Arctic Fortuner!

[Trailrider]

I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this when I was at Arctic Trucks - the new Arctic Fortuner.



This model should be an important step forward for Arctic Trucks because of the huge market share the Fortuner enjoys.

Unlike the Arctic Hilux that sports 35" wheels, the Fortuner is fitted 33" wheels. This means that almost no body cutting is needed and the price of the conversion is significantly reduced. Where the Hilux 35" conversion is around the R150 000 mark (depending on what's done) the conversion of this Fortuner only cost R68 000-00. This included new rims and tyres, suspension lifts and improvents (Koni), speedo re-calibration etc.

The result is a greatly improved footprint, improved approach and departure angles, increased wading depth etc. The ground clearance, as measured under the diff, is improved by 100mm.

On thing is sure, the Arctic Fortuner will stand out!



www.arctictrucks.co.za

[Family_Dog]

I'm not really a FT fan, but I have to agree that this is one I would seriously consider!! ;)


-F_D

[Mud Dog]

Doesn't look like a true Arctic vehicle at all but still looks great!

(Can't seem to justify the 'conversion' cost for what is listed. )

[Hoppy]

Is that all? no man i expected a bit more from them

[ThysdJ]

The result is a greatly improved footprint, improved approach and departure angles, increased wading depth etc. The ground clearance, as measured under the diff, is improved by 100mm.

On thing is sure, the Arctic Fortuner will stand out!

I agree it is an impressive vehicle.

I wonder how they managed to lift the ground clearance under the diff by 100mm when they increased the tyre size by roughly 1" / 25mm? Or are they referring to the front diff, in which case the ground clearance at the rear diff is still the limiting factor and only improved by approx 12.5mm? Or am I making the wrong sums?

[Mud Dog]

You got a point Thys .... probably referring to the front diff only, unless they did away with the rear live axle and changed it to an IRS ..... much like the old Jags, BMWs and VWs. If that's the case, it would make the conversion cost more plausible.

[ThysdJ]

IRS? Doubt it. That would chase the costs up even more. Wouldnt that have to be a custom built suspension? Or are there IRS systems available that would fit? And would it not detract from the 4x4 capability?, making it a true platkar with 33"s..

[Mud Dog]

It was just a suggestion as an alternative to the live axle which as you said would benefit only marginally IRO diff clearance.

But I suppose anything is possible, and then yes it would have to be custom ..... those old BM and Jag diffs could handle plenty torque, so the issue would be to find one that can take the correct gearing to get the ratios right. The rest is modifying the chassis to take swing-arms and coils / Mc Pherson struts.

[Ralphlo]

Looks great