4WD without fear
The two-monthly magazine ElaborarE4x4, leader in the off-road and extreme mobility 4WD sector, tested at the Merlo Training and Research Centre one of the first three new Land Rover Defenders arrived in Italy: long wheelbase, 240 HP twin-turbo diesel and 430 Nm torque.
The new Defender, which retired the previous one after almost 70 years of honored service, had been expected for over 4 years.
This is the first time in the world that a new model has been thoroughly tested on a proving ground not of the parent company and since the vehicle had to be tested close to its operation limits, the CFRM track proved to be optimal due to its unique features. Its very technical track highlighted the qualifying aspects of the Defender’s innovative electronically controlled traction and allowed Roberto Croci, journalist and expert instructor of the Grip Academy of Nordovest4x4 in Mondovì (CN) and the technicians of the Damilano Experience Car dealership in Cuneo, who technically supervised the tests, to verify performance in extreme conditions.
Road-holding and suspension articulation tests were carried out on terrain of different conformation and gradient and the lateral stability up to 30 degrees and the effectiveness of the electronically controlled traction were verified both on the muddy track and on the 60 degrees of the rough concrete ramps of the Centre.
The proof that the CFRM facilities are not only designed to test Merlo vehicles.
Picture above: from left Gian Paolo Fresia and Andrea Dalmasso, CFRM senior trainers and Edo Giuggia, test driver of Damilano Experience Car.
