Articles by Mike Ryan

Mini continues to lead the way at the 2012 Dakar, but the big news to come out of Stage 10 is the potential disqualification of Robby Gordon (Hummer H3) on a technical non-compliance issue.

Stephane Peterhansel's 'nudging' of a stranded motorcycle competitor during a river crossing on Stage 9 of the 2012 Dakar may draw the attention of the stewards, but the Frenchman has bigger problems in the form of Robby Gordon (Hummer H3). After winning the stage, the American is looming ever larger in Peterhansel's rear view mirror!

In an event where margins are usually measured in minutes, Nani Roma (Mini) triumphed over Robby Gordon (Hummer H3) by a mere 5 seconds on Stage 8 of the 2012 Dakar. After a day's rest and recovery at Copiapo, the Dakar was back in action for Stage 8, from Copiapo to Antofagasta, a stage marked by a huge 477km Special Stage, the longest of the entire rally, through the rocky trails and fine, powder-like "fesh fesh" sand of the Atacama.

Just weeks after the launch of its Ford Ranger cousin, the first models in Mazda's diesel-only BT-50 ute range have been released and Mazda Australia has high hopes for strong monthly sales performance.

Following a day of R&R in Copiapo, the 2012 Dakar got underway again on Monday, January 9, in a 722 km stage (245km transit, 477km Special Stage) from Copiapo to Antofagasta.

They were tipped to be the team to beat before the start of the 2012 Dakar rally, and the flotilla of Minis from the German-based X-Raid team haven't disappointed, winning multiple stages and looking likely to secure an overall class victory in the fortnight-long South American endurance event.

After threatening to end the dominance of the Minis on several occasions, Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah (Hummer H3) broke through for victory on Stage 7, his second stage win of the 2012 Dakar. What was even better is that team mate Robby Gordon finished the stage in second, making it a Hummer 1-2.

Dunes, dust - and dust-ups - marked Stage 5 of the 2012 Dakar. While Polish driver Krzysztof Holowczyc (Mini) enjoyed his first ever Dakar stage win, the performance of Orlando Terranova (Toyota) was far less noteworthy.

After Stage 4 of the 2012 Dakar, a new hierarchy has been established in the car category, with Stephane Peterhansel taking the stage win. Over the 326km Special Stage between San Juan and Chilecito marked by dusty trails and treacherous rocks, the Frenchman's performance also moved him to top place in the general classification, with a margin of 5'41" over South Africa's Giniel de Villiers in the custom Toyota Hilux he is debuting in this year's Dakar.

Mitsubishi's Outlander Platinum Edition is now available in a limited release of 1000 units, tempting buyers with a host of upgrades. Based on the 2012 model year LS Outlander, the Outlander Platinum is available as a two- or four-wheel drive with the choice of manual or CVT transmission (five seat version only).

Cementing its position in the Australian 4x4 market, Toyota's FJ Cruiser has rounded out its first year on sale by winning 4x4 Australia magazine's 4x4 of the Year title.

Back in the heady days of the 1990s, the Hummer was available in civilian spec to private buyers, with luminaries such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mike Tyson cruising the streets of LA in H1 Hummers.