Although it may not seem like it, Toyota still sells the Land Cruiser 70 in various parts of the world. Although they were launched in the eighties, properly modernized, they continue to offer first-class off-road capabilities, extreme durability and a purely retro aesthetic. In many parts of the world they are cult vehicles, especially for professional use. Based on the 79 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pick-up body , Armormax Defense, a South African company, has created an absolutely indestructible 6×6 all-terrain vehicle . Its capabilities seem infinite.
A six-meter Toyota Land Cruiser 70, with 6×6 traction and armor
The final product is called TAC-6, and was initially commissioned by the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales, the French special forces. They wanted a multipurpose vehicle that could venture into hostile territories, whose handling did not require special training. The result is a 6×6 based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 79. The modifications of the off-roader are profound, the most obvious being an elongated box with a second rear drive axle . The factory leaf springs are retained, but the new components are high-performance Dana.
Its specific gearbox could support up to 1,000 Nm of torque
In addition, a kit could be optionally equipped that raises the ground clearance of the 6×6 by 10 centimeters. Another component substantially improved by Armormax is the pickup’s gearbox. The TAC-6 had originally been developed with a manual transmission, but for ease of use and robustness it can optionally be equipped with a new eight-speed ZF gearbox. It has been developed and approved in South Africa by ZF. It is reinforced, has its own cooling system, and is designed to withstand all possible abuse.
The mechanics of the pick-up do not change: it consists of a 4.5 V8 turbodiesel , known for its mechanical toughness, reliability and durability. It develops 205 HP of power and 430 Nm of torque . Armormax claims that in its development testing, the TAC-6 assembly has not experienced a single mechanical failure. It is something very valuable if we take into account that the lives of many people can directly depend on the proper functioning of the vehicle.
It has 6 350 mm brake discs with six-piston calipers
The wheels are beadlock type and have large off-road tires. The factory fuel tanks are replaced by two new diesel tanks with a combined volume of 310 liters . On paper, this allows a realistic range of more than 2,000 kilometers – with an average consumption of 15 l/100 km. It is not an excessive consumption if we take into account that its weight in running order is at least 2,600 kilos, and its maximum authorized mass reaches seven tons .
Armormax offers a series of technical solutions to customize your TAC-6 to the extreme. These solutions range from B6 type armor – sufficient to stop impacts from small arms – to a fire extinguishing system, onboard air compressors, water tanks or several spare wheels. Additionally, the vehicle can be ordered with a single cab or double cab – the single cab version can carry eight additional passengers in an armored module installed in the bed.
The customization possibilities are enormous, depending on the final use of the vehicle.
Although we initially presented it as a military-style vehicle, Armormax sells it for civil and professional use, and is capable of creating a tailored solution for each need . A true Swiss army knife, reliable, robust and indestructible.
Source: Diario Motor – https://www.diariomotor.com/
Link: https://www.diariomotor.com/noticia/armormax-toyota-land-cruiser-70/
