Off-road

The AMP Jeep Grand Cherokee, to be unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show, is a 100 percent electric-drive vehicle with all the cargo space and utility of a true SUV. AMP trades out Jeep's V6/V8 powertrain for a combination of two Remi electric motors and a 37.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Because the motors are direct drive, the electrified Grand Cherokee does not require a transmission. The motors combine for 152 kW (203 hp), and the model will travel about 80 to 100 miles (129 to 161 km) per charge. Read More

Andy Keel, the man behind the Motorcrossboard, has developed a new binding system to minimize the risk of injury for not only riders of his company’s vehicles, which he describes as essentially stand-on light motorcycles, but for participants in a range of boardsports. The intuitive release binding (IRB) system, which is designed for any boardsport that sees the rider connected securely to the board, features a binding that allows the rider to separate themselves from the board at will by releasing their grip on a handheld control. Read More

Pretty much every major motorcycle factory has hinted that they're working on battery-electric models, but Austria's KTM has just become the first to get e-rubber on the road. The Freeride E, just unveiled at EICMA, is a featherweight, electric off-roader reminiscent of the Zero MX. Geared towards big fun in short bursts, it should be comparable to a 125cc 2-stroke to ride - although with a much smoother throttle response and a bigger wallop of torque available. And while it's a baby step, it heralds the next wave of electrics that will hit the market soon - backed by big factory development dollars and ready to duke it out with the little guys in a tough market segment. Read More

A few days ago deep in the historic Teuteborg Forest of central Germany, the first stone was laid in the construction of an intriguing project. For twenty years until 1993 The 80 hectare (200 acre) site was a massive NATO ammunition depot, supplying the British Army of the Rhine during the Cold War. After eighteen years of disuse and six years of planning the extensive sturdy warehousing and road network is to be converted into the Bilster Berg luxury "drive resort" and automobile testing facility. Considering who's involved, the new racetrack should be a pretty spectacular experience. Read More

Much as Hummer-owners may like to speak of their vehicles' military pedigree, the fact is that the U.S. Army now wants to replace its Humvees with vehicles that are better suited for use in war zones, particularly when it comes to protecting occupants. One potential Humvee-replacement has just been announced by Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense - the Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle or L-ATV. Read More

Late last year we ran a story on the MXB Shocker Motocrossboard, an electric-powered two-wheel vehicle from Performance Concepts Inc. (PCI) described as a cross between a snowboard and a dirtbike. At that time the company had intended a limited release of the 2011 MXB Shocker with prices starting at US$2,999 but in the wake of widespread media interest the Motocrossboard’s inventor and PCI CEO, Andy Keel, decided against taking orders, choosing instead to focus on further product development and design. The extra R & D has resulted in a lighter and cheaper 2012 MXB Shocker that is now ready for sale alongside three new models. Read More

Hey, you wanna drive into a tornado? You could, if you've got somewhere over US$75,000 to spend on the right vehicle. That's the reserve price on the Tornado Attack Vehicle, which has just been put up for auction on eBay. The armored vehicle was made famous by storm chaser Steve Green, who used it in 2004 to become the first person to intentionally drive into – and survive – a tornado. If you're not the competitive type, you could even just "Buy it Now" for a cool $100,000. Read More

Skateboards have definitely come a long way since Marty McFly ripped the crate from a kid’s home made scooter and grabbed onto a passing car to escape Biff in 1955. In recent times we’ve seen the humble skateboard evolve through the addition of a motor in such vehicles as the Tami Rhino and Wheelman BUSHPIG. The most recent example to join the ranks is the MXB Shocker Motocrossboard from Performance Concepts – an electric-powered cross between a snowboard and a dirtbike that has an average range of 18 miles, recharges in two hours and – with some tweaking – can hit 35 mph. Read More

With its chunky fat tires, 14-speed gears and centrally-located electric motor, the Hanebrink all-terrain vehicle looks like a fun ride. Built to cope with a multitude of off-road situations with style and speed, the pedal-assist electric bike is classified as a bicycle throughout the U.S. so should also be good for popping down to the local mall and hauling back the week's shopping on the rear cargo rack. It's also managed to claim first place in the very first Interbike Hill Climb Challenge. Read More