As the 4:00 AM wake-up call echoed across the Nevada desert, 39 sleepy but resolute individuals emerged from their tents and raced towards the starting gate of a 8-mile cross country run for the beginning of the G4 National Selection competition.

You know it's new the minute you lay eyes on it: the brushed metal power vents on the sides, the European-style crazy lights in front and back...and inside! Cherry and walnut blend, with brushed aluminum fascia that reminds one more of a luxury yacht than a luxury car.

If you are among the thousands if not millions around the world that still miss the days of the Camel Trophy, if you feel the demise of the Trophy robbed you of a chance to test you mettle in the “Olympics of four-wheeling”, if you watch Camel Trophy videos saying to yourself “I could do that”, it’s time to put your money where you mouth is ‘cause Land Rover has a new adventure challenge that’s Camel Trophy in all but name.

While vehicle sales slipped 1.7% for GM, 12.6% for Ford and 3.8% for DaimlerChrysler (Spring 2002 to Spring 2001 comparison), sales for Land Rover increased 36.6%!

Yes...it's been dubbed "the Landie" and it will be in showrooms as early as 2006; which is now less likely as the Premier Automotive Group CEO Wolfgang Reitzle who championed the cause departed in April.

As we drove the Defender 110 down yet another washout, we came across our third water crossing. Normally this would present only a brief delay while the driver walks across the stream to ascertain depth, current, bottom conditions and to check for obstructions. We didn’t believe this approach would work in this case. The warning posters kept coming to mind: “don’t risk your life, Never enter the water or you may become part of a crocodile’s menu”.

Have you see the tricked out Defender 110 used in the movie "Tomb Raider"? Software sensation Lara Croft, (a.k.a. actress Angelina Jolie), uses it to fight crime and the elements, and it's more than up to the task.

Automobile's SUV special issue in April, 2002, gave the new 2003 Range Rover a very tough and thorough going over, and concluded that they were very happy with the new BMW engine, among other things.

Nothing cures a case of the wintertime doldrums and cabin-fever blues faster than a four wheeling trip. When winter’s long nights threaten to turn us into couch potatoes, we load up the Discovery and head out. On a clear winter’s day, we packed a couple weeks worth of food, filled the water and fuel tanks, and set off toward Nebraska to corroborate rumors of endless sand dunes, of pine-covered ridges, and miles of four-wheel-drive trails.

As if "The Landie" weren't enough of a sea change for Rover, there's also talk of an entire line replacement.

The all new Range Rover made its official world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit a few days ago, and WOW it’s one heck of a Land Rover. From every angle it’s clearly identifiable as a Range Rover, yet from every angle it’s different and new. Under Geoff Upex, Land Rover’s design director, the design team was able to capture the essence of Range Rover yet move it to the 21st century. It is at once retro and forward looking. The clamshell hood with raised contours, split tailgate, and floating roof with blacked-out pillars are all part of Range Rover’s 30 year DNA, while the striking headlamps, tail-lamps and dramatic front fender engine intake louvers hint at Range Rover’s evolution. But even though there are unmistakable similarities to previous Range Rovers, this Range Rover shares not a single body panel with its forbears.

It looks like Land Rover may be set to do a little downsizing once again. Not the company...the vehicle line-up.

The Freelanders are rolling out of the Land Rover Dealerships in record numbers and we know why. If you are at all interested in purchasing a competent, all wheel drive, (real world) vehicle, you owe it to yourself to try the Freelander.

This survey is being circulated around to 4WD enthusiasts to see if there is any interest in a "playground" specifically designed for off-road practice, fun and adventure. As with any survey, the more responses, the better, so please take a moment to fill out the following questions and send it to the e-mail address listed at the end.

I flew to South Africa as an automotive journalist to cover Land Rover’s first Global TReK Competition for Land Rover Line and several print journals. When I got there I found out to my surprise (and delight) that I had been drafted along with John Lloyd and Gene Cussons to form and additional 12th team of competitors. So in the end I had the rare privilege of both reporting the action and being part of it.