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.

But, what is locking differential and how does it affect your 4×4 experience?

What is Locking Differential?

In certain situation, a differential can actually make a great difference to a four-wheel driving experience. It is a modification to the typical automotive differential, which restricts two wheels on an axle at the same rotational speed regardless of the traction they are experiencing independently. On road, this offers fantastic benefits, as the action is automatic and negates the need for driver intervention or stopping. Meaning that continuous driving is possible at all times.

It works by targeting engine power at the rear wheels, whilst acting as a gear reduction and doing so whilst allowing them to rotate at different times.

True Grip – Kent

Based in the South East, True Grip Off-Road gives drivers the ultimate 4×4 experience. Not only can you belt up and get on the wild roads, you can also hop on a quad bike saddle or behind the wheel of an ATV. If you want a challenging drive and a pure thrill, then this is the course for you. Including muddy climbs and cross river obstacles; the 3000 acres of land combines the countryside scenery with the off-road diversity, perfect for seeing the capabilities of your vehicle.

Forres to Alford

Whether you are new to the world of 4×4’s or consider yourself an expert, sometimes it’s nice to simply drive. With bends stretching for miles and the views which stretch on forever, this route can be made much more fun in a beast of a vehicle. The route takes you through the Cairngorms National Park and Strathdon, making driving for pleasure extremely beautiful. Who said getting from A to B had to be boring?

Silverstone

Despite being well-known for its fast-paced F1 circuit, the track also has a fantastic 4×4 track. This course is purpose built and has a lot of diversity for drivers. Even though the route is man-made, this track is extremely tough and isn’t for the faint-hearted. With steep gradients, larger than life drops and puddles that need more than wellies; there are sections of this course which are sure to put your vehicle to the test. If you are ready to push the limits of your 4×4, the Silverstone off-road track is perfect for you.

Wild Tracks Suffolk

This off-roading track is one of the most popular in the UK. The course consists of a loop, but also includes an array of battles for you and your 4×4 to take on. From waterholes to the highest inclines and the steepest declines, the various trials this course offers ensures its popularity among thrill enthusiasts. With a daily cost of £30, including a free tow, this is a must-drive.

Scotland’s North Coast 500

If you and your 4×4 prefer a smoother ride, there is plenty that the UK has to offer. The United Kingdom spoils 4×4 enthusiasts as it offers spectacular views, and even more remarkable roads. The circular route is iconic and is stretched over 805km of lonely single lane track. Sliding along the Inverness Coast, past Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross, the rugged fairways, sandy beaches and vintage whiskey distilleries can be seen on the horizon. This route boasts sheer beauty, and is should be a number one place to visit on any 4×4 drivers list.

For more information on any of our products, feel free to contact us today on +44(0) 1458 834930. We have a variety of spare parts, breakers, engines, gear boxes and a range of vehicles for sale.

But have you ever wondered how a 4×4 system works? Well, we can safely say that it’s a little more in-depth than standard two wheel drive, or 2WD, systems.

Essential Parts to a 4×4 System

When it comes to a 4×4 system, there are a couple of important parts that you need to know about;

• The engine
• The transmission
• The drivetrain

The engine is responsible for providing the power to the rest of the vehicle. It does this through a series of complex processes that follow thermodynamic laws. The transmission, also known as the gearbox, is responsible for controlling the power that is generated by the engine.

If you change from first gear to second gear, and so on, then the transmission is the key component of that process. The drivetrain is used to connect the transmission to the drive axles and it is used to split the power from the engine to the different wheels.

How Does Four Wheel Drive Work?

In a nutshell, the main aspect of four wheel drive, or 4WD, is to split the power from the transmission to the front and rear wheels via a set of gears known as a transfer case.

When it comes to 4WD, there are two important types; part time 4WD and full time 4WD. In part time 4WD, the transfer case has a low and high gear setting, meaning that the driver is able to change the overall gearing of the vehicle, which is important when you are wanting to change the amount of torque your vehicle is using. For a high amount of torque, then a low gear setting is required and vice versa.

Part Time 4WD

One important aspect of part time 4WD is that the driver is able to switch between 2WD and 4WD, depending on the terrain that you are driving on. The benefit of part-time 4WD is that it can provide great traction when you are driving off road. However, the downside to this is that the four wheels all rotate at the same speed, which is good for straight roads but bad for curved ones.

On curved roads, the front wheels rotate faster than the rear wheels but because this cannot happen, it means that transmission wind-up and understeering can occur in the back wheels.

Full Time 4WD

The difference between the two types of 4WD is that, with full time 4WD, you cannot switch between 2WD and 4WD and there is a centre differential on the main axle that can adjust the different tyre speeds.

Maintaining your vehicle is essential, especially if you like to go off road or you are wanting to go on an adventure with your family or friends. If you are in need of some spare parts, whether that be a gearbox or any other essential part, then we can help you out. Make sure to contact us today and we will be more than happy to help.

How Do They Work?

Like a traditional car, hybrids have a petrol or diesel internal combustion engine that is used to power the vehicle. Unlike traditional cars though, hybrids couple this engine to an electric motor which can be used to supplement or in some cases replace the drive from the engine.

