The Beginning of the Bollinger B1  

As an introduction to the Bollinger B1, the company describes it as a clean sheet design which uses an aluminium architecture to keep the weight low (this is one of the main worries of electric vehicles). They are also claiming that the trucks weight is distributed 50/50 which could play as an advantage for off-roaders and 4 x 4 drivers.

It does remind us quite a lot of the Electric Land Rover Defender prototype, which was unveiled in 2013, however, unlike the British Built Land Rover, the Bollinger has been fully designed and engineered in America.

Talk that Torque

Although the vehicle will be powered through electrics, a motor will be on each axle, which combined gives an output of 326bhp and 640Nm of torque. As with its dual motor set up, it may come out on top as a popular model, such as other electronic models of long-range previously have done: much like the Tesla Model S and X, which also have two motors.

Power on Power

This variant of the Bollinger B1 will offer two battery options: a 60kWh model (estimated 120 miles) while there is a larger 100kWh model which will go for around 200 miles. Who said electric means restricted mileage? Although battery quality and power does lag over time, hopefully in a few years, the technology used will be improved.

The vehicle will have a charging port on its left front fender, and a quick charging port on the right fender, and the battery (100kWh) could be fully charged in 75 minutes.

Speed for Electrics

The trucks 0-60mph is around 4.5 seconds with a whopping top speed of 127mph. Although the recommended payload is 6,100 pounds, the curb weight is 3,900 pounds while the gross vehicle weight rating is 10,000 pounds. The weight ratings put the vehicle in as a class 3 commercial truck, which also reduces regulatory requirements.

What’s Next?

Bollinger say it’s much too early in the process to announce any pricing, however they did tell us that they will be beginning to take deposits for the vehicle by early 2018. Once they have a site for production in mind and subsequently secured, they said that deliveries could start as early as 19 months after. Any sales and services will be handled by Bollinger directly but they do hope to get some retail locations in major cities as soon as they can.

An electric car not only offers minimal maintenance and cheap running, it is also much better for the environment, and your health. Combining these factors with other innovative features is what makes the Bollinger B1 so exceptional.

Here at CWS we are always keeping up to date with the vehicles on the 4 x 4 scene, and like to keep our customers in the know. If you would like to know more information regarding our parts or our vehicles for sale, you can get in touch with us through our simple to complete contact form. We look forward to talking to a fellow 4 x 4 driver or hobbyist.

The model, which is due to be released fully in spring 2017, is said to be set to retaining around 59% of its value over 3 years or 36,000 miles. This means a fantastic deal should be heading our way, with unbeatable finance offers on the new car for people looking to buy.

What Is Different About the New Model?

With so many variants of the Discovery model being released, what is so different about this model that is making it retain so much of its value?

With three rows of comfortable, full-sized seating available, there’s more than enough room for seven passengers to enjoy a comfortable journey in the latest instalment in the Discovery collection.

What’s more, these seats can be configured from your smart phone – implementing the first remote Intelligent Seat Fold technology. That’s right, you can move your seating and adapt it for you needs from your home!

A Safe Family Ride

Safety has been always been something that Land Rover have been dedicated to ever since the brand began – and the new Discovery is no different.

With countless pieces of semi-autonomous safety technology installed in the vehicle, drivers will be able to have peace of mind that both they and their passengers are safe while travelling – even on rough terrain, thanks to the architecture of the vehicle which has been perfected over many years.

There’s also plenty of storage space; up to 2,500 litres of luggage space with some of the storage space being specifically designed and placed to aid the needs and requirements of a 21^st Century family.

With USB ports, charging points and an in-car 3G WiFi hotspot that can connect up to eight devices, this new Discovery model is really bringing the family back together and making it possible to go about daily life – no matter what that may entail!

The Leading Residual Values

The figures which show that the new Land Rover Discover is leading the residual values race comes from CAP – a leading expert in the automotive industry. With many benefits to this new car, including the points we made above, it looks like the Discovery is set to become a firm favourite here in the UK when it launches.

With a heavy focus on reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, it means that buyers will be getting a lot more for their money while paying less than other buyers who purchase similar cars.

The Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover here in the UK, Jeremy Hicks, has high hopes for the new model.

