Torsus’ Praetorian, heavy-duty, off-road 4X4 buses, has announced a number of technical advances. These rugged off-road buses are made to cross some of the most inhospitable terrains on earth.
Updates include LED lights, an advanced air conditioning system, passenger door, and pneumatic footsteps, a new fire system, and improved interior features.
Built to transport up to 35 passengers, a Praetorian can cross water up to three feet deep, according to the manufacturer.
Named after the Roman empire’s bodyguards, Praetorians are based on a MAN chassis. Power comes from a six-cylinder MAN diesel with 3,762 horsepower and 848 lb-ft of torque. Backed by a 4X4 off-road transmission, with Michelin XZL off-road tires, Torsus claims it can climb a 65 percent incline. A durable synthetic exterior coating provides impact resistance.
Torsus replaced the halogen headlights with WAŚ LEDs. WAŚ supplied W149 driving lamps, and 991 Signal SL roof and side-mounted work lights for 360-degree illumination.
Sold in Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America, the Praetorian works in the world’s hottest temperatures. These regions see outside temperatures as high as 122° Fahrenheit, and 140° Fahrenheit inside the bus.
Working with Webasto, Torsus improved the air-conditioning system. The A/C cools down the bus from 140° F to 86° F in three minutes, and 140° F to 68° F in under 15 minutes, such is its reported efficiency.
Torsus redesigned the Praetorian’s passenger door to comply with EU safety regulations. Pneumatic extending and retracting footsteps, and entrance bars provide ease of entry. An emergency evacuation system integrated into the doors, feature release buttons, and hatches. Do hatches refer to how you exit the vehicle if there’s a rollover?
Praetorian’s BlazeCut fire suppression system activates if there’s a fuel tank fire. System coverage extends to the engine compartment. Torsus added fire-resistant materials, fabrics, and fire extinguishers.
Driver’s seat visibility has been improved. Passengers have more space between the upgraded seats. Monitors in each seat allow the use of mobile electronics. New insulation materials in the vehicle walls and roof, and improved window sliders reduce energy consumption.
To handle extreme cold, the Praetorian has a Cello wall-mounted heating panel that generates radiant heat. Even if the outside temperature drops to 14°F, the heating panel will raise the temperature to 68°F, while using 19 percent less energy than conventional heating systems, according to Torsus.
Adventure tours, military operations, and other applications use Praetorians.
[Images: Torsus]
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