"boxrocket" (boxrocket)
09/04/2015 at 23:21 • Filed to: qotn, question of the night
1
68|
"boxrocket" (boxrocket)
09/04/2015 at 23:21 • Filed to: qotn, question of the night | 1
| 68 |
Read carefully: This is meant to be a challenge.
Imagine, if you will, you find yourself at a time-warping point in space that carries you from the present day to the war-engulfed early 1940s, and to get back to the present, you must travel once around the world - driving in every continent and through (at least) every country involved in the Second World War.
Through the time-warp McGuffin goes nothing but yourself; up-to-date-maps; a media player with just 4GB of songs on it and a basic translator app for all countries you’ll go for that had English translations in the 1940s; your choice of a modern car, truck, or SUV - with only 4 wheels and tires, and, if equipped, a spare wheel and tire, so no 6X6s or dually trucks; a Chilton/Haynes manual for the same car; a basic tool kit of no more than 150 pieces that must fit in the vehicle; a small camping kit including a small stove, a good knife, shovel, rope, machete, and first-aid kit; and sufficient contemporary local money to pay for food, fuel (which is rationed, but vehicles are very fuel-efficient now, so not as much of an issue as it has been in the past), clothes, and to pay for ocean-based transport from one continent to the another as needed.
The car is able to run on whatever gasoline or diesel is available without an issue. Tires are restricted to whatever is a factory option currently available. You cannot interfere with historical events or kill/incapacitate/kidnap anyone to try to end the war early to try to ease your travel. Again, fuel works in your vehicle choice, but it is a wartime ration, so choose carefully.
There’s a few further restrictions to keep this interesting: It must be a vehicle that’s new or significantly refreshed - not just a new trim level, like a Hellcat -for the 2015 model year or newer, and on sale by the end of this year. So as much as I’d love to tour the world in a Raptor, it’s too old for the criteria, too big, and I’m not sure the tires would last the trip. Factory accessories are allowed up to 5% of MSRP (so a $100k car could have $5k in accessories from the factory catalog), and does not include tuners.
My choice: Volvo XC90.
It has good ground clearance, is wonderfully comfortable, fairly fuel-efficient, a decent AWD system if needed, Sweden was neutral during WW2, can be acquired up-armored during initial purchase, quick enough to evade ground units, reasonably easy to work on (compared to some), and its shape could be fairly easily camouflaged if needed. It’s roomy enough to sleep in if needed. While it doesn’t have the gizmos, cameras, and off-road prowess of a Land Rover, it does well enough.
TheOnelectronic
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:28 |
|
I’m going to bend the rules a bit.
It’s technically new and technically for sale in the US
And you could probably park in the middle of the battle of the bulge and have some tea without any problems.
daender
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:28 |
|
Rally Fighter with a carb’d Ford Flathead. V8 power? Check. Tons of Flatheads everywhere in the United States to stock up on parts? Heck yes check. Off-road capable and can survive a front-end flip and keep going? Check.
Phyrxes once again has a wagon!
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:33 |
|
I wanted to go with Land Cruiser but given the restrictions I have to go with the Lexus LX 570 instead as the interior is all new as is most of the exterior body panels.
Under_Score
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:33 |
|
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited. Fuel efficient, AWD, reliable, new, and safe. Yeah, it’s from a Japanese company, but it’s built in America.
HammerheadFistpunch
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:34 |
|
I’ve thought about this several times. Its a tough one because the engines of today wouldn’t work so go on 40’s gas or diesel. Taking that aside, I would like to say Land Cruiser, but I don’t think driving around in something Japanese would make sense. I think I would go with Power Wagon. All the tire, axle, winch you could need, plus plenty of payload and the hemi would be stealth enough. A wrangler would also be a good choice, but the payload it so poor and stuff wasn’t really light weight back then....yeah power wagon
|
HammerheadFistpunch
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:36 |
|
Sad story about the xc90...it would choke on 1940’s 1st world gas, let alone 3rd world. I mean they ALL would so thats a hard issue to sort.
Vicente Esteve
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:37 |
|
Audi Allroad.
XJDano
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:41 |
|
Wrangler rubicon 4 door, no back seats, ARB bull bar / winch, some other self recovery goodies.
The more important question is Who is your co-driver?. Those are a lot of miles to go on your own.
Slant6
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:42 |
|
New xc90 is actually impossible to work on and incredibly complex. Supercharger and a turbo simple to work on?
Jcarr
> boxrocket
09/04/2015 at 23:46 |
|
Previous-gen (assuming there are some still available) with the 6.2. Should be able to handle just about anything that could be thrown at it.
|
boxrocket
> Slant6
09/05/2015 at 00:02 |
|
The failure rate of super/turbochargers (outside of VAG) isn’t that bad. I’d chance it. If they failed, I've rebuilt a couple, and could possibly scavenge parts to work as a stand-in.
