Ulterio Motiv, the newly established sister company of SVI Engineering, has officially launched its first two products, both ambitious modifications of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser 79 pickup.
Specialising in advanced engineering and rugged design, the company offers heavy-duty 6x4 and 6x6 chassis conversions designed to conquer extreme terrains and carry substantial loads.
According to Wilhelm Lutjeharms of Ulterio Motiv (UM) and SVI Engineering, the company’s mission is to provide versatile and durable vehicles tailored for tough conditions. “By merging advanced engineering with rugged design, we create vehicles that are not only built to last but also to perform in the most challenging environments,” he stated.
UM allows customers to choose between a 6x4 or a 6x6 chassis. Both single-cab and double-cab versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 can undergo these conversions, offering a blank canvas for further customisation. Whether for camping, emergency services, or heavy-duty off-road applications, these chassis conversions provide a robust foundation for specialised builds.
LC 6x6: The ultimate off-road beast
The 6x6 conversion is perhaps the most formidable version of the Land Cruiser 79 yet. This modification not only enhances off-road capability but also significantly increases the vehicle’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) to an impressive 6 050 kg, up by 2 850 kg from the standard model.
This substantial increase is achieved by installing a third axle to the vehicle’s chassis. The chassis extension is welded to the existing ladder frame without compromising the integrity of the original structure, Lutjeharms says.
The added axle, along with the upgraded existing rear axle, enhances load-carrying capacity. The setup includes three differential locks, for serious off-road capability. The rear axles are track-corrected, meaning the wheels align with those on the front axle, providing better stability and performance.
Unlike other 6x6 systems that rely on complex drive shafts and gearboxes, Ulterio Motiv’s design features a straightforward differential drive from the second to the third axle, activated by a slipper-type clutch that engages the full 6x6 drive only when necessary. Additional upgrades include a hydraulic-assisted brake booster, which reduces the amount of pressure required on the brake pedal, enhancing driver comfort and control.
Due to its enhanced load-carrying ability, the 6x6 conversion requires a code C1 (previously code 10) license for operation on public roads.
The 6x4: A tough workhorse
The 6x4 version of the Land Cruiser 79 shares much of the visual appeal and engineering enhancements of its 6x6 counterpart, but with a key difference: the third axle is not driven by the engine and transmission. Instead, it serves solely to assist in carrying loads, offering a GVM of 5,500 kg, slightly lower than the 6x6 but still formidable.
35-inch wheels
Both the 6x4 and 6x6 models are available with optional 35” steel wheels, which not only improve ground clearance but also enhance grip in off-road conditions when paired with the appropriate tires. As with the 6x6, the 6x4 model’s axles are track-corrected for optimal performance.
Recent model owners of the Land Cruiser 79, equipped with straight-six, V8, or the newly launched four-cylinder engines, can also opt for these conversions.
Pricing and build time
The cost of converting a Land Cruiser 79 to a 6x4 configuration starts at R448 443, while the 6x6 conversion is priced at R1 029 250. These prices do not include the base vehicle, drop-side load bin, or aftermarket wheels and tyres, but they do cover an Ironman 4x4 front suspension upgrade or similar.
Converting a brand new Land Cruiser 79 2.8 GD-6 S/C (R917 000) to a 6x6 configuration would result in a total cost of R1 946 250.
UM estimates a project build time of three months for both the 6x4 and 6x6 conversions, subject to prior sales.
