibited 44.

any bro know where to get used steel 4x4 rims ?

We all seen the gold SsangYong Rodius/Stavic taxis. Stavic is selling in Singapore as 7 seater or 9 seater, 2WD or 4WD. I just found out it can be a 11 seater too, and not too bad going offroad compare to other MPVs. Who says we must drive bus/van to carry more people, or SUV to go offroad? http://smotor.kiev.ua/models_line/stavic/photo/ http://glassguide.goauto.com.au/mellor/mel...A256F720073470F

I have driven my SUV offroad in punggol end, punggol and sengkang. Keen to explore new locations. Anybody got suggestions on new locations? Hopefully there's a good view at those location where I can have a picnic with wife and kid.