China is pushing assertively into a global automotive industry long dominated by manufacturers from the West and Japan. That progress has been rapid, but it has also drawn scrutiny, particularly around design similarities and, at times, questions of intellectual property. The iCaur, for example, carries visual cues reminiscent of a Toyota Land Cruiser. Whether this…
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Graeme Bell Archive, Page 2
Nissan Revives Terrano Nameplate with Electrified Off-Road Concept at Auto China 2026
Nissan has used the 2026 Auto China show in Beijing to reintroduce one of its historic SUV nameplates, unveiling the new Terrano PHEV Concept as part of a broader push into electrified vehicles. The reappearance of the Terrano badge signals a shift in strategy for the Japanese automaker, blending heritage off-road design with modern hybrid…
Fly and Drive South Africa
For the last few years, my wife, Luisa, and I have been contemplating our future as overland travelers. In the past, we have almost exclusively shipped our vehicle to different continents. However, we have realized that shorter, more intense journeys—where we forego the expense and bureaucracy of shipping and instead use the money saved to…
Greenlander Sherpa: Natural Fiber Construction Meets Modern Expedition Travel
Almost a decade ago, I left my Defender parked up and headed out for a morning walk across the plateau above the sandstone spires of Cappadocia, Turkey. The night before, we had sat beside a small campfire, sipping wine and watching a white camper on the far side of the valley search for a place…
Defender Trophy 2026: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Adventure as brand strategy. Is Land Rover merely selling a vehicle, or is it rebuilding the mythology of the Defender for a new generation? At its core, the Defender Trophy is a global, multi-stage adventure competition designed to reinforce the Defender’s identity—not just as a machine, but as a cultural icon rooted in decades of…
CFMoto 1000MT-X Expected to Arrive in the US as 2027 Ibex 950
CFMoto, the Chinese motorcycle brand, is currently navigating the same skepticism and sideways glances that Japanese manufacturers faced in the West during the 1970s. It is a familiar pattern. Not long ago, I was sitting with a friend from the motorcycle industry, a committed two-stroke Husqvarna enthusiast, and mentioned that I was considering the CFMoto…
Jaguar Land Rover Recalls over 170,000 US Vehicles Following Drive Power Loss Risk
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a significant recall affecting more than 170,000 vehicles in the United States, following concerns over a defect that could lead to a sudden loss of drive power. The recall, disclosed on April 23, 2026, was reported by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and represents one of…
The North Face Launches Universal Collection, Redefining Accessible Outdoor Gear for Everyone
Here at Expedition Portal, we have long celebrated individuals who push beyond perceived limits, and figures such as Kirk Williams, Channing Cash, and Heike and Toshi (click the links to read their amazing stories) serve as clear examples. Their journeys highlight not only resilience and determination but also the additional challenges faced when preparing for…
Dometic Launches Free Gear-Equipped Getaways to Reconnect Urban Dwellers with the Outdoors
Global outdoor technology company Dometic has launched a new experiential initiative to help urban residents reconnect with nature. The program, launching in Los Angeles, offers a series of 17 fully equipped, 36-hour outdoor getaways designed to remove the barriers that often prevent people from spending time outdoors. The concept is straightforward. Participants enter a draw…
Freelander Concept 97 Signals Return of a Familiar Name as a High-Tech Electric SUV
Back in the early 2000s, my father-in-law—encouraged by my enthusiasm for Land Rovers—decided to buy one for himself. He settled on a Freelander, which would not have been my first choice. While it was a stylish and comfortable vehicle, old Andre was less than satisfied, both with the car and, by extension, with me for…
Ozarks BDR-X Launches as a 480-Mile Adventure Loop Through Arkansas Backcountry
Arkansas is, in my humble opinion, underrated as an adventure destination, but those who know know it has a lot to offer across the seasons. The Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has officially introduced the Ozarks BDR-X, a new 480-mile loop designed to showcase the rugged terrain and scenic diversity of northwest Arkansas. The route, which…
ARI Motors Unveils 458 Pro Camper, Germany’s Smallest Electric Motorhome
Anyone who has traveled through Europe in a camper will know that vehicles larger than a van can quickly become impractical on narrow, cobbled streets and confined urban lanes. For those content with modest speeds, limited range, and a compact living area, the 458 Pro Camper presents a workable solution. Would it suit overland travel?…
Buyers’ Guide to Micro Campers and Trailers
The Quinta Lala campsite in Cusco, Peru, is something of an informal summit for the global overland tribe. On any given morning, a traveler will find an eclectic lineup of expedition vehicles scattered across the sloping green lawn, just a stone’s throw from the ancient walls of Sacsayhuamán. After the first coffee of the day,…
British Army Retires Entire Land Rover Fleet After Seven Decades of Service
Initial Auctions Will Be Held in the UK Later This Month I raised my children in a Land Rover Defender. Literally. They saw the world through flat glass, perched on a bench seat designed more for short-distance travel than long-term comfort. The only people who have likely spent as much time in a Defender—aside from…
2027 Toyota Land Cruiser :: An Evolution Rather than a Revolution
The current-generation Land Cruiser was introduced only recently, and as a result, the 2027 model carries over the same core architecture, hybrid powertrain, and overall design. There are no major mechanical changes reported, with updates largely limited to minor refinements in trim offerings, equipment packaging, and availability. In practical terms, both model years deliver the…
Prattline Low Tow: A Telescopic Caravan Reimagined for Modern Off-Grid Travel
When I was six years old, I proudly led my entire grade on the walk from Parkhurst Primary School in Johannesburg to my house, which was adjacent to the corner of the rugby field. There, I beamed proudly as I gave the children a tour of my family’s brand-new caravan; it was 1979, and this…
onX and Toyota Expand Trail Revival Project with 24 Nationwide Restoration Events in 2026
The trails we all love and treasure are in constant need of preservation and maintenance so that we, and future generations, can continue to enjoy this precious outdoor resource. To this end, onX, the leader in digital navigation technology, has announced the expansion of its Trail Revival Project in partnership with Toyota for a second…
Invader Viator: South African Brand Expands Its Premium Off-Road Camper Line
We recently published a Pop-top and Expandable Living Buyers’ Guide, which provided a useful opportunity to review the market and assess the range of available camper trailers, along with their features, strengths, and compromises. That exercise reinforced my view that a pop-top remains one of the most effective solutions for long-distance overland travel, offering a…
Overland News of the Week, March 27th, 2026
iKamper Launches Skycamp 4.0 Rooftop Tent Series iKamper has introduced the Skycamp 4.0 series, the latest evolution of its flagship rooftop tent platform, featuring a refined design that improves interior space while maintaining a compact external footprint. The updated lineup includes duo, trio, and quad configurations, expanding fitment across mid-size SUVs, crossovers, wagons, and truck…
Jeep Celebrates 60th Easter Jeep Safari With New Concepts, Community Initiatives, and Expanded Consumer Experiences
The Jeep brand is preparing for a prominent presence at the 60th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, scheduled to run from March 28 through April 5, 2026. Marking both a milestone anniversary for the event and the brand’s 85th year, Jeep plans to showcase a range of concept vehicles, consumer engagement programs, and…