“The new Discovery is already proving to be immensely competitive against the established competition. High residuals and reduced running costs mean that Discovery customers can enjoy all the improved benefits over the outgoing Discovery and its peers for less.”

Here at CWS 4×4, we’re excited to see these new models hitting the roads next spring! If you’re an owner of a 4×4 and are in serious need of some spare parts for your vehicle, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today – we’ll be more than happy to help you!

That’s because there are a lot of fresh ideas in the next model of the iconic 4×4, including advanced technology for driver assistance, as well as an aluminium construction which slashes a remarkable 1,000lb off the vehicle weight.

Made of Tough Stuff

Don’t let the new lightweight form of the Land Rover Discovery fool you into thinking we’ll be introduced to a model that has settled for half measures. On the contrary, the towing capacity has been upped to 8,201lb, coupled with an advanced tow assist that promises to make reversing even easier. Under the hood lies a 340hp, supercharged, 3.0 litre, V-6 engine, and you can expect a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. With the diesel engine also available, 254hp delivers 443lb-ft of torque from 1,750rpm.

A World Apart

The reason the 2017 Land Rover Discovery threatens to redefine the SUV can be found in the wide array of extras and innovations you can look forward to inside the vehicle.

The seven full size adult seats are configurable from your smart phone, be it an Android or Apple, and a total of nine USB ports, six charging points, as well as a 3G in vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot that can support up to eight users mean that your car can become a moving hub for powering, storing and playing your devices.

There is even a dynamic design pack available, which allows you to ‘pimp’ the 2017 Land Rover Discovery, for which parts will be available from CWS 4×4, with a sporty steering wheel and leather upholstery.

The Dynamic Design Pack adds leather upholstery and sporty steering wheel and pedals. It can all be controlled from the fabulous nerve centre known as the Land Rover InControl Touch Pro infotainment system which includes a 10-inch touch screen. To say the 2017 Land Rover Discovery is life changing might be stretching it a bit, but it certainly has the capability to revolutionise your daily journeys.

How Does 4×4 Work?

In two-wheel drive cars, the power from the engine is sent through the driveshaft and meets with the differential – a set of gears, known as a gear train, that work together to ensure that the wheels turn at different rates when the vehicle turns. As well as this, the differential is used to transport the power from the propshaft to the wheels.

In four-wheel drive cars, the power from the transmission is sent to a centre differential that then splits the power to the front and rear axles. With this, the power is sent to all four wheels rather than just two.

 What Is So Great About 4×4?

Let’s look at a 400 horsepower car. In a two-wheel drive car, the power, as discussed, is split between the two front wheels, so each wheel receives 200 horsepower. However, in a four-wheel drive car, the power is split between all the four wheels, so each wheel receives 100 horsepower. The reduction in power to the wheels in a four-wheel drive car greatly reduces the amount of torque on each wheel.

This affects the likelihood of your vehicle suffering the phenomenon known as wheelspin. Wheelspin occurs when the torque of the wheel exceeds the amount of grip that is available on the road. For the four-wheel drive car, because of the reduced torque, wheelspin occurs much less than in a two-wheel drive car, which results in a more stable feel.  

Applications of 4x4s

In the old days, four-wheel drive cars were used in very few applications. Some were used for racing purposes but the most prolific use of the four-wheel drive car was in the Second World War. The American car company Jeep manufactured hundreds of four-wheel drive all-terrain cars and they were so useful that they become the most well-known four-wheel drive vehicle during this period.

In the modern day, 4×4 vehicles are being built by world leading car manufacturers that focus on sports cars, such as Porsche with the Cayenne, and Volkswagen with the Touareg. Even though 4×4 vehicles are traditionally associated with the likes of Land Rover, it is becoming increasingly popular in sports and even supercars, due to the better traction on the road.

Four-wheel drive cars have made their place in history, and it will be incredibly exciting to see how they will shape the future of the automotive industry. At CWS 4×4, we understand that it is vital to keep your 4×4 in pristine condition, so if you are ever in need of some spare parts, then we are here to help! If you would like to know more, then please don’t hesitate to contact us! Give us a call today on 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to help with your enquiry.

