While it was ready to debut in 2007, sales will kick off in 2009 caused by delays is the supply of certain components. And so the TAC Stark, which would have been the first offroad with double petrol/ethanol supply had to renounce the record in favour of the Mitsubishi Pajero TR4.

The Stark, which appeared as a prototype in 2006, measuring 408 x 183 x 191 cm has a wheelbase of 254cm. The dimensions are well contained as is the weight at a threshold of 1300 kg. The engine is a Volkswagon 1.8 which will be more than sifficient to garantee the grunt needed for this cute and ecological offroad. The 106 hp and the engine position at the centre-rear (behind the rear axle) also give a greater take on sealed roads.

The relative lighter weight is due to the plastic bodywork (therefore also anti-rust) assembled on a tubular frame. The suspension design is based on independent wheels both front and back and the shift is an Eaton FSO-240D with five-speed trasmission. In 2009 the first five showrooms will open in Brazil, while we’ll have to wait until 2012 for exports, when production will reach 1200 units a year. Brazilian pricing is 26,400 euro but for comparison with tax rates, 30% should be deducted from this price.

TAC Stark

Continue reading: TAC Stark: an interesting Brazilian offroad running on ethanol

Not everyone has heard of the creature that is the Unimog, a mega-truck produced by Mercedes-Benz and designed for the more ‘hardcore’ user. Well, we suggest they take a look at Fifth Gear’s test-drive, with Tom Ford (Wookie to his friends) who attempts to go along a specially designed course
to discover the limits of the German beast.

The Unimog has been recently ordered by the British Special Forces and the celebrated TV show could not wait to get their hands on this £90,000 super-toy. However, this was not without the supervision of a military driving instructor…

A bit of spec info on the Unimog: The 296bhp Straight 6 engine has an amazing 1120 Nm of Torque. The unit’s 11.9 tons can be pushed to around 55mph (100km/h) on road. Two specifications prove to be the most impressive: the exciting prospect of the “working gears” switch on the dashboard, which
allow the driver to select the range of gears desired depending on the terrain; and the ability to reduce the pressure of the tyres to allow up to 30% more traction on slippery surfaces.

The best part arrives in the final moments of the video when you have the opportunity to see one of the most insane things on four wheels: the Unimog Black Edition, a ‘sport’ version developed by Brabus that puts the seemingly impossible in your hands. Do you perchance have an annoying neighbour? Save
up £160,000 and this monster (which amongst other things has a leather and carbon fibre interior) will finally be at your disposal.

Via | German Car Scene