Unbreakable: The 6×6 TAC-6 is the Ultimate Toyota Land Cruiser 79 | Carscoops

Armormax says that despite strenuous testing, there has never been a mechanical failure on its modified Land Cruiser pickup

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This is the TAC-6, an extreme version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series from the South African company Armormax Defense. It could be the most powerful Land Cruiser 79 in the world and is perfect for both civilian and military use.

Armormax was initially contacted by the French special forces looking for a vehicle that could cope with hostile environments but did not require any special training to operate. The TAC-6 is the company’s invention. It was designed with the ability to “go anywhere and come back with anyone again and again.” According to Armormax, there was not a single mechanical defect in all the tests carried out on the six-wheeler.

Read: This armored Jaguar I-Pace from South Africa is the first of its kind

Each vehicle starts as a regular 79 Series Land Cruiser with either the 4.2-liter V6 or 4.5-liter V8. The chassis was lengthened to support a third axle and a second transfer case was added to transfer power to the third axle. It then features custom three-piece driveshafts with heavy-duty Dana components and features standard-length leaf springs, but can be upgraded with a 4-inch lift kit.

Another key component of the TAC-6 is the transmission. Armormax had initially developed the six-wheeled Land Cruiser with a manual transmission, but postponed the launch about a year ago and decided to switch to an automatic transmission.

This is not just any normal automatic transmission, but a transmission developed and homologated by ZF in South Africa that is produced exclusively for the TAC-6. Designed for the harshest conditions imaginable, it can handle up to 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. The eight-speed transmission even uses a custom cooling system to help in hot weather and when driving under heavy loads in thick sand.

Buyers can have the Land Cruiser’s cab armored to B6 level so it can withstand shots from an assault rifle. It can also be equipped with water tanks, a fire extinguishing system and two spare wheels and can carry up to 28 people. The TAC-6 also sits on locking rims and features upgraded brakes, which is fitting given its significantly heavier weight than a standard 79-series model.

Armormax also offers it with two fuel tanks that can hold 210 liters (55.4 gallons) and 90 liters (23.7 gallons) respectively, allowing a range of over 2,000 km (1,242 miles). The Double Cab model can also be upgraded to a capacity of up to 560 liters (147.9 gallons), while a 610 liters (161 gallons) tank has been developed for the Single Cab version.

Specifications:

• Length: 5,995 mm (single and double cab)
• Width: 1,870 mm
• Height: 2,015 mm
• Ground clearance under diff: 265 mm
• Ground clearance to chassis: 350 mm
• Approach angle: 40 degrees
• Departure angle: 38 degrees
• Tilt angle: 15 degrees
• Total vehicle mass: 7,000 kg
• Empty weight: 2,950 kg (single cabin)
• Curb weight: 3,080 kg (double cab)
• Payload: 4,050 kg (single cabin)
• Payload: 3,920 kg (double cab)
• Maximum speed: 160 km/h
• Engine: Toyota 4.5 liter V8 turbo diesel
• Power: 151 kW (five-speed manual transmission)
• Power: 192 kW (eight-speed automatic)

“When it comes to mobility, the TAC6 platform outperforms any full-size 4-ton truck available today,” the company said. “Extensive testing in various landscapes in Africa and Europe has cemented its reputation as the epitome of mobility.”

Unsurprisingly, this beast doesn’t come cheap. A standard model starts at 1,558,000 South African rand, or about $81,500, while the additional armor can cost up to 1,296,000 rand ($67,850).