•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.
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.
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 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.
*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