Vehicle armouring specialist SVI Engineering has launched a new sister company, Ulterio Motiv, which is offering two Toyota Land Cruiser 79-based all-terrain vehicles available in 6×6 and 6×4 configuration.
Built for extreme terrains and heavy loads, the new vehicles are designed for tasks such as camping, emergency services or off-road load carrying. “The aim of these products is to supply chassis to customers who want a bespoke product or a blank canvas,” the company said.
Ulterio Motiv said the 6×6 version is the “ultimate incarnation of the Toyota Land Cruiser”, giving improved off-road capability and increased GVM (gross vehicle mass), which rises to 6 050 kg – a significant 2 850 kg up on that of the standard vehicle.
On the 6×6, the additional axle as well as the existing rear axle are upgraded, and three differential locks ensure off-road mobility. The rear axles are track-corrected, meaning they are slightly wider allowing the tyres to run in line with those fitted to the front axle. Whereas other existing 6×6 systems employs a complex array of drive shafts and gearboxes, the Ulterio Motiv design features a straight-through differential drive from the second to the third axle in combination with a slipper-type clutch to only activate the full 6×6 drive when needed.
For the 6×4 version, the rear axle is not powered by the engine, but increases GVM to 5 500 kg.
Should a customer own a second-hand Land Cruiser 79 from the past couple of years, Ulterio Motiv is able to convert them into a 6×4 (or 6×6) version.
“What really puts Ulterio Motiv on the map is the cost-effective 6×4 option that offers customers the same look and comparable carrying capacity but for less than half the price,” said Ulterio Motiv’s public relations manager, Wilhelm Lutjeharms. A 6×4 conversion costs R389 000 while a 6×6 version costs R895 000 and takes three months to complete.
SVI is no stranger to Land Cruiser 79-based vehicles, having armoured Land Cruisers for commercial customers and used the Land Cruiser as the basis for its lightweight, low-cost MAX 3 series of armoured personnel carriers. These are available in 4×4, 6×4 and 6×6 versions.