Special Operations

Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operation Vehicles department builds non-standard cars, which vary slightly from other Land Rovers – sometimes in terms of colour. This is an engineered-to-order section with a back catalogue full of commissions – some of which were ordered by royalty, British or otherwise.

The SVR

And now Jaguar has just launched a 202mph F-Type SVR which, according to their tradition of adding an ‘R’, is a race car, and a more transgressive special at that. To be able to be classified as an SVR, the vehicle needs to be lighter and more aerodynamically efficient, as well as more powerful than other ranges. The wheels of the stunning 202mph F-Type are wider and lighter, which allows for bigger tyres to be fitted, and the suspension is stiffer than other models, meaning this vehicle has a great cornering capacity. The brakes are also one of the SVR’s greatest features, as they’re made from carbon-ceramic and fitted to improve the car’s braking ability; and due to its titanium exhaust, the car saved on 12kg of extra weight.

This SVR will be available as both Coupe and Convertible, although the convertible won’t be able to reach the 200mph speed, topping out instead at 194mph. The rear part of the car can lift by up to 80%, but to achieve maximum speed it needs to be lowered. This is a sports car, pure and simple, as its racing abilities are top notch, but it’s also a comfortable, luxurious vehicle at the same time.

Another vehicle recently issued by Jaguar is the SVA, or SV Autobiography. The personalisation of the Autobiography was already part of the Land Rover range, and is now extended to Range Rovers. You can expect a luxurious vehicle created with precision and sophistication, tailored to answer specific needs.

With a 550HP V8 Supercharged engine, you’ll certainly be able to enjoy one of the most powerful engines on the market right now. The interior was styled according to British craftsmanship, and designed to be comfortable and fashionable; you can even take the vehicle to less than perfect road conditions and the journey will still be smooth.

For this part, we’ll be looking at some more of the best SUVs, albeit for different categories.

For the Tech Lovers – 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

If you’re looking for something with a healthy amount of high tech ‘gadgetry’ then the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has you covered. This powerful motor can be had with an air suspension system, active roll bars for enhanced handling, electric power steering, and even a self-parking system to take away all your worries of fitting this metal beast into a parallel spot. Its amount of tech is further enhanced by its safety features which include: a lane keeping system, blind spot detection, a collision detector, and automatic breaking.

If only it came with a turbo boost.

For Making an Impression – 2015 Lexus RX Hybrid

It’s slick; it’s big; it’s surprisingly fuel efficient. This beauty of mechanics offers 8.8 litres/100 km in stop and go driving, which is made possible by a fuel/electric drive train that consists of a 3.5 litre V-6 that works together with a pair of electric motors to generate a total horsepower of 295. The 2015 Lexus RX Hybrid contains the same amount of commitment and luxury as the rest of the brand’s family, making comfort, efficiency and a smooth drive its prerogative.

Daily Driving – 2015 Dodge Durango

If you want the option of being able to rough it up off road without sacrificing too much when it comes to smooth pavement driving then look no further than the 2015 Dodge Durango. This vehicle is built for long journeys with plenty of people; it seats 7, has a copious amount of cargo space, and the compliant ride of a unibody platform. The Durango starts out with a 3.6 litre V-6 that’s good for 290 horsepower. This is one incredible machine.

For Traditional Luxury Seekers – 2015 Lincoln Navigator L

Since we covered luxury seekers with a price limit in our last post, we thought it only appropriate to tackle an SUV that indulges owners with some old world luxury. The Lincoln Navigator comes equipped with three rows of leather-wrapped seating, heated and ventilated front buckets, a navigation system, a surround sound audio system, and dual automatic climate control. You can choose to have a rear-seat entertainment system installed, and the vehicle’s suspension is tuned to tame even the toughest of roads. So for all you looking for a good ride, with lots of goodies thrown in, look no further than this glorious machine!

And that’s it for our series on the best SUVs, we hope this has been informative and you’ll look out for these models when you’re next thinking of an SUV.

If you’re happy with your current SUV and are just looking for some parts, then here at CWS, we specialise in everything SUV, from 4×4 breakers to Land Rover spares!  For more information, you can contact us online or at 01458 834930, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!

