Crosslander 4x4

[BajaTaco]

I know this is the "mods" section, but I thought this might be more appropriate than the "general chat" since we talk about adventure/expedition vehicles here.

Anyway, Kyle and I have sort of been keeping an eye on the Crosslander 4x4 which seems to be taking forever to get here in the U.S. but should be here any day now. They are basically the old ARO 4-wheel drive vehicle that the Romanian military uses.I believe the story is thata brazilian company bought an ARO factory in brazilandis now producing these for export to the U.S. Our initial investigation into this seemed to show a "budget minded" 4x4 with a fairly rugged look to it, with simple drivetrain (and not all that powerful). Now I am seeing reports of a turbo-diesel and a Toyota built 207 hp EFI SOHC V6. This is getting interesting. The vehicle looks pretty cool IMO, and comes with some nifty factory options like a winch and a snorkel.

http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/data/thumbnails/52/crosslander_2.jpg (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/data/media/52/crosslander_2.jpg)

Here are some links...

crosslander4x4.com (http://www.crosslander4x4.com/)(careful if opening at work - it has loud music - the website is kinda hokey. Check out the link in the bottom right corner to the brazilian website too)

A Texas dealership (http://www.noboundaries4x4.com/cross_lander.html)

A blog with some interesting discussion (http://www.str8bloggin.com/archives/001444.html). One guy says

"The ARO 244 (the real name of the Crosslander) has been around for 30 years, and has proven itself to be a very dependable vehicle. Their problem has been that they were underpowered by US standards. The versions being brought into the USA have much more power than the Euro versions. Euroversions have 78, 80, or 104 h.p. engines. US versions have either 132 h.p. International diesels, or 207 h.p. Toyota 4 liter V6's.
I drove one with the V6 engines, and it has a lot more apparent power than my 4 liter Grand Cherokee, and equal towing capacity.
Yes, I have ordered my Crosslander. In green, with fording kit and everything. Mine will be like the one in the photo, except for the winch. Total cost? $23,100 delivered"

An old difflock.com (http://www.difflock.com/buyersguide/newcars/crosslander/index.shtml) article on the crosslander

A few intriguing words (http://catalog.roversnorth.com/wwwboard/messrr3/5337.html)posted recentlyon roversnorth.com

And last but not least, crosslanderweb.com (http://crosslanderweb.com) - an enthusiasts forum with more info including a recent article which makes me think they are still trying to get it past US emmisions, safety and crash tests. I wonder what will happen?

Anyway, I think this is a fun vehicle to keep an eye on.
</div>


http://www.bajataco.com


Post Edited (BajaTaco) : 12/25/2003 5:32:01 AM GMT

[JackSilb]

Uh Baby,

It is getting hot.
With a Toyota engine it gets more appealing. Just wondering if it will sell in California.
Also, since it has a Toyota diesel engine legal in the US, Toyota may come with their trucks with the diesel option soon, I hope.
In Brazil it is difficult to find a gas truck. Almost all turbo diesel. They have some interesting Mitsubishi double cab trucks. Can't find them here.

-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[expeditionswest]

I have been following this crazy truck for over 6 years! It has been on again, off again so many times. I called the dealer in Tucson about a year ago and talked to the sales manager. He told me the company was out of businesshttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/shakehead.gif . Then I called ARO USA, and a lady answered (thick "Russian" accent), she said the company was alive and well http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif . The trucks look very promising, with the only issue I see being parts availability. I think it was 96 or 97, but a friend of mine Gary Maclaren, the United Four Wheel Drive Association rep for AZ4wdc, actually saw one on the Rubicon. He said the driveline never failed, but the body was destroyed (to be expected).</div>
The Toyota engine option sure seems like a good move to me. I hope they are released, the true 4wd is a dying breed.</div>
Off topic: Here is another cool vehicle that will be using a Toyota motor. I want one sooooo badhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/supercool.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/jumpin.gif </div>
2,000 lbs, 200hp, 1.0g</div>



http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&amp;article_id=7371</div>

Scott Brady
2001 Land Rover Discovery II
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com

[MrS]

Here is a Steve Story, but this dosen't start with "when I worked at....."

About 10 years ago, at a dealer near me I saw a few rigs that looked like that, they where old looking but had all the sticker and looked brand new. A few days later I noticed they where gone, then I noticed they where in the back behind the dealers fence, and they sat there for a few weeks. I went to the dealer to learn about them. Well I got attcked by salesman as soon as I parked, but as soon as I asked about those, the salesman totally lost interest in me. Basicly they where trying to return them. They where from one of those East Block countries, Romania sounds right. Guess they where not able to even complete any test drives, they where all broke before being sold.

Hope they got all the issues worked out, I remember them being alot smaller than that picture looks like. And that was the last I heard about them. Not even sure it's the same vehicle, but it looks like it.

BTY, what happen to the Yugo??

KF6YSB

[JackSilb]

Talking about size, you would not be able to sleep in this truck as you do on the Tacomas, right?

-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[MrS]

Sizewise, I seem to remember it about like a Geo Tracker. Thats why I didn't stop the 1st day I saw them. I think the TJ would be my choice in that size range.

I enlarged Baja's picture and the ARO looks IFS, the ones I saw was SA (I Think) I'm off to Baja's links, kinda slow day around here.

