Combatt-Ready RamMighty as the HMMWV may be, it's getting a bit long in the tooth. That, and a desire to cut ownership expenditures, is why the U.S. military is exploring other options in light tactical wheeled vehicles, including the use of modified versions of commercially manufactured pickup trucks. This approach has been called the Commercially Based Tactical Truck, or COMBATT.
The military thinks there are tremendous advantages in such a program. Pickup trucks are already being manufactured in high volumes, as are the spare parts needed to keep them running. Purchasing the vehicles could be handled just like any other fleet of trucks. In fact, leasing is being considered to minimize initial costs. After three or four years of service, the vehicles would be sold back to what the military sees as "an eager market of customers who need truly off-road, severe-duty vehicles such as logging and mining companies, rural firefighters, and foreign countries that do not have highly developed highway systems." Not to mention avid off-roaders. Since the OE manufacturers are continually refining and improving these platforms, the military can enjoy the benefits of this technological evolution at no cost to any of the service branches. Specialized driver training won't be required since, heck, anyone can drive a pickup.
One of the COMBATT trucks being evaluated by the military is a Dodge Ram that was developed by the Chrysler Group in conjunction with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command- National Automotive Center (TACOM-NAC). To improve the truck's off-road abilities, it was upfitted with Dana Hydro-Lok differentials, Goodyear 37x12.50-17 MT/R tires with a Dana Central Tire Inflation System, Firestone helper air springs, and Bilstein variable-damping shocks. Mil-spec goodies on board included collision-warning and night-vision systems and a 12/24-volt electrical system to run any number of on-board electronics.
Recently, Dodge and TACOM decided to swap out the Ram's conventional suspension for a hydropneumatic system, in which computer-controlled hydro-pneumatic cylinders replace the coils, leaf springs, and shocks at the truck's corners. The system's benefits, says Chrysler, include automatic load leveling, variable ground clearance, adjustable cornering stiffness (so the system doesn't need articulation-limiting sway bars), and maximum wheel travel under any circumstances.
Right now the suspension system is being tested on a conventionally powered Ram, but it will also be mounted on a hybrid diesel-electric Ram that will be delivered to the Army early next year. Dodge has announced that this same hybrid powertrain will be sold commercially as the Ram HEV in 2004.
Overland In The OutlanderEditor Rick Pw was proud (rightfully so) of getting some air under the tires of Mitsubishi's new Outlander SUV. Air is good, especially when you can grab it at the wheel of an AWD, not 4WD, vehicle.
Mitsu is calling its newest entry-level crossover SUV "part sport utility, part urban utility," with all-weather capability and room for snowboards and other active gear. Available in LS or XLS trim levels, the Outlander is powered by a 2.4L 140hp motor that's backed by a Sportronic sequential shift transmission. Underneath is a fully independent suspension, and the upgraded XLS model gets 16-inch alloy wheels. Watch for one at a Mitsu dealer near you.
Chevy To Replace Tracker With EquinoxIf you're a big fan of the little Tracker, better buy one now. By 2004, Chevy will replace the Suzuki-based mini-SUV with the '05 Equinox. Though few details have been released about the new vehicle, we know it will be based on GM's Theta platform, currently the basis for the Saturn Vue.