Latest news with #Tremor
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
What you need to know before taking your Ford Ranger off-road
If you stick to a few basic rules, you'll stay safe and preserve the environment. It's already month three of our time with the Ford Ranger XLT. And we are racking up the miles all over the place. One thing South Africa offers is some beautiful outdoor escapes and some rugged terrain thrown in for good measure. This country is a paradise for off-road enthusiasts. And the Ranger bakkie is built to go off-road. Proper off-road driving, not dirt road and game reserve stuff, demands not only a capable vehicle like the Ford Ranger. But it also requires that you have some skill, are prepared, and that you respect the nature around you. So, whether you're joining a local 4×4 club for a weekend trail or planning an extended overland expedition, understanding the fundamentals of off-road driving is crucial to ensuring safety, preserving the environment and maximising enjoyment. The Citizen Motoring has compiled an easy list of things you need to know to make the most out of your bakkie. Understanding your Ford Ranger The foundation for off-roading starts with knowing your vehicle's capabilities and limitations. Familiarise yourself with your vehicle's 4×4 drive capabilities (4H, 4L), diff locks, traction control systems, ground clearance, as well as approach and departure angles. The Ford Ranger has an impressive front approach angle of 30 degrees and rear departure angle of 25.6 degrees – the latter is 23 degrees when a towbar is fitted. Certain models, such as Tremor, Wildtrak and Platinum offer an on-demand four-wheel drive system. This system offers 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L. Modern 4x4s often come equipped with advanced Terrain Management Systems, and for Ford Ranger this comprises Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl modes. The Ford Ranger XL, XLT and Wildtrak feature an electronic rear-differential lock. The Ford Ranger Raptor is equipped with a front and rear differential lock for extra traction. Reading the terrain Learning to 'read' the terrain ahead, whether it's assessing how deep a mud patch is or how loose gravel might affect grip, can be the difference between a successful climb and getting stuck. Certain Ford Ranger models are equipped with the off-road SYNC screen with a 360-degree camera system that makes manoeuvring in tight spaces an absolute cinch. Also available on certain Ford Ranger models is the new Trail Turn Assist feature. This system applies the brakes to the inside wheel when negotiating tight bends in off-road conditions below 19km/h. Reducing the vehicle's turning radius by up to 25% to help navigate around obstacles. Throttle control and momentum Gentle, steady throttle control is essential. The golden rule of 4x4ing safely is tackling challenges or obstacles 'as slow as possible, and as fast as necessary'. In many cases, too much power can cause wheels to spin and lose traction. Understanding when to use momentum such as driving in sand dunes and when to take it slow such as descending a rocky slope is the key to safe and efficient driving. Here certain Ford Ranger models offer Hill Descent Control and selectable driving modes to easily facilitate such tasks. Know how to recover your Ford Ranger Even the most skilled drivers can get stuck. Basic recovery skills and equipment are essential. These includes knowing how to use a recovery strap, and where to find your recovery points. Every Ford Ranger has a recovery point, and certain models have dual recovery points. Never go off-roading alone; having another vehicle nearby can be a lifeline in tricky situations. ALSO READ: Easy-going Ford Ranger XLT the perfect camping companion Top tips for a safe and enjoyable off-road experience Before you hit the trails, here are some essential tips to help you stay safe, protect the environment and make the most of your journey. Tyre pressure matters: Adjusting your tyre pressure can significantly improve traction. Lowering it slightly when driving on sand or rocky surfaces increases the tyre's contact patch, enhancing grip. Just remember to inflate them again before returning to the road. Pack smart: Always carry basic recovery gear (snatch strap, shackles, spade), a first-aid kit, air compressor, and enough water and food. A GPS, maps and a reliable communication device (like a satellite phone or two-way radio) are also highly recommended, especially in remote areas. Tread lightly: Respect the environment. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems and always leave a place as you found it. Join a community: Off-road clubs, like the Ford Adventure Club and forums are great places to learn, share experiences and find adventure companions. They also host regular training days and events to help drivers improve their skills in a safe and supportive environment. ALSO READ: Even without a fancy badge, Ford Ranger XLT is a lot of bakkie Ford adventure club For customers purchasing new Ford 4×4 vehicles, the Ford Adventure Club offers complimentary level 1 training. This course is included as part of the vehicle purchase and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The training is specifically designed for owners of Ford Ranger and Ford Everest 4×4 vehicles, as well as the Raptor.
India Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Meet the toys that have floated in space: From Joy to Buzz Lightyear
Space missions involve high-tech equipment and elaborate science; however, many astronauts also travel with soft toys. Shubhanshu Shukla carried Joy with him on the Axiom-4 NASA project. Joy is a white baby swan soft toy, and along with being an adorable companion, Joy serves as a zero-gravity indicator and carries significant cultural was chosen by Shukla's six-year-old son to accompany them on the spacecraft. Once in orbit, Joy becomes "weightless," serving as a clear visual cue that the crew is in this, Joy symbolises wisdom and purity in Indian culture, loyalty in Poland, and grace in Hungary, reflecting the crew's diverse backgrounds. Shukla highlighted that Joy serves as a meaningful companion, helping the team focus on what truly matters during their mission in space. When people think of space missions, they think in terms of complex machines, satellites, and scientific experiments. However, behind the scenes, astronauts sometimes take toys with them to help them remember home, inspire inquisitive children watching from Earth, and sometimes help to demonstrate science concepts. Either towards the end of a school year, many of the toys have not only been fun, but have also had realistic the years, many toys, from characters popularised in memorable movies to handmade stuffed animals, have floated inside the International Space Station (ISS). Each toy has a story to tell and a reason to be in are the most interesting toys for travelling in Yoda joined the crewIn 2020, during SpaceX's Crew-1 mission, a Baby Yoda toy from The Mandalorian series joined NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker, and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi on their journey to the ISS. Astronaut Victor Glover playfully told mission control, 'Baby Yoda says you guys can come back on board,' after the cameras had briefly turned off, making the toy an instant hit on social media. Meet the toys that have floated in space: From Joy to Buzz Lightyear Dinosaurs, Planets, and Buzz LightyearMany other toys have made memorable space trips:Tremor the sparkly dinosaur plush: Chosen by astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley for SpaceX's Demo-2 mission because both have children who love dinosaurs. Tremor became famous worldwide and quickly sold out the toy planet: Sent as a zero-gravity indicator on SpaceX's Crew Dragon test flight in 2019. It floated as the spacecraft entered orbit, showing the crew had reached buddy, that's your Mother Earth. Isn't she beautiful? COL Anne McClain (@AstroAnnimal) March 4, 2019Buzz Lightyear: In 2008, NASA sent a Buzz Lightyear toy to the ISS, finally fulfilling the character's dream of flying in space. Buzz stayed in orbit for 15 months before returning to Earth, where he now lives at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. NASA/Steven Siceloff TOYS THAT TAUGHT AND INSPIREDSome toys also helped astronauts explain science to children on Earth:Angry Birds plush: In 2012, astronaut Don Pettit took a plush Red Bird to the ISS to help explain microgravity in an educational chessboard: NASA astronaut Gregory Chamitoff played a long-distance chess game against schoolchildren on Earth, with moves exchanged online every couple of days. The kids eventually ISS model: Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa built a Lego model of the International Space Station while on board to show scientific ideas AND SPECIAL TOYSA few toys carried personal and cultural meaning:Smokey Bear: A soft toy symbol of fire safety travelled with NASA astronaut Joe Acaba and Russian cosmonauts in 2012, highlighting the importance of Earth research from dinosaur plush: In 2013, astronaut Karen Nyberg sewed a small toy dinosaur aboard the ISS for her son Jack using scraps of fabric and materials available on the station—the only toy on the list made entirely in Astronauts, including Peggy Whitson in 2002, used yo-yos to show how objects move differently in solo baseball: Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa famously pitched, batted, and caught the same baseball thanks to zero gravity, turning an ordinary game into something truly ASTRONAUTS TAKE TOYS TO SPACETo many people, toys in space may seem playful or even unnecessary. But they serve important roles:Acting as zero-gravity indicatorsHelping astronauts share science in creative waysBringing comfort and reminders of family and homeMaking space missions feel closer and more human to people on EarthFrom Joy the swan to Baby Yoda and Buzz Lightyear, these toys remind us that even on the most advanced space missions, astronauts carry a piece of Earth-and often, a piece of love—with them beyond the stars.- Ends
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How toys have quietly become part of space history
A soft white swan named Joy is all set to join the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, floating her way into orbit alongside a crew of astronauts. Chosen by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's six-year-old son, Joy will serve as the mission's zero-gravity indicator—a whimsical but meaningful tradition in space travel that began decades ago. Joy joins a long line of toys that have become silent companions in space history. What Joy stands for Joy, the baby swan aboard Axiom-4, isn't just a zero-G indicator—it's a symbol of cultural unity. Chosen to mark the transition into microgravity, Joy also reflects the joint spirit of ISRO, ESA, and Hungary's Hunor programme. In India, the swan is revered as the vahana of Goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom and purity. In Poland, it stands for loyalty and resilience. In Hungary, it embodies grace and the beauty of nature. Through Joy, the Ax-4 crew quietly celebrates the cultural threads that connect their mission across borders. The first space toys The tradition started in 1961 when Yuri Gagarin brought a small doll on his historic flight. In 1985, NASA's STS-51D mission flew 11 toys to demonstrate microgravity's effects—showing how objects like Slinkys and yo-yos behave differently in orbit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo These experiments became powerful tools to teach space physics. Pop culture icons