By combining these two methods of propulsion, hybrid cars can generate incredibly high MPG figures and incredibly low CO₂ figures.

Advantages

Hybrid vehicles are a good choice if you are looking to lower your fuel costs and do not require that you sacrifice performance in order to achieve this. Take for example the Porsche Cayenne hybrid which claims an MPG figure of 85.6, when compared to the similar performing GTS the gains are clear as the GTS model only manages 28.8 MPG.

Hybrid vehicles are also showing to hold their value better than traditional petrol or diesel cars so the financial gains don’t even stop when you come to sell your car.

With CO₂ emissions in the atmosphere at over 1.7 billion tons every year, reducing emissions is a big issue. Hybrids allow you to lower your individual contribution to this and the more of us that convert to hybrids, the lower the overall carbon emissions.

Disadvantages

Hybrid vehicles tend to weigh 40% more than other vehicle counterparts.  They carry a heavy battery pack as part of the hybrid drive system, as generated power is stored in it for later use. This extra weight can affect the agility of hybrid vehicles, although clever suspension engineering and low mounted battery packs help to keep the difference as small as possible.

With a more complex drive system than conventional vehicles and with extra components raising the price, hybrid 4x4s are likely to come at a hefty price. As we mentioned earlier though, they also carry a higher resale price so this extra outlay is usually recouped when you sell the vehicle.

So there you have it, everything that you needed to know about hybrids. Oh and if you are a devout petrol head that is a little worried that hybrids are just a bit too friendly and boring then simply Google cars such as the Mclaren P1, Ferrari La Ferrari and the Porsche 918 and you’ll soon stop worrying.

The Freedom

4x4s are amongst the most versatile vehicles you can get. They let you go everywhere, from the countryside to the desert, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore any area at will (with the appropriate permission of course), no matter how rocky and uneven the ground is. Offroading is a thrilling experience that is made easier by 4x4s, most of which are made for locations rich in mud, gravel and rocks.

The Space

Another factor that makes 4x4s so great for your summer holidays is that you can take the whole family out for a few days in the countryside without worrying whether there’s enough space. These types of vehicles can carry large loads of people and luggage, and the fact that they have four or five doors means that you can store bags and other essentials easily without any struggle or hassle. The same goes for people; no more climbing over each other’s feet to sit down!

The Versatility

4x4s are incredibly flexible. You can customise them with a large array of accessories and gadgets to make your journeys even more secure and enjoyable, such as GPS systems – this is especially useful if you’re planning on making a long trip this summer, so you don’t get lost!

And you won’t need to worry about weather as well. 4x4s are perfect in both good and bad weather conditions, so you can fully enjoy your offroading experience without stressing about safety. There’s also a huge range of 4x4s to choose from, and which can differ in terms of driveability, for instance, so you can go for the one that best suits you and your family’s needs.

For a stress-free summer holiday it’s important that you ensure your 4×4 is working well beforehand, so that you won’t face any surprises along the way. Regular maintenance is essential, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 01458 834 930 if you require assistance with spare parts. Our team of professionals is always on hand to answer any questions you might have!

But, the noise and damage from illegal off-roading can create a bad image and generate public hostility to 4x4s, so here’s a handy list of some great places to legally get your off-roading thrills right here in the UK.

True Grip

Located in idyllic Kent, this company specialise in offering 4×4 adventures guided by experienced, professional, instructors. This particular location has great variety, perfect to test your growing experience or even the growing capabilities of your car as you update your vehicle in areas such as the engine, gear box, or any other part that might need a revamp. From river crossings to muddy climbs – this has the challenge you are looking for!

Wild Tracks

For one of the most popular 4×4 tracks in the UK you should head out to the Suffolk based venue, which boasts an entirely off-road circuit. For many off-road fanatics this is the place to be, and with attractive rates per day this may be the track for you if want to see if your car can traverse everything from waterholes and deep mud to sandy soil and steep inclines.

Silverstone

More famously known for its F1 circuit, you might be surprised to learn that Silverstone boasts an off-road track of its own as well. This is a route which requires precision handling and is probably best suited to the more experienced off road drivers: this is a track that will really test both you and your 4×4 to its limits.

Parkwood 4×4

A family-run business, this was set up for events and to provide somewhere to train prior to the events. Whether you want a 4×4 play day or actual training on how to drive off-road this is a great location to get experience! Located in Bradford, West Yorkshire this is a venue that has a beautiful setting and plenty of awesome views for your off-road experience.

If you’re off-road and you have a problem with your 4×4, it can be a serious problem, ruining your day or even leaving you stranded, so get regular check-ups and maintain your car with the right parts. If you have any questions about off-roading and how we can help to keep your car smoothly running, then feel free to get in touch or call us on 01458 834 930.

Here at CWS 4×4 we are definitely more aligned with the old school and like to think that we help out a few old school off-roaders to keep their old school off roaders going, but what is so great about them? Well first…

They’re Cheap

A modern Range Rover starts at an eye watering £75,000 which means it is available to a very select few in society. There are also further implications to this price, do you think many people go off-roading or winching in their 75 grand Range Rover?