Your boy, BJR
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 00:04 |
|
2015 Escalade. I would claim to be a centurion from the planet Cadillactica on a mission to scout humanity and be treated like a god by the world.
|
boxrocket
> TheOnelectronic
09/05/2015 at 00:05 |
|
I’ll allow it: it meets the criteria, at least. (if it’s new for 2015 or newer. If not, substitute a JLTV)
|
boxrocket
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/05/2015 at 00:06 |
|
I allowed for that. Read the whole post, please.
|
boxrocket
> Jcarr
09/05/2015 at 00:07 |
|
I like it, but, as I put in the post, it's not all-new or sufficiently refreshed enough to qualify. It would when the 2017 model went on sale.
|
HammerheadFistpunch
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 00:09 |
|
I think you think you did. I read it as the vehicle needs to be able to run on any all fuel.
|
boxrocket
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/05/2015 at 00:13 |
|
No worries. I'm writing this after being up for almost 19 hours, so my wording and paragraph-lengths are probably not ideal.
|
Slant6
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 00:15 |
|
They probably wouldn’t fail but this engine is pretty complex. And there isn’t a manual out for them yet. They’re great at everything but I’d never want to work on one. I’d choose something basic like a Colorodo l4 or v6 both pretty straight forward.
not for canada - australian in disguise
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 00:17 |
|
2500 Silverado High Country, I’d probably put a small lift on if allowed, and be set on my way. Comfortable, utilitarian, durable as hell, and can navigate some pretty tricky terrain.
|
boxrocket
> Your boy, BJR
09/05/2015 at 00:21 |
|
Reminds me of the escalade ad that seemed to be championing slavery. But it meets the criteria!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7-jRh6NPbA
|
boxrocket
> Slant6
09/05/2015 at 00:26 |
|
It’s a hypothetical situation where the teardown/rebuild guides are already available and included (second paragraph). Remember, the vehicle only needs to last as long as it takes to traverse around the world once and make it through war-torn countries.
|
boxrocket
> XJDano
09/05/2015 at 00:28 |
|
No co-driver, but the media player has a basic translator app, so you can ask locals for help... if you dare.
|
boxrocket
> Under_Score
09/05/2015 at 00:36 |
|
Fair enough, and Toyota wouldn’t necessarily make one think “Japanese”, if you told them what it was. You could always remove the Toyota-worded badges and tell folks you encounter whatever you wanted.
CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 00:39 |
|
A Land Cruiser. You just can't beat Toyota quality.
ly2v8-Brian
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/05/2015 at 00:44 |
|
But the forties has the infinitely cooler actual Power Wagon.
V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/05/2015 at 00:52 |
|
Truth be told, the power wagon is my favorite pickup currently on sale.
|
boxrocket
> CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
09/05/2015 at 00:54 |
|
Good answer, but how do you handle the fuel rationing?
|
boxrocket
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/05/2015 at 00:57 |
|
I’d lean more towards the Wrangler, if only so driving through towns wasn’t so problematic, and to me the entire load-out would fit in a Wrangler, but there wouldn’t be much space left inside. It’d do better with the fuel rationing as well.
|
ly2v8-Brian
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 01:01 |
|
LSSV
|
CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 01:20 |
|
Strip out whatever isn't needed.
|
TheOnelectronic
> Your boy, BJR
09/05/2015 at 01:36 |
|
That thing does look like a spaceship.
Saazbaru
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 01:57 |
|
The new Raptor...?
Rico
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 02:24 |
|
Or a Range Rover HSE! But coming through in the 6x6 would have them shook.
TA4K
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 03:39 |
|
The new 2015/16 model Ford Ranger. Efficient, simple, not as stupidly massive as a Raptor or similar full size ‘Murica-mobile, big payload space and good off-road capability. It’ll probably run on whatever you give it, and the dealer catalogue has a few bits and pieces to spec it out, like bull bars with a scrape tray, winch, rollover hoop with light bar etc.
MultiplaOrgasms
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 08:00 |
|
Ergo Outback.
Can I cheat and use an euro-spec Outback with the 2.0D and manual, cuz fuel economy?
pip bip - choose Corrour
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 08:19 |
|
Chevy SS!
|
boxrocket
> TA4K
09/05/2015 at 08:26 |
|
Great answer, but not USDM :(
Alex B
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 08:41 |
|
G550.
Steve in Manhattan
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 08:59 |
|
Defender.
hike
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 09:06 |
|
I can’t decide between a sensible diesel range Rover (coming out soon in us) or just go crazy and take a Mercedes g550. Maybe just a grand Cherokee eco diesel.
jkm7680
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 09:11 |
|
2015 Land Cruiser.
Durable, pretty simple to work on, good offroad and reliable.
G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 09:13 |
|
The Elio. Simple to work on, fuel efficient, a decent amount of room, and you can remove the badges and call it whatever you want.