KF6YSB

[BajaTaco]

Cool - glad to see there is some interest in discussing this. Scott, we should have known that you had your sticky "expedition fingers" on the pulse of thistruck http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif Your story is very interesting! http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif

Jack, I don't think the diesel motor is Toyota, only the V6. I think the diesel motor is from the Brazilian plant. Also, this vehicle has a short wheelbase (similar to the LR Defender 90) so it would require a roof-top tent for sleeping, utilizing the cargo area for dogs... I mean... fridge and camping supplies http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/smilewinkgrin.gif

Steve, yes, I am pretty certain this is an IFS truck. I wonder if what you saw was related? I think these are larger than a Tracker though.


http://www.bajataco.com

[BajaTaco]

Scott, the Lotus looks pretty fun http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cool.gif Let me know when you get yours, so we can go for a drive to the beach. I wonder if Stephanie would like it though... "the Lotus Elise, as a closely focused driver's car, makes few compromises on behalf of the well-being of a passenger. You sit on a thinly padded seat in an aluminum tub (the Elise chassis is made from aluminum extrusions bonded together). There is hardly enough room for two, so the driver's seat is adjustable but the passenger's is fixed—and the cockpit space on the right-hand side is just two-thirds of that provided for the driver."

I like the motor from the Celica - pretty cool.The big brotherto the motor in our little Matrix.


http://www.bajataco.com

[expeditionswest]

The Elise is a VERY focused machine. Buying one of those would seriously reduce funding for expedition travel. There are a lot of things that would have to come together for that dream to happen... It's fun to think about.

They are releasing the US spec. Elise at the L.A. autoshow. I already have tickets. Anyone else want to go???



Scott Brady
2001 Land Rover Discovery II
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com

[MrS]

[quote]

Scott Brady said...
They are releasing the US spec. I already have tickets. Anyone else want to go???
[quote]I would if I was remotely in the market for a vehicle. I haven't been in about 6-7 years, but the area, parking, &amp; crowds make the LA show a PITA. Sometime its hard to see the cars, but there is lots to look at.
[quote]
[quote]Have Fun, and thanks for the invite.

KF6YSB

[MrS]

Scott Brady said...

I have been following this crazy truck for over 6 ....

Just a little (very little) fyi about the Aro24. Off-road Magazine did a story about this rig 4-98 crossing the Rubicon.

http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif Kinda funny when you think of the meaning of the "Rubicon" from Greek Myth. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gif

KF6YSB

[expeditionswest]

Yep, and the Romans named thier river outside of Rome the Rubicon. I am not sure that ARO will ever cross it.

Scott Brady
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com

[MrS]

MrS said...
[quote]Kinda funny when you think of the meaning of the "Rubicon" from Greek Myth
[quote]

Scott Brady said...
Yep, and the Romans named thier river outside of Rome the Rubicon. I am not sure that ARO will ever cross it.

Opps, I should have said Roman Myth not Greek Myth. The Rubicon outside of Rome is the original.

Now that I've cleared that up, I guess we can get back to the latest info about the ARO24 http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

KF6YSB

[Creeper]

Digging this thread back up to post on some recent news.


My friend, who I purchasedmy '85 pickup from, is a licensed Crosslander dealer. Like others,they have been for two years, just waiting for them to arrive. Most recent news is that the vehicle passed federal emissions standards in August and they are touting their arrival 6 months from then, approximately in March of '05.


As this draws closer I'll have more info to share. My friend, Josh Coursey,is the sales manager for Wyoming Trucks &amp; Cars (http://www.wytrucks.com), and they are the only dealership in the nation to carry Crosslander as their exclusive new automobile line.I believe they are one of only two dealerships out west to carry Crosslander, the other being in the Salt Lake City area.


Since I first heard about this truck a couple of years ago and emailedthe infoto him, he has been a real Charlie Hustle in gettinghis dealership ready to capitalize on it. Despite my pleas for the first one off thecar hauleras my finder's fee, it looks like I'll have to settle for a Crosslander jacket. However they have brainstormed several ideas for marketing this truck and it looks like they are going to take a LandRover approach to it. All new owners will receive monogrammed jackets and invites to Saturday outings and cookoutsto learn the vehicles capabilities. They are going to promote it as an exclusive club and I bet they'll do very well.


Lastly, despite my pleas, he has promised a man from Alaska the first Crosslander. Following his purchase,the manintends to drive itfrom Alaska to Baja and then across the mid west to the Outerbanks of NC and back to Alaska. In exchange for getting the first one, he is going to have almost daily reports with trip pictures and his impressions of the Crosslander, which he will email to Josh, who willpost them onhis dealership's website as a travel log. That should not only be an amazing trip and a great read,but a real test of the Crosslander too.


I'll post more when I have more info and I'll be happy toforward any questions to my friend. The attached picture below, from last Spring,is my T100 and Josh'ssuper coolFJ62 LandCruiser, in Flaming Gorge National RecArea,on the WY/UT state line -




"...I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."

Post Edited (Creeper) : 12/12/2004 9:23:19 AM (GMT-8)

[JackSilb]

We will follow it. I am glad someone here has contacts with a dealer.
Thanks for sharing this with us.

-JACK





So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[Creeper]

Here is the latest word from the manufacturer andEPA, alongwith pricing and specs - Crosslander 244X (http://www.rockcrawler.com/features/newsshorts/04december/crosslander.asp)


"...I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."

[brittan]

I remember reading a story on this, or one of the other boards, about a guy who took his Land Rover, don’t remember what one, from the US to Brazil. I remember him saying that it taught him Spanish because it broke down so much he had to stay in every town until it got fixed. Glad to see someone is crazy enough to take an un-proven new vehicle from <st1:State><st1:place>Alaska to Baja to the east coast and back to <st1:State><st1:place>Alaska. Glad it’s not me…but I am interested to see how it comes out.
After looking at the new <st1:City><st1:place>Tacoma I will be looking for a new manufacture in 10 years, if they are at all the same. Sorry…I’ll start a different thread on that point.

[kellymoe]

For some pervers reason I am realy attracted to the Crosslander. I guess I am a glutton for punishment. I cant wait to see one on the road.