Wheels and deals
A round-up of the latest car reveals, consumer issues and hot deals.
Nissan reveals new Navara AT32
Nissan has unveiled a refreshed version of its go-anywhere Navara AT32.
Forged through a partnership between Nissan and Icelandic off-road experts Arctic Trucks, the AT32 is packed with features which allow it to deal with even the most extreme of terrains.
On all four corners sit 31.6inch Nokian tyres, which have been fitted with dual valves in order to give fast and accurate adjustments of air pressure.
Underneath the Navara is a full aluminium underbody shielding plate, as well as bespoke wheelarch extensions and performance Bilstein suspension.
Badging unique to the AT32 has been applied to the front wings, side extensions and side steps - among other places while an air intake snorkel can be added as an optional extra to increase the Navara's wading depth to 800mm. An electronic lock can also be specified for the front differential to help with traction in tricky conditions.
Manuel Burdiel, general manager Europe, LCV sales and business development, said: "The Nissan Navara AT32 was a sell-out success and proved incredibly popular with adventurers seeking elegance and toughness.
"We have upgraded the AT32 so it can maintain its position as the ultimate Navara while bringing new efficiency and becoming fully WLTP compliant. It's the perfect blend of in-car technology, comfort and extreme off-road performance."
The AT32 also retains many of the technological features found on the standard Navara, such as hill start assist, hill descent control and intelligent emergency braking. It's set to go on sale in February, with prices released closer to that time.
This 3D-printed locking wheel nut aims to cut alloy theft
Ford has developed a 3D-printed locking wheel nut in a bid to deter thieves from stealing alloy wheels.
A locking wheel nut is commonly found on each wheel of most modern cars and requires a special tool to remove in a bid to keep the alloys safe from theft. It's not a flawless solution though, leading to the European arm of the American car giant working on new tech to improve protection.
These new units are grooved with a pattern created from the voice of the vehicle owner, with engineers recording them saying a phrase for at least one second. That soundwave is then converted into a printable pattern using specialist software, before being turned into a circle and implemented on the locking wheel nut and accompanying key.
The nut and key are 3D printed in stainless steel as one piece, before being separated from one another after creation rather than being individually crafted. This would theoretically give a unique pattern to the wheel nut, ultimately preventing universal tools from being able to remove the unit.
Ford also says the unit is unable to be copied using wax or other materials as it contains unevenly spaced ribs and indentations that widen as they get deeper. This is said to make any materials used for cloning break apart when removed from the units.
Raphael Koch, Ford of Europe advanced materials and processes research engineer, said: "It's one of the worst experiences for a driver, to find their car up on blocks with all four wheels gone. Some alloy wheels can cost thousands to replace, but these unique rim nuts will stop thieves in their tracks. Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a game-changer for car production."