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Meet SVI's Max 3 - the bulletproof Land Cruiser 79 anyone would want to own

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SVI Max 3
SVI Max 3

SVI's Max 3 is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 79-series chassis and employs the same powertrain options.

It features an upgraded suspension, wheels and tyres to improve go-anywhere ability and ride comfort. 

B6 level ballistic occupant protection against assault rifles including AK47 and R1. Upgradeable to B7 and blast protection.

Damage resistant against riot-type attacks.

The Max 3 is available in single cab, double cab and as an armoured personnel carrier (APC).


Land Cruiser 79's are Toyota's largely indestructible commercial-use vehicles used in the farming and mining sectors. It made sense for specialist armoured product company SVI Engineering to base their Max 3 on it. 

The local company says it has recognised the need for a cost-effective vehicle solution to protect the occupants from both ballistic and general riot threats.

That's where the latest version of the Max 3 comes to town, it's the entry-level model into the Max family of specialised bullet-resistant vehicles. 

SVI says the Max 3 is designed as a multi-role vehicle. As a civilian version (no NCACC permits needed), it has application in the following roles: Mining security, riot control, civil security, anti-poaching and convoy protection (valuables in transit).

Th vehicle in its military configuration is designed to be air transportable in a C130 and is fitted with weapon mounts for .50 calibre pintle mountings, remote weapon systems and the Scorpion 60mm and 81mm mortar systems.

SVI MAX 3
SVI MAX 3

The vehicle can be fitted with customer furnished equipment such as communication systems.

Design and conversion details

Max 3 is an evolution of the previous version with a focus on improved ergonomics, added interior space and bolder styling.

The armoured steel shell is designed and manufactured in-house by SVI employing the lasted CAD software and manufacturing techniques.

The conversion process entails removing the soft-skin body of the Land Cruiser 79 and replacing it with a new all-steel body manufactured from armour plate.

SVI says the armoured construction of the vehicle provides a minimum protection of EN1063 BR6 (assault rifles) with additional protection against anti-personnel mines. The vehicle has been designed from the start to be upgradeable to BR7.

SVI MAX 3
SVI MAX 3

Available in single-cab, double-cab and APC 

The vehicle is available as a single cab, double cab and armoured personnel carrier for up to eight people. The drivetrain is upgraded with the fitment of rims and tyres with a higher load rating, upgraded suspension and fitment of an additional rear anti-roll bar.

The modular design of the vehicle allows short delivery times of three months for batches of up to 20 units and the vehicle is available in either left- or right-hand drive.

SVI MAX 3
SVI MAX 3

SVI says the maintenance and servicing of the MAX 3 is simplified because of its standard Toyota powertrain and drivetrain. Spare parts and service items are available at any Toyota dealership world-wide.

A service interval of 5000km is recommended owing to the intended usage profile and off-road application. The cost and warranty MAX 3 procurement cost depends on configurations as well as the powertrain specification of the new Land Cruiser 79 used as the donor vehicle.

Specifications

*Engine: 4.5-litre, 8-cyl, turbodiesel

Power: 151kW @ 3 400 r/min

Torque: 430Nm @ 1 200-3 200 r/min

Top speed: >140km/h

Price: From R1.6-million excluding VAT depending on specification

*based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 4.5D V8 powertrain

Warranty: 1-year or 50 000km applies for road use

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