Who are Kantanka?

The father of Kantanka is a guy called Apostle Dr. Safo, who set out on a series of farming projects to help the poor and needy in society by using engineering and technology. The result was Kantanka Cars and many other gadgets such as TVs, fridges and other things that people find useful. Kantanka has a number of cars, both sedan and four-wheel drive, that are all designed and built in Ghana, tested in the harshest of Ghanan conditions. The brand has even released an electric 4×4 that can be charged using solar power, something that is incredibly useful in Ghana.

Will we see it in the UK?

Currently the Kantanka 4x4s can only be bought in Ghana, and a lot of things must happen before we see them anywhere else in the world. First, the cars have to be totally accepted in Ghana, which they are currently not.

Ghanans like buying international goods, from cars to electrical, so Kantanka will have to work hard to sell these to a lot of the domestic population. They must first convince them that the cars are of the same quality as those of Toyota, BMW, Land Rover and the like, but with a marketing budget smaller than those big brands they may struggle.

Even once the Ghanans accept the vehicle; it will take a long time for it to reach roads in the rest of the world. A 4×4 tested in the kinds of terrain you’d see in Ghana, deserts, rain forests and savannas may turn out to have a driving experience to rival the top brands, but we’re unlikely to get to drive one any time soon.

Of course there are still plenty of brilliant 4x4s that we can drive, from Land Rover to BMW and everything in between. However durable they may be, even the best 4x4s need repairs sometimes, and we’re here for when they do. We can service most 4×4 brands so whether you need Land Rover spares or something else we can help you out. For more information about what we can provide, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01458 834 930 and a member of our team will be happy to help.

We’ve put together a top 3 of the best hatchbacks that we’ve found that are perfect for taking on an adventure- on or off road.

Fiat Panda 4×4

We’re kicking off with the Fiat Panda; a front wheel drive 4×4. While not a hugely popular choice for a rough off-road adventure, it can still deal with tamer off road conditions.

Compared to its siblings, the  Fiat Panda has an upgraded four wheel drive system. In order to prevent a slip between the front and rear axles, Fiat have used a viscous coupling to divert some power to the rear end of the vehicle while the remaining 98% of the power remains in the front.

With added raised suspension, steel bash plates and wheel arch extensions, you can be sure that you won’t just be getting the standard Panda model and taking this vehicle off road is an enjoyable experience.

This easy going ride is perfect for those looking for a mix of city car meets off road. Cute and capable, this makes for a fantastic all round 4×4.

Skoda Yeti

The Yeti is the perfect example of a vehicle that balances practicality and performance. Just like the Fiat Panda 4×4, it fits in perfectly in the hustle and bustle of a city, as well as tearing it of on an outdoor adventure.

With a cheap, affordable price tag, it’s no wonder the Yeti is one of the most popular hatchbacks available. It has sharp steering and excellent grip; making it perfect for taking out for a spin. Despite it’s affordable price tag, you still get the same quality Volkswagen build that is to be expected.

VW Golf R

If  it’s speed you are looking for, look no further than the VW Golf R. Striking a fantastic balance of speed and practicality, this vehicle takes the very best of Volkswagen’s quality and stuffed it into a sleek, attractive model.

With a 2.0 litre turbo engine, the VW Golf R can do 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. Taming this beast is pretty easy to do, especially with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system which will kick in and divert power to the rear end in the event of a front tyre slip. Even off road, the VW Golf R feels slick and effortless and can deal with the terrain with no problems at all.

The VW Golf R also has the option of an estate model if you are looking for a more spacious option, even though the regular model is pretty spacious in itself. It’s also covered by all the assistance systems that you get with the normal Golf, giving you that extra peace of mind.

It’s quite easy to think bigger is better, especially when it comes to off road driving. We also understand the need for a practical car that can kick up dust when it needs to and hope that our guide had helped you realise that 4x4s don’t have to be completelt specialised in off road driving.

For all you 4×4 owners out there who have already experienced how fantastic these cars can be, CWS 4×4 are here to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly. We stock a wide range of 4×4 and Range Rover parts to fit a selection of different models. If you are looking for a specific spare part, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to assist you.

