Mahindra sets new record for Simpson Desert crossing
Mahindra has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of the Simpson Desert in a production vehicle, with a team of two drivers achieving the feat in stock examples of the Scorpio SUV in less than 14 hours.
Starting from Birdsville and finishing at the Alkaseltzer Bore (the recognised perimeters at each end of the desert), drivers Gene Corbett (Total Driver) and Ben Robinson (4WD Industries) crossed the Simpson’s 385km and 1,100 sand dunes in 13 hours, 21 minutes and 5 seconds.
Through the dues and salt flats, and in temperatures that reached a peak of 50 degrees Celsius, the Scorpio didn’t miss a beat.
“The Scorpio has truly proven its unbeatable durability, high endurance, and unmatched capability by becoming the fastest production vehicle to cross the Simpson Desert, the toughest desert crossing in the world,” said the driving team.
“The Scorpio boasts pure traction and offers an authentic SUV experience with its 4XPLOR terrain management system, making it as capable as any 4WD on Australian soil.
“Scorpio’s journey, conquering over 1100+ sand dunes in a gruelling 13-hour drive across the challenging Simpson Desert, truly captures the essence of global motoring.”
Although Corbett and Robinson set the new record back in March, it wasn’t verified by the Guinness people until months later. Officially, Mahindra now holds the record for “The fastest crossing by a production vehicle of the Simpson Desert”.
Sachin Arolkar, Head International Operations, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said of the new record: "This is an incredible feat and is a true testament to the Scorpio's unbeatable combination of high-end engineering, performance capability, and durability.
“We are proud to have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with this vehicle, and we cannot wait for Australian enthusiasts to experience the thrill that Scorpio brings.”
Following a six-month local testing programme, the Scorpio was launched in Australia back in April, with two trim levels – Z8 and Z8L – offered. Both are six-seaters, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine producing 129kW and 400Nm. With fuel economy of 7.2lt/100km (combined cycle), the engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive system with two-speed transfer case, auto-locking rear diff and selectable driving modes.
Engineered to set new benchmarks in performance, capability, technology, sophistication, ride and handling, NVH, interiors and appearance, the Scorpio has a 2500kg braked towing capacity and 525kg payload. Ground clearance is 227mm, with approach/departure/breakover angles of 27.2/21.3/23.5 degrees.
Standard safety features on both models include ABS, EBD, ESP, Rollover Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Holder, tyre pressure monitoring and six airbags, with driver assistance tech including rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. To this, the Z8L adds front parking sensors, a front-facing camera and an upgraded instrument display.
Convenience features include dual-zone climate control, power front windows, a glovebox chiller, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and push-button starting. The steering wheel and gear shift knob is trimmed in leather, with leather-look upholstery on all six seats. To this, the Z8L adds wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as a six-way power drivers’ seat and 12-speaker Sony stereo system.
At time of writing, pricing for the Mahindra Scorpio Z8 was $41,990 drive away, with the Scorpio Z8L $45,990 drive away. See your Mahindra dealer for current pricing and further details.
