Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) and Arctic Trucks – the legendary converters of Hilux and other Toyota products – have signed an agreement to convert six South African built Hilux pick-ups for use in Antarctica.
Of these vehicles, two will undergo full AT44 conversions (see specifications below). Another two will be converted to AT44 specification, but with full 6×6 configuration. These four Hilux vehicles will operate as back up vehicles in the gruelling Antarctic Ski Challenge to the south pole, to be held at the end of the year as part of the Extreme World Races series. The fifth Hilux, also to AT44 specification, will be built for the Indian National Centre Antarctic and Ocean Research, while Hilux number six will be built to AT38 specification.
These Hilux models boast with several world firsts, having driven thousands of kilometres to both poles, not least as part of the BBC’s Top Gear expedition to the magnetic North Pole. An Arctic Trucks Hilux was also the first to drive over the entire ice shelf in Greenland, while many Arctic Trucks Hilux models do thankless service as backup and support vehicles for major scientific, climbing, skiing, hiking and rescue missions. The vehicles have been chosen as back up vehicles for the various Antarctic missions due to its proven durability as the only approved pick-up for use on this continent. Its large tyres offer the same abilities as traditional track driven ice vehicles, but with a CO2 footprint that is a margin of the more traditional modes of ice transport.
The conversions, which have been designed and perfected by Iceland-based Arctic Trucks, will be done under their supervision at TSAM’s Johannesburg based workshops in partnership with 4×4 Mega World. The process, which is already under way, will provide Arctic Trucks with a cost effective way of converting the Hilux bakkies before shipment through Cape Town to Antarctica.
Andrew Kirby, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, says “Not only does the Arctic Truck conversion showcase the strengths of the Hilux in extreme conditions, but the various Antarctic projects’ aim at creating awareness of environmental issues also underscore Toyota’s strong commitment to sustainable mobility and the protection of our habitat.”
The Arctic Trucks Hilux models are the product of two decades of research and real world testing, with many of these converted vehicles in use in some of the world’s harshest conditions. Arctic Trucks vehicles are in use in Antarctica and can also be found in some of the driest and hottest deserts in the world.
Arctic Trucks started operations in 1990 as a division of the Toyota distributor to Iceland. The Reykjavik-based convertor of Hilux, Fortuner, Prado and Land Cruiser models soon became an independent company, while building on the Icelandic tradition of converting 4×4 vehicles to handle the hugely varying conditions in this country.
Hilux and other Toyota vehicles with the hallowed AT-name soon proved popular with adventurers, scientists, overland enthusiasts and even companies that operate in harsh conditions for its ability to go virtually anywhere and, more importantly, endure trip after trip without the need for major mechanical overhauls.
One can easily identify an AT Hilux by the ride height, flared wheel arches and large tyres, with the tyre size being the cue for the different model names. AT conversions are done on all Hilux versions, including the double, single and extended cab versions. All AT Hilux models are fitted with running boards and brackets, a fire extinguisher, torque wrench and a first aid kit.
AT35
Sporting 35-inch tyres, flared wheel arches and a suspension raised by 40 mm, the AT35 is a popular choice amongst hunters, 4×4 enthusiasts, farmers and park rangers across the world. The 35 x 12.5 R15 tyres are fitted to 15 x 10 wheel rims and are key to greater off road capabilities, a softer ride, higher seating and, thanks to the tyres that can be deflated for soft sand or snow, better traction off the beaten track.
AT38
This is the version that transported the BBC Top Gear team to the magnetic North Pole and took some beating at the hands of Jeremy Clarkson. Fitted with Toyota’s 3.0 D-4D diesel engine with a power rating of 126 kW and 360 Nm, the AT38 Hilux rides on 38 x 15.5 R15 tyres and 15 x 12.5 rims. The AT38 can be ordered with either an automatic or manual gearbox, and can be fitted with a heavy duty suspension. Heavy duty differential locks on both axles can be ordered, while the fuel tank can be expanded by 55 litres (for a combined 110 litres) or to 160 litres (two 80 litre fuel tanks). Other added extras include a compressed air tank with waterproof compressor, an extra heavy duty dual air filtration system, a 24V generator and more power outlets, as requested. Ground clearance is 420 mm under the vehicle’s belly (minimum of 300 mm).
AT44
The grand daddy designed for the harshest conditions is the AT44. This is the vehicle that drove from the Novo airbase on Antarctica to the South Pole and back in 2008/09. The AT44 rides on 15 x 16 rims with massive 44 x 18.5 R15 tyres. These large wheels can be deflated to allow the AT44, with 1.5 ton carrying capacity, to traverse ultra-soft ground surfaces. The vehicle can be ordered with manual or automatic gearbox, while the transfer case is fitted with a trawler gear offering a 5.132:1 ratio in low range. The AT44 can be fitted with two 80 litre fuel tanks or with a combination of 135-litre and 55-litre tanks for a total capacity of 190-litres. An Arctic Truck trailer can be fitted that will offer as much as 1 350-litres of fuel to be carried with the vehicle. Ground clearance is a cavernous 480 mm under the vehicle’s belly (minimum of 360 mm). The AT44 is fitted with 100% differential locks on both axles and a heavy duty suspension. As with the AT38 the AT44 offers a compressed air tank with waterproof compressor, an extra heavy duty dual air filtration system, as well as a 24V generator.
6×6
This specialist machine offers the same features as any of the AT-models, but with a much longer load bay, especially when ordered as single cab. Off road carrying capacity is 3 tonnes and the fuel capacity can be stretched to 400-litres. The 6×6 can be ordered with any of the AT-conversions and is powered by the same 3.0 D-4D. Rear brakes are drums on both axles and coil spring suspension is used on all wheels. The 6×6 is 6.365 mm long and offers 100% differential locks on all axles.
