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Jeep Wrangler's Desert Duel: Heat-Related Torque Loss in the Atacama

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. uel-heat-related-torque-loss-in-the-atacama.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 5:11 GMT by Newsweek

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Vehicles Tested in Nature’s Extremes – A Comprehensive Look at How Modern Machines Hold Their Own

Published in Newsweek’s “Vehicles Tested in Nature’s Extremes” series (original article: https://www.newsweek.com/vehicles-tested-natures-extremes-11222234)

In a world where road conditions can vary from the scorching heat of the Sahara to the icy grip of the Arctic tundra, automakers claim their cars can survive it all. Newsweek’s in‑depth investigation “Vehicles Tested in Nature’s Extremes” sets out to verify those claims, sending a selection of the most popular off‑road and everyday vehicles into a battery of brutal, real‑world tests. From sand dunes to salt flats, from dense rainforests to frozen oceans, the series demonstrates that while technology has made vehicles more capable than ever, each model still has limits—and knowing those limits is the key to safe, enjoyable travel.

1. The Setup: How the Tests Were Conducted

The article opens by explaining the methodology behind the series. Rather than relying on simulated data, each vehicle was driven in its own environment by a seasoned off‑road pilot and a mechanical engineer who recorded every metric—engine temperature, oil pressure, tire traction, and, crucially, the driver’s subjective experience. The tests were intentionally “unfiltered”: no additional protective gear, no over‑modified suspension, and no special fuel additives, meaning the results are a realistic gauge of stock performance.

Links embedded in the piece provide background on the pilot’s credentials (a former U.S. Army ranger who has navigated the Mojave Desert, the Amazon Basin, and the Antarctic plateau) and a brief primer on automotive thermodynamics that helps readers understand why certain vehicles struggle in extreme heat or cold. The article also references a related Newsweek feature on “Extreme Weather Driving Tips,” giving readers actionable safety advice that parallels the hard data presented.

2. The Vehicles and the Extremes They Faced

a) Jeep Wrangler (Rubicon Edition) – The Atacama Desert

The Wrangler, long celebrated for its off‑road pedigree, was taken to the Atacama—one of the world’s driest places, with sand temperatures soaring past 120 °F. The Wrangler’s four‑wheel‑drive system and high‑ground‑clearance shone in the shifting dunes. However, the article notes that the vehicle’s stock 8.4‑liter diesel engine suffered from heat‑related torque loss after 12 hours of continuous driving, highlighting the limits of stock cooling systems under extreme thermal stress.

b) Toyota Land Cruiser 70 – The Amazon Rainforest

The Land Cruiser 70, renowned for its ruggedness, was tested on muddy, river‑bank tracks in the Amazon. With a full‑size water‑jetting system, it cleared a 40‑foot wide flooded trail in under three minutes. The article cites the Jeep’s ability to recover from a deep mud trap with a simple “hook‑and‑pull” technique, while the Land Cruiser’s “low‑speed hydraulic steering” gave it superior traction. Engineers noted that the Land Cruiser’s robust chassis mitigated “whiplash” damage that the Wrangler suffered when the latter hit a sudden rock outcrop.

c) Ford F‑150 Raptor – The Nevada Salt Flats

Salt flats present a unique challenge: slick, abrasive surfaces that can erode tires and degrade traction. The Raptor’s high‑ground‑clearance and specialized “Rock‑Ride” suspension held up well. However, the article points out that the vehicle’s air‑intake suffered from salt buildup, leading to a 10 % drop in horsepower during the final 15 km of the test. The piece links to a manufacturer‑endorsed article on “Salt‑Flat Maintenance Tips” that offers practical solutions (e.g., pre‑test rinsing and use of a salt‑resistant engine flush).

d) Subaru Outback – The Arctic Circle

Perhaps the most surprising inclusion in the series is the Subaru Outback, a crossover rather than a dedicated off‑road machine. In the harsh Arctic environment, the Outback’s symmetrical all‑wheel‑drive system proved surprisingly effective. The article details a 200‑km trek through snow‑driven trails, where the Outback maintained a steady 4.0 mph speed with its “X‑Gear” system engaged. The vehicle’s interior climate control held an ambient temperature of –40 °F, keeping the driver comfortable. The series points out that, while the Outback performed admirably, its stock suspension was not designed for “mud‑slick” traction, causing a 15 % increase in tire wear.

e) Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class – The African Savannah

In a more exotic setting, the G‑Class was tested in the African savannah’s rocky plateau. The vehicle’s high‑capacity 4x4 system and “4‑Wheel‑Drive Control” software allowed it to negotiate jagged rocks that would have stalled the Jeep and the Land Cruiser. Yet the article notes that the G‑Class’s “high‑speed transmission” suffered a slight overheating incident when traversing the 20‑km “rock ladder,” indicating that even high‑end SUVs can falter under relentless stress.

3. What the Tests Reveal

The overarching message of the article is that no vehicle is a “one‑size‑fits‑all” solution to nature’s extremes. A few patterns emerge:

1. Engine Cooling Is Crucial – In deserts, both the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford F‑150 Raptor experienced torque loss from overheating. Proper cooling system maintenance is non‑negotiable.

2. Tire and Suspension Design Dictates Traction – The Land Cruiser’s off‑road tires excelled in mud, while the Salt‑Flat test highlighted the need for salt‑resistant tires.

3. All‑Wheel‑Drive Systems Vary – The Subaru Outback’s symmetrical AWD system handled Arctic conditions well, but the Jeep’s “4‑Wheel‑Drive” offered better rock penetration.

4. Vehicle Weight and Power Matter – Heavier vehicles like the Land Cruiser had better load‑bearing capacity but required more powerful engines to avoid stalling in steep terrain.

5. Manufacturer‑Specific Features Can Be a Blessing or a Curse – The G‑Class’s “4‑Wheel‑Drive Control” was a lifesaver on rocky plateaus, yet its transmission overheated on a steep incline—a trade‑off that drivers need to know.

4. Practical Takeaways for Drivers

• Know Your Vehicle’s Limits – Even the most capable SUV will struggle if the terrain exceeds its design specifications. The article links to a guide on “Selecting the Right Vehicle for Your Adventure” that helps readers match vehicle features to terrain types.

• Routine Maintenance Is Non‑Optional – Simple steps like cleaning the air intake, flushing the cooling system, and inspecting tires can significantly improve performance in extreme environments.

• Plan for Power‑Loss Scenarios – The Jeep Wrangler’s engine torque loss in the desert reminds drivers to carry a spare battery or a power‑boosting kit, especially on extended trips.

• Use the Right Tires – Whether you’re driving on salt flats or muddy trails, the tire compound and tread pattern must match the environment. The article points to a comparison chart of “Best All‑Terrain Tires for Extreme Conditions.”

• Stay Informed About Weather – Extreme weather can alter terrain dramatically. The linked “Extreme Weather Driving Tips” article covers how to adjust driving style when temperatures, precipitation, and wind shift unexpectedly.

5. Final Verdict

Newsweek’s “Vehicles Tested in Nature’s Extremes” goes beyond headline‑catching bravado to deliver hard data, expert analysis, and actionable advice. While the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Raptor, Subaru Outback, and Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class all performed impressively in their respective environments, each showcased distinct strengths and weaknesses that could mean the difference between a triumphant journey and a stranded situation. The series is a must‑read for adventure seekers, off‑road enthusiasts, and even everyday drivers who want to understand the limits of their cars when they encounter the planet’s most unforgiving terrains.

For the full article, including detailed performance charts and supplemental links, read the original piece at Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/vehicles-tested-natures-extremes-11222234.