The Torsus Terrastorm is the world’s toughest bus
Off-road capabilities don’t come naturally to minibuses. With huge payloads, rigid suspension and a top-heavy nature, they often fall by the wayside when it comes to negotiating even the gentlest of off-road terrain.
But Torsus, manufacturer of the world’s toughest buses, knows a thing or two about off-road conversions, and today has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the Torsus Terrastorm.
Based on the Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE 4Motion chassis, the Terrastorm is designed to reach far flung corners of the world where a conventional people-carrier just won’t cut it.
Available in two guises – the TT1 Coach and TT2 Nomad – it will be powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel unit, outputting either 140PS (138bhp) and 340Nm or 176PS (173bhp) and 410Nm and mated to a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both trims share the same fundamental structure, comprising an upgraded chassis and off-road suspension, all-wheel-drive with a locking rear differential, a revised front bumper hosting the lights and a winch capable of towing up to 5,500kg, side steps, durable scratch resistant lower body panels, and a comprehensive Duraluminium skid plate. The TT2 Nomad adds a front metal bull-bar and rear light metal grilles, roof rack with integrated lights, spare tyre rack and rear ladder.
Combined with heavy-duty 17-inch tyres, the Terrastorm boasts a ground clearance of 290mm, approach and departure angles of 26 degrees and 20 degrees, and a wading depth of 690mm. The latter can be increased to 820mm with the selection of the ‘Deep Wave’ pack.
Inside its fabric and eco leather-clad interior, which is lined with 30mm thermal insulation and features an anti-slip floor, the Terrastorm can seat between nine and 20 passengers. While the standard seats are reinforced with 2-4mm of sheet metal, for the most extreme conditions Torsus offers ‘extra active’ seats with five-point harnesses.
This incredibly adaptable interior allows seats to be swivelled to face each other across tables, while modular components can be installed to convert it into a campervan.
Alternatively, the modular components allow it to be configured to suit tourism, overland, mining, ambulance services, cargo and special agencies. For example, the Medivac variant, built to EU or local regulations, features LED beacons on the roof, bumpers and mirrors, as well as a siren and external loudspeaker. Inside, there’s noise insulation, plus the required electrical systems and an oxygen supply system, with optional stretchers, electrical suction units, defibrillators, syringe pumps and electrocardiograph machines.
Built at the manufacturer Slovakian’s base, the Terrastorm takes inspiration from Torsus’ Praetorian, the world’s first production off-road bus. And following a rigorous testing program, which featured the famed Tatra testing ground, it is available to order now, with prices starting from €57,461 (£52,290.95), and deliveries commencing in the third quarter of 2020.
Vakhtang Dzhukashvili, founder and CEO of TORSUS, said: “At TORSUS, we believe that strong, rugged, commercial vehicles aren’t only for working hours but can be used for fun as well. 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.
“TERRASTORM is a vehicle that will be at home on the dunes of the Sahara to delivering packages and emergency care work in the mountainous regions. The vehicle is versatile in its configurations, it is always able to offer more capability to serve multiple markets and industries.”
Torsus
Terrastorm
