Going high-tech, the 4x4 way

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Filed under: SUV, Technology, Jeep, Land Rover, Luxury, Off-Road

Is It An Off-Road Adventure Or Just A Walk In The Park?

I remember having to get out and lock hubs and shift into neutral to engage low range.

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Coming off press previews of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover and the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that involved some heavy-duty off-road rock climbing, I'm simply amazed at the capabilities that these vehicles possess. But even more impressive (or troubling depending on your perspective) is the relative ease with which you can operate these vehicles in seemingly impossible terrain.

Not that I'm a hardcore off-roader, but I've been in my share of 4x4's over the years and remember having to get out and lock hubs, shift into neutral to engage low range and learning that the accelerator and brake pedals can be your best friends or worst enemies in either moving along or getting hopelessly stuck.

Thanks to the wonders of electronics, advanced transfer cases and electric Limited slip differentials, instead of manipulating levers or locking hubs, one merely has to punch a button or turn a knob to engage the right strategy to deal with whatever conditions encountered on the trail.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.​

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Going high-tech, the 4x4 way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[Old Dog]

Well I like locking my hubs and shifting my t/case. I guess thats why I own a cj and not one of the new high tech. rigs.

 

[Petescj]

 

[73CJ]

Well I like locking my hubs and shifting my t/case. I guess thats why I own a cj and not one of the new high tech. rigs.

You got that right!

Newer and way more tech vehicles have tried to follow my CJ. I hav epics pulling them out

 

[Torxhead]

How about getting a little bit more ground clearance? I have seen well locked up rigs do lousy without some. Aftermarket lift kits are out there but they put extreme angles on the front axle cv joints decreasing their life span.