take flight Buzz Lightyear's 2008 mission aboard the ISS helped NASA's STEM outreach by bringing a beloved toy to space. Since then, characters like Olaf ( Frozen ), Red ( Angry Birds ), and Grogu (Baby Yoda) have flown to inspire young fans and make space more relatable. Handmade and family-selected keepsakes Not all toys come from franchises. In 2013, astronaut Karen Nyberg sewed a tiny dinosaur aboard the ISS for her son. Many toys are picked by astronauts' children, like Tremor, a glittery dinosaur flown on Crew Dragon, or the CBeebies star Miss Mouse from , carried by Tim Peake. Why toys travel to space They serve scientific, emotional, and cultural roles. After missions, many toys find homes in museums or with families. Zero-G indicators: Show when weightlessness begins. . Examples include Earthy, a plush blue planet on a SpaceX test flight, and Tremor, who delighted kids watching Crew Dragon's launch Physics demonstrators: NASA's toy experiments teach microgravity physics. Emotional anchors: Provide comfort and connection, often chosen by astronauts' kids. Cultural ambassadors: Characters inspire wonder and science curiosity.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style
The 2026 Ford Explorer's off-road credibility is in for a boost when the midsize SUV adds a model with the automaker's popular Tremor badge later this year. The Explorer Tremor adds gear, including three steel skid plates, increased ground clearance and a Torsen rear differential. The 2026 Explorer Tremor also gets handsome visual upgrades from bright LED off-road lights across a new grille to 'Electric Spice' orange details. On sale late 2025 Standard four-wheel drive 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine 400-hp maximum power 10-speed automatic transmission 31.5-inch Bridgestone all-terrain tires 18-inch gloss black painted wheels with orange highlight Electric spice orange highlights Assembled in Chicago Price: TBA The Tremor should add meaningful capability compared with the Explorer's short-lived Timberline trim, which was about looks more than function. Ford discontinued the Timberline after the 2024 model year. The Tremor is an outdoorsy model mirroring the performance-oriented ST in the Explorer lineup. ST prices start at $56,770. It's not unreasonable to expect the Tremor in the same neighborhood. 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 review: Plug-in luxury with smooth power and smart style Tremors will be available with either a 2.3L four-cylinder or 3.0L V6 engine. The only performance figures Ford has revealed is 400 hp from the twin-turbo V6. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. A 14-speaker B&O audio system will be available. The Explorer is the second Ford SUV to get a Tremor model, following the Expedition. There are also Tremor models of Ford's pickups. The Explorer Tremor's front corners were carved out so the front wheels can tackle big rocks without damaging the fascia. Selecting a new off-road mode modifies throttle response, shift points, traction control, power distribution, 360-degree trail view and an inclinometer. Other unique Tremor touches include: 1 inch more ground clearance Twin front recovery hooks LED off-road lights in grille Steel front, rear and transmission skid plates Unique front and rear fascia Off-road driving mode Improved approach and departure angles Trail view cameras Unique stabilizer bars and springs Upgraded shock absorbers The Tremor will be the first vehicle with the 1.5 version of Ford's Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, which adds fully automatic lane changes to its other features. It shares the upgrades the 2025 Explorer received, including Google navigation, apps and music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard equipment. Ford is taking orders for the Explorer Tremor now. Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style
The 2026 Ford Explorer's off-road credibility is in for a boost when the midsize SUV adds a model with the automaker's popular Tremor badge later this year. The Explorer Tremor adds gear, including three steel skid plates, increased ground clearance and a Torsen rear differential. The 2026 Explorer Tremor also gets handsome visual upgrades from bright LED off-road lights across a new grille to 'Electric Spice' orange details. 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Ford key facts On sale late 2025 Standard four-wheel drive 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine 400-hp maximum power 10-speed automatic transmission 31.5-inch Bridgestone all-terrain tires 18-inch gloss black painted wheels with orange highlight Electric spice orange highlights Assembled in Chicago Price: TBA Taking the Explorer off-road — for real, this time The Tremor should add meaningful capability compared with the Explorer's short-lived Timberline trim, which was about looks more than function. Ford discontinued the Timberline after the 2024 model year. The Tremor is an outdoorsy model mirroring the performance-oriented ST in the Explorer lineup. ST prices start at $56,770. It's not unreasonable to expect the Tremor in the same neighborhood. Tremors will be available with either a 2.3L four-cylinder or 3.0L V6 engine. The only performance figures Ford has revealed is 400 hp from the twin-turbo V6. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. A 14-speaker B&O audio system will be available. The Explorer is the second Ford SUV to get a Tremor model, following the Expedition. There are also Tremor models of Ford's pickups. What makes the Explorer Tremor special? The Explorer Tremor's front corners were carved out so the front wheels can tackle big rocks without damaging the fascia. Selecting a new off-road mode modifies throttle response, shift points, traction control, power distribution, 360-degree trail view and an inclinometer. Other unique Tremor touches include: The Tremor will be the first vehicle with the 1.5 version of Ford's Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, which adds fully automatic lane changes to its other features. It shares the upgrades the 2025 Explorer received, including Google navigation, apps and music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard equipment. Ford is taking orders for the Explorer Tremor now. Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
