TORSUS, based in the Czech Republic, manufactures what it claims to be the world’s toughest, heavy-duty off-road buses. The started with the Praetorian, the world’s first production off-road bus, which has found many customers in heavy industry, utility and government service sectors in global markets.
Now the company will add a 4×4 off-road minibus to its range to provide a transport vehicle that can travel into the most difficult terrain. To be known as the Terrastorm, it uses a Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE 4Motion chassis with power from a 2-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, The engine can be tuned to produce 140 ps/340 Nm or 176 ps/410 Nm and be ordered with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Terrastorm has undergone a rigorous test program to ensures that it can withstand and handle extreme off-road usage. During testing, the chassis was upgraded chassis and off-road suspension developed. The all-wheel drive system has a locking rear differential while heavy-duty 17-inch BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 tyres are fitted.
The Terrastorm has a ground clearance of 290 mm, approach and departure angles of 26 degrees and 20 degrees, and a wading depth of 690 mm. Customers who expect to cross deeper stretches of water can select the ‘Deep Wave’ pack which enables the vehicle to travel through water up to 820 mm deep.
The TORSUS bumper, with an integrated winch, is designed to offer improved off-road capabilities with better approach angles. As part of the underside protection, the custom 5mm Duraluminium skidplate protects the engine, radiator, transmission, rear axle and other components from costly damage when off-road.
While targeting the commercial vehicle market, TORSUS also sees potential for the Terrastorm in the leisure market. The highly capable workhorse can also be used on weekends for family outings. The interior can be configured to customer requirements with seating for 9 to 20 passengers. Each occupant will have a comfortable but strong seat with a skeleton consisting of 2-4mm of sheet metal and 3-point seatbelts. For more extreme conditions, TORSUS can provide ‘extra active’ seats with 5-point harnesses.
Unlike most minibuses, the Terrastorm’s internal seating configuration can be altered to swivel seating with multifunction tables on a special seat rail system. This means the rows of seats can be positioned opposite each other making use of the multifunction tables, serving as a workspace. A customer can also easily install modular components to convert it into a personal camper.
Above the seats is the innovative TORSUS Air Channel. This is a luggage rack offering each occupant individual lighting, air conditioning vents and speakers. The passenger cabin is lined with 30 mm thermal insulation and the anti-slip floor is 18 mm high-density water-resistant board with 2 mm PVC floor coverings for easy cleaning.
Among the various configurations available is a medevac transporter. The Terrastorm can be used as an off-road ambulance to transport patients or even act as a mobile intensive care unit. The interior can be equipped with more noise insulation and fitted with electrical systems and an oxygen supply system.
“The Terrastorm aims to break that tradition as we set new standards in this market. We have taken what we know from Praetorian and translated it to a smaller overall footprint, but the dependability and toughness remain. By working with customers and listening to feedback and hearing their problems, we find solutions to create the ultimate off-road minibus,” said Vakhtang Dzhukashvili, founder and CEO of TORSUS.
To be manufactured at TORSUS’ production plant in Slovakia, the Terrastorm is expected to be available for delivery during the third quarter of 2020. It will be available in both lefthand and righthand drive variants with prices starting from €57,461 (about RM286,000).
TORSUS has a presence on three continents (Europe, Australia and South America) and is looking at expanding into more territories with the Philippines market being considered in the Southeast Asian region.
