SVI's armoured Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
SVI Engineering, South Africa’s leading specialist in armoured vehicle manufacturing, has developed a bespoke B6 discreet armouring package for the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. This latest offering provides high-profile individuals with concealed, top-tier protection against high-powered rifle fire while maintaining the Prado’s rugged performance and luxury.
The B6 discreet package is the highest level of civilian vehicle armour legally available in South Africa without requiring a special permit. Designed specifically for the J250-generation Prado, it offers full protection against rounds from assault rifles such as the AK47, R1, and R5. This armouring ensures complete 360-degree coverage while maintaining the vehicle’s original aesthetics.
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Nicol Louw, Business Development Director at SVI Engineering, highlighted the Prado’s popularity among clients, citing its durable ladder-frame chassis and reliable powertrain as key reasons for its suitability for armouring.
“The previous-generation Land Cruiser Prado was a popular choice among SVI customers, with its robust ladder-frame chassis and reliable powertrain making it an ideal candidate for B6 armour. Considering the immense local interest in the new Prado – not to mention the various advancements over the preceding version – we have no doubt this latest model will likewise become a staple in our range.”
Advanced Protection
Marking its 20th anniversary in 2024, SVI Engineering has developed a tailored B6 discreet solution for the Prado, utilising high-quality materials to provide maximum protection. The package incorporates custom-fabricated armoured steel plates, composite materials, and high-grade 38 mm ballistic glass, with the latter curved to OEM specifications for a seamless fit.
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Unlike standard aftermarket armouring solutions, SVI’s discreet package integrates ballistic overlaps around all door apertures, side windows, and even the windscreen. To maintain cost-effectiveness and keep additional weight in check, the B6 package includes an armoured rear bulkhead with an escape hatch positioned behind the second-row seats.
Importantly, the vehicle retains all its original driver-assistance safety systems, ensuring a fully functional and secure driving experience.
Performance and Enhancements
The Land Cruiser Prado’s robust powertrain remains well-equipped to handle the additional mass introduced by the armouring. Its 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (1GD-FTV) continues to produce 150 kW and 500 Nm, delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. To complement the added weight, SVI has included a suspension upgrade and reinforced door hinges as standard.
Pricing and Build Time
SVI offers both B6 and B4 discreet armouring options for the Prado. The B6 package, designed to protect against high-calibre rifles, is priced from R1 136 814 (excluding VAT). The B4 package, which protects handguns up to .44 Magnum, starts at R746 419 (excluding VAT).
Optional extras for both packages include roof and floor armour, a PA system, and imported heavy-duty run-flat rings for enhanced tyre performance. The estimated build time for either package is approximately three months.