Old school off roaders on the other hand are available for significantly less, here are a few legendary options for a few tight budgets;

• Land Rover Defender – available for under £3,000
• Toyota Land Cruiser – Available for under £2,500
• Suzuki Jimny – Available for under £1,000

Any one of these options give you some proper old school thrills for pretty tiny amounts of money.

They’re Fun

Remember the days when you actually had to drive a car? Modern cars all but drive themselves and require less and less input from the driver every year. Old school off-roader require a rather more deft touch though and you really have to learn their tricks to get the best out of them.

Imagine which is more fun, crossing water in a modern Range Rover by simply aiming for it and using the depth gauge to check it isn’t too deep. Or approaching in your old school car, expertly pushing a bow wave and following it whilst keeping the revs up and then gently creeping up the sludgy bank whilst giving it just the right amount of power.

Yep, it’s exciting just thinking about the old school off road thrills!

They’re Involving

As well as needing an expert touch to get the most out of, older cars are generally far easier to fix than the modern crop. A basic tool kit and a couple of oily hands are all you need to fix up legends such as the Defender and Jimny and expensive diagnostic equipment isn’t necessary.

As well as work being cheap, parts are also dirt cheap, whilst aftermarket parts are plentiful you’ll want to stick to official manufacturer parts for peace of mind.

So what are you waiting for, stop saving for that new Discovery and get yourself to the used car forecourts this weekend! Personally we’re a sucker for a Defender, the simple, go anywhere capability is just so attractive. Whichever classic you choose, know that when it needs a little TLC or you get a little carried away on a dirt trail, we are sure to have the bits that will get it back to health again.

For more information on the parts just pick up the phone and contact us on 01458 834930 and we’ll be more than happy to get you what you need.

2016 is turning out to be a great year for 4x4s and we’ve chosen a few of the best (so far) to talk about:

Porsche Macan

This four-wheeler offers a strong performance no matter the road conditions or the weather. While it’s an expensive car, it provides excellent engineering, boasting an automatic gearbox with seven speeds. This Porsche has the same wide tires at the rear that most Porsche sports cars offer, which shows in the suspension and the steering. It drives almost like a sports car, so it’s amongst the most flexible 4x4s in the market, which means it can perform just as well off the road as it does on the road.

Kia Sorento

This SUV is a large seven-seater, with a spacious interior and four-wheel drive as standard, which makes it great off-road. Although it only has a diesel option, drivers can choose between manual or automatic gearboxes. The Kia Sorento first appeared in 2002, but this is its third generation, bigger and more comfortable than before. These specifications make the Kia Sorento ideal for taking the family out for an off-road excursion, since it’s big enough to fit quite a few picnic baskets.

Range Rover Sport

This full-size Range Rover is a luxury SUV with a choice between V8 petrol or SDV6 diesel (which is more economic and doesn’t feel underpowered). It only accommodates five people comfortably, even though it’s marketed as a seven-seater, because the back seats are not very spacious. Still, that might not make a difference to you.

Its Terrain Response system is top quality and works well in snow, gravel, rocks, mud and sand, so its ability for off-road is spectacular. You can start your day by driving up a rocky mountain and finish it by returning home through a storm, and the car will still drive well. So even though this is an expensive car, it more than pays itself in performance.

Here at CWS 4×4, it goes without saying that we love cars, and we also like to share our knowledge with you, another car lover. If you’re looking for parts for your 4×4, look no further, because we can get you a great range of Land Rover breakers in the UK, great gearboxes for your car, and a wide variety of spare parts to complement your 4×4. Contact us for more information or give us a call on 01458 834930.

Using a Non-Offroad Vehicle

This may seem like something you hear at the Darwin Awards, but we’re aware of several incidences of people attempting offroading in an inadequate vehicle. It should really go without saying, but to avoid becoming a statistic and risking injuring yourself – and your car – please make sure that your vehicle is up to the task!

Riding Alone

New offroaders are in need of supervision but many people feel that they are ready before their time, and head out alone. We couldn’t advise against this more! It’s imperative to keep yourself safe; even experienced drivers who head out alone find themselves getting into trouble, so this advice is not exclusive to beginners! To keep yourself safe, always make sure you have company when you decide to venture offroad.

Inexperience

Even with supervision, inexperience can prevail… Many people find themselves suffering at the hands of their own naivety. It’s important to know your limits when going behind the wheel of an offroading vehicle; never assume that just because your car is able to tackle a terrain that other vehicles may not be able to, that it means that you’re immune from bumps and automotive-bruises! Attempting to operate beyond your skill level is a classic error that many offroaders make, and even for the fortunate ones who escape injury, it can be a costly affair!

It’s important to be aware of your own abilities as well as your vehicle’s capabilities; your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your vehicle depend on it! If you’ve found yourself to have fallen victim to any of the above, and require our assistance in getting your vehicle back on its wheels, get in touch with our expert team of Land Rover part specialists in order to discuss your requirements. You can contact our friendly team on 01458 83493, where we are always eager to help you get behind the wheel safely and with a confidence in your new parts.