Chris Li
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 09:31 |
|
Toyota corolla
j250ex
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 09:54 |
|
I’d take an Australian 70 series. Brand new but runs off diesel. Not as prevelant in the 40’s but still available. Meant to run forever in the outback it should handle the dirt roads of middle America just fine
X37.9XXS
> TheOnelectronic
09/05/2015 at 09:55 |
|
I do not think that it will stand up to an Krupp 8.8 PAK 43
|
boxrocket
> j250ex
09/05/2015 at 10:11 |
|
Not USDM. It's meant to be a challenge.
|
boxrocket
> hike
09/05/2015 at 10:15 |
|
I like your thinking. All of those could be excellent choices, though the giant Mercedes badge could potentially be a problem in some places.
|
boxrocket
> G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/05/2015 at 10:16 |
|
I hadn’t even thought of the Elio, great point! Small enough to conceal in a jiffy, and as you said, simple in a good way.
|
boxrocket
> Steve in Manhattan
09/05/2015 at 10:17 |
|
Needs to be USDM and new for the 2015 model year or newer, like a Discovery Sport, for instance.
|
j250ex
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 10:40 |
|
I didnt read the title very careful. Dammit.
Well if that is the case then a single cab Ram diesel. Finding parts for any modern car is going to be a bitch but at least here the diesel should run for a while trouble free.
maximillious
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 10:54 |
|
I know this will sound insane but hear me out.
I would take a 2015 miata. Not because the answer is always miata either. But in today’s world it would certainly be survivable. A solo road trip around the world I could fit all the pack lite gear I needed in the front seat and trunk. The car is small which is great for overpopulated and cramped cities. On the open road it would be a joy to drive and I could camp outside of it on nights I didn’t find myself in a hostel. Now things get tricky when it comes to off reading which is why I would give it some minor suspension upgrades prior to departure that would give it better ground clearance and a better set of tires.
I realized how awesome roadsters are on long distance drives when I drove back my 2004 s2000 across the country a few weeks back. Since Honda isn’t refreshing that my only real option is the miata.
|
j250ex
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 12:47 |
|
Honestly the answer is something dead reliable with a proven drivetrain and easy to mend parts. Which you will be doing a lot of. Chevrolet 1500 with the 5.3 and 4x4. Proven engine and dead simple to work on. No fancy turbos or air suspensions to worry about. Just a body on frame truck with a good mix of modern and proven technology.
|
boxrocket
> maximillious
09/05/2015 at 16:10 |
|
That’s a great answer! Thanks!
|
boxrocket
> j250ex
09/05/2015 at 16:16 |
|
I think those are a year too old to qualify, but the tahoe/yukon/suburban/escalade are new enough, I believe.
|
boxrocket
> MultiplaOrgasms
09/05/2015 at 16:19 |
|
No cheating, but I like your thinking. I wanted to keep it to USDM so mileage figures would be comparable (differences in measurements, that is).
|
boxrocket
> Rico
09/05/2015 at 16:24 |
|
Range Rover would be a great choice. The 6X6 doesn’t meet the 4-wheel criteria, and the 4-wheel model hasn’t had a recent enough major update to qualify.
|
boxrocket
> Saazbaru
09/05/2015 at 16:25 |
|
Not on sale until late next year, AFAIK.
|
boxrocket
> ly2v8-Brian
09/05/2015 at 16:32 |
|
Do they have a newer version? That looks about a decade old.
|
ly2v8-Brian
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 17:20 |
|
Yes. They have the previous gen Chevy as well.
PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 17:25 |
|
I’d take the all new all aluminum 2015 Ford F150. I wouldn’t take a raptor though.
I’d take a 2015 5.0 V8 Lariat super cab with a 6 foot bed; in guard gray; with a snow plow prep pack; FX4 pack; 3.73 gears; locking diff; and the A/T tires; and engine heater.
Now, it’s a new design, with a completely re-designed frame and body style. that was done for this past MY, like the Volvo, so it qualifies.
I chose the 5.0 because venerable V8 truck.
|
boxrocket
> ly2v8-Brian
09/05/2015 at 18:22 |
|
I didn't think they had anything newer than the 2000-era LSSV, other than civilian trucks with mild retrofits. They have 2015-MY units now?
|
Steve in Manhattan
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 18:27 |
|
Picky picky picky ... then the aforementioned Land Cruiser.
|
TA4K
> boxrocket
09/05/2015 at 18:36 |
|
It has a ford badge.... And Oz is kinda like the US...
|
boxrocket
> Under_Score
09/06/2015 at 00:29 |
|
After some more research, is the Highlander new for 2015MY?
|
boxrocket
> daender
09/06/2015 at 00:45 |
|
I'm not familiar enough with the Ealy Fighter. Was it notably updated for 2015?
|
boxrocket
> Chris Li
09/06/2015 at 00:51 |
|
Corolla was redesigned for the 2014MY I believe, but the Camry would qualify.
|
daender
> boxrocket
09/06/2015 at 08:01 |
|
As far as I know, I don’t think they updated much, more of a refinement. Still the awesome bulldog as ever.
|
Under_Score
> boxrocket
09/06/2015 at 16:13 |
|
New for 2014.