The TAC-6 is considered the most extreme Toyota LC79 at present. In addition to the 6×6, it also has a customized ZF automatic transmission, a customized transmission system and a large-capacity fuel tank (up to 610 liters). The vehicle can even withstand assault rifle bullets.
The design of this car originally came from the needs of the French special forces. They contacted Armormax at that time, looking for a car that could be customized with strong off-road performance and suitable for different terrains.
Eventually the TAC-6 was born, and the company produced it with the goal of “being able to go anywhere.” According to Armormax, the car never had a single mechanical failure during the long period of testing.
Each car is based on the regular Toyota LC79 series and is powered by a 4.2-liter V6 or 4.5-liter V8 engine. The chassis section has been lengthened to support the third axle, and a second transmission box has been added to send power to the third axle.
The vehicle also uses a custom three-piece driveshaft from heavy-duty Dana Components and retains standard-length leaf springs to increase its off-road capability and payload capacity to 4400kg. In addition, the total mass of the vehicle reaches seven tons.
The TAC-6 was designed with military deployment in mind. The cargo compartment can be equipped with various turret-mounted weapon systems, including 12.7mm, 14.5mm, 20mm and 30mm caliber, 60mm and 81mm mortar systems, as well as for personnel carriers, ammunition vehicles, mechanical field workshops, small vehicle transport, logistics support, radar and drone platforms, and anti-tank missile launch platforms.
As a 6×6 model, not any conventional automatic transmission can be matched. ZF has built a special gearbox specifically for this car to adapt to the toughest conditions. The gearbox can withstand torques of up to 1,000 Nm.
The eight-speed gearbox even uses a custom cooling system so it can survive hot weather or heavy loads in thick sand.Buyers can choose to upgrade the car’s cabin to a B6 level of bullet-proofing, making it capable of withstanding assault rifle bullets. It can also be fitted with bulletproof fuel tanks, in-car fire extinguishing systems and more. In addition, more spare wheels can be optionally equipped, and up to 28 people can be transported in the vehicle.
Armormax also provides this car with a dual fuel tank design that can hold 210 liters and 90 liters respectively, giving it a cruising range of more than 2,000 kilometers. If you think this is not enough, the double-row model can be upgraded to accommodate a 560-liter fuel tank, while the single-row model supports a maximum fuel tank of 610 liters.
Finally, as expected, this beast doesn’t come cheap. The modification cost for the standard version (excluding the car) is 1,558,000 South African rand or approximately 580,000 yuan, while the bulletproof version requires an additional 1,296,000 rand (approximately 480,000 yuan). In addition, the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission can also be sold separately and installed on any LC79 4.5-liter diesel V8 engine model for a cost of R440,000 (approximately RMB 158,000).
