Meet the SVI Max 3 Troopy, a street-legal bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s no secret that Toyota is preparing for the launch of its third-generation Land Cruiser. So far we have seen numerous leaked images of the SUV revealing its exterior and interior design, which ensures one thing that the latest model would be loaded with more luxury and tech. Well, before the next-generation Land Cruiser comes out officially, here we can treat our eyes with a modified bulletproof iteration of the older Land Cruiser, dubbed as “SVI Max 3 Troopy”

Designed by a South African armored vehicle specialist, SVI Engineering, the rugged SUV is a multi-purpose vehicle based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 79; it can withstand fire from assault rifles while carrying up to eight passengers. 

“The MAX 3 Troopy is designed as a multi-role vehicle with its focus as an armoured personnel carrier,” said SVI. The company also lists the areas where the vehicle can be used, which includes “mining, security, riot control, civil security, anti-poaching, and convoy protection for valuables in transit.”

For converting the SUV into an armored vehicle, SVI removed the soft-skin cover and replaced it with an all-steel body made from armour plates. The new body provides it minimum protection from assault rifles (EN1063 BR6) as well as anti-personnel mines. The vehicle is also upgradeable to BR7 protection levels.

Not only this but the SVI Max 3 Troopy also gets an upgraded drivetrain that has a significantly higher load rating wheels and tyres. Added to the kit are upgraded suspension and an extra rear anti-roll bar. 

Under the bonnet, the SVI Max 3 Troopy Land Cruiser is equipped with the familiar 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel mill that generates a maximum power of 202 hp and a peak torque of 430 Nm. The top speed is rated at 140 kmph.

When it comes to pricing, SVI said that the MAX 3 Troopy price depends on the configuration, however, it starts at 1.8 million South African rands (approximately equal to RM 533,654). Included in the price is a 1-year/50,000km warranty. As for maintenance, the company recommends a service interval of every 5,000 km with parts and service items available from Toyota dealerships.

Well, this is not the first time SVI Engineering modified the legendary Land Cruiser as the last year it rolled out a Max 3 armored personnel carrier in truck form.

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