One of the many reasons for 4×4’s popularity is the fact that they are incredibly flexible and there is a 4×4 out there for everyone. Manufacturers are constantly coming out with new models and updating existing ones to make sure that customers are always happy with what they get. With several models scheduled for release in the near future, we thought that we’d get together a list of three that we are most excited about.

Jaguar F-Pace September 2015

Scheduled for release at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September it seems to have been a long time coming from Jaguar. Fortunately they are on a roll of good form of late with the F-Type and XE both impressing with their combination of grace, space and pace so things are looking good for the F-Pace.

Although there is no official word on power and engines yet, expect at least 2 diesel options and a couple of petrol engines too. Hopefully in time, Jaguar will find its way to putting their lovely supercharged, 5 litre V8 in this great looking 4×4 to create one of the fastest 4x4s on the market.

Bentley Bentayga 2016

Bentley and 4×4 don’t really seem to go together, but let it not be said that Bentley are not willing to move with the times and cater to the market. Recognising that sales of luxury 4x4s were on the up, Bentley committed to making their own that will be known as the Bentayga and is scheduled for release next year.

As with all Bentleys, you can expect swathes of sumptuous leather, acres of power and a price tag well over £100,000. In spite of the price though, the Bentayga is pretty much a shoe-in for success and we can’t wait to see one on the road.

Land Rover Discovery 2016

Whilst no details of the new Land Rover Discovery have been released as of yet, you can be pretty sure that the new Discovery will be impeccable. With the Discovery 4 still being one of the best 4x4s on the market, Land Rover will no doubt work on improving the few negative points that remain on the current model.

Expect to see a lighter, more efficient and slightly quicker Discovery to be released at some point next year. Here at CWS 4×4 we are huge fans of the Discovery and have Discovery parts for all current generations readily available.

So there you have it, three of the best 4x4s that are coming to a showroom near you soon, but which of these tickles your fancy the most? Personally we think that the workhorse Discovery might just be the best of the whole bunch.

If however, you are already the proud owner of a Discovery that is in need of a little TLC don’t worry as we can help. Simply contact us today and our friendly team will be more than happy to help you find the perfect parts.

To show just how much we love them we’ve gone and put together our list of the 3 best looking 4x4s currently available. Now to make sure that beauties like the Ferrari FF and Nissan GTR couldn’t sneak in we are limiting this to traditional 4x4s only: that means high riding, 4/5 doors and actual off-road ability.

Porsche Cayenne

First on our list is Porsche’s first effort at making a 4×4, and the first generation launched in 2002 wasn’t exactly a looker. With over a decade of work though, Porsche have really sculpted this 4×4 into a great looking vehicle, and its talents don’t end there.

With up to 570 horsepower available and a top speed of up to 176 mph, this is one of the most capable vehicles ever made and is a favourite among reviewers and WAGs alike.

Range Rover Sport

Now here at CWS 4×4 we are experts in Land Rover parts, but don’t worry, this vehicle has earned its place here, no bias involved. The Range Rover Sports first iteration was based on the Discovery which, despite being epic, isn’t very sporty and meant that the first generation car wasn’t exactly sprightly.

Now though, the Sport is lighter, stiffer and of significantly more powerful and efficient. More pertinent to our list though is the fact that the new car seems to have the perfect proportions and is undoubtedly a great looking car. We’ll take ours in estoril blue and in the full fat SVR trim!

Mercedes GLC

The new boy on the block arrives at the party with a lot to prove but this is probably the best example of fashionably late we have ever seen. 4x4s that look like coupes have been a dangerous game in the past, and the BMW X6 shows that they aren’t always good looking; the Mercedes, on the other hand, absolutely nails it.

It manages to disguise its size with flowing lines and curves and early reports hint towards it being epic to drive as well!

So if you are planning on heading down to the showroom and signing on the dotted line, we hope that our little list has helped you to nail down exactly which option you are buying.

If however, you are already the proud owner of a 4×4 that is in need of a little TLC then look no further, here at CWS, we’re experts in finding the right part and have a wide variety of 4×4 and Land Rover spares available. For all the details on our parts, simply contact us today and we will be happy to help.