Black Ops Jeep
One of the most highly anticipated video games of late 2010, Call of Duty: Black Ops, got a marketing boost from Chrysler with the introduction of this special edition Wrangler. Based on the Rubicon and available in two- and four-door versions, the Black Ops Edition features special graphics, Mineral Gray Rubicon wheels, and a number of Mopar accessories. Be prepared to pay more than $30,000 for the limited-edition Jeep.
New Ranger Not for U.S.
Like the other domestic manufacturers, Ford will stop offering a compact pickup within the next model year or so, at least at home. Overseas is another matter. An all-new Ranger pickup made its debut at the Australian International Motor Show and will be sold in 180 markets around the world. It will be fitted with three new engines-including two diesels-and built in three cab body styles. Four-wheel-drive versions will offer up to 9 inches of ground clearance and can be equipped with electric-locking or limited-slip differentials. We think Ford's missing an opportunity for U.S. sales, don't you?
Virtual Rally Truck
Lincoln Electric has partnered with Trophylite and 2XL Games to take part in a Trophylite Rally app for the Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. If you choose to race a Lincoln-sponsored truck and hit a specific goal-the longest jump of the day, for example-you can win prizes, including T-shirts. Drop by www.lincolnelectric.com/products/trophylite/ to learn more about the game, see a list of points leaders, and sign up to win a game download.
California 200 Accident Memorial
This 8-foot-tall memorial to the victims of the California 200 desert race accident was unveiled at the recent Off-Road Expo in Southern California. During the ceremony, eight candles were lit in memory of those who were killed, and FAST-Aid President Jared Tetzlaff spoke of the donations his organization has received and disbursed to help the victims' families. The memorial was originated by Dana Dague, designed by Scott Freeman, built by Craig Hall of R&I Industries, and will be mounted by Ted Cordts. It will visit different events and locations until a permanent home can be found in the desert.
Moonlighting
Editor-in-Chief Rick Péwé graciously let me put in this shameless plug for something totally not related to 4x4s. Hot Rod Magazine: All the Covers, by yours truly and the editors of Hot Rod magazine, chronicles the history of Petersen Publishing's founding magazine through every one of its covers from 1948 to 2009. Along with the cover images are layouts, never-before-seen archival photos, and insider stories of the magazine's memorable moments. It's available at major online book retailers and www.motorbooks.com.
Calendar
•Feb. 4-6: Bluewater Resort & Casino Parker 425 desert race, Parker, AZ. Info: Best in the Desert, 702.457.5775, www.bitd.com
•Feb. 5: Rock Skills Driving Clinic, Johnson Valley, CA, by Badlands Off-Road Adventures. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
•Feb. 6-12: Griffin King of the Hammers, Johnson Valley OHVA near Lucerne Valley, CA. Info: www.kingofthehammers.com
•Feb. 12: Getting Started Off-Road 4x4 Skills Clinic, Hungry Valley SVRA, Gorman, CA, by Badlands Off-Road Adventures. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
•Feb. 13: Advanced Beginner Off-Road Driving Clinic, El Paso Mountains, Mojave, CA, by Badlands Off-Road Adventures. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
•Feb. 19: Sand Driving Clinic, Oceano Dunes near Pismo, CA, by Badlands Off-Road Adventures. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
•Feb. 23-26: Chile Challenge rockcrawling event, Las Cruces, NM. Info: 575.642.7770, www.chilechallenge.org
•Feb. 25-27: California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Convention, Visalia, CA. Info: www.cal4wheel.com
•Feb. 26: Winch & Recovery Clinic, El Paso Mountains, Mojave, CA, by Badlands Off-Road Adventures. Info: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
•Note: If you have a 4WD event you want us to publicize, please send the date, location, description of the event, and contact info-phone numbers and/or email/website address-to Calendar, 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245; fax 310.531.9368; email 4wheeloffroad@sorc.com. Please submit your info at least four months in advance of the event due to our press lead times.