World's toughest off-road bus goes camping

Taking the bus is usually a fairly routine, mundane activity – but that sentiment doesn't apply to the Torsus Praetorian off-road bus unleashed a few years' back.

Czech Republic-based Torsus first unveiled the bespoke Praetorian 4x4 people-mover in 2016, spruiking the MAN 4x4 truck-based passenger vehicle as the "the world's first heavy-duty off-road bus", before following up with the smaller MAN TGE/VW Crafter 4x4 van-based Terrastorm.

But now it's announced two new motorhome versions aimed at cashed-up, extreme off-road camping enthusiasts.

The original Praetorian 4x4 bus was designed for transporting up to 35 people across difficult terrain when enroute to their work site. Think mining, forestry, oil and gas – even 4x4 tourism and ski-field applications.

Its in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel pumps out a stump-pulling 1150Nm of torque, with drive transmitted to all four wheels via a 12-speed automated manual transmission, while the entire plot rolls on parabolic leaf-spring suspension.

Clambering over logs, boulders or insurgents is no problem thanks to 389mm of ground clearance, a dual-range transfer case, a differential lock and healthy approach and departure angles, with the vehicle also boasting a fording depth of 700mm and GVM of 13,500kg.

The latest Torsus Praetorian Liberra motorhome conversion was designed and built with the help of German-based ALL4BUS GmbH, motorhome builder DÄMMLER and special vehicle manufacturer FES Sachsen GmbH, and is based on the third-generation Praetorian TG3 heavy-duty off-road bus that Torsus says can tackle "the most inhospitable terrain imaginable".

"The basis of the Praetorian's strength is its welded skeleton, which is made at the MAN plant in Starachowice, Poland. It consists of 780 components, including 273-metres of 1182kg steel profiles and 351kg of sheet metal parts, and receives a three-stage coating process for maximum corrosion protection," the Czech company explained in a statement.

The Torsus Liberra expediton vehicle also gets a high-roof body that boosts interior height to 220cm and together with large side windows delivers a "luxury lounge and living space" inside.

What looks like a beautifully finished interior includes a kitchen with 90-litre fridge, a folding worktop, stainless steel sink, and a four-burner induction hob and oven, to go with a leather-lined cafe dinette and a stylish ensuite with toilet and shower.

Climate control in the four-berth fit-out is taken care of with a Truma Combi 6DE diesel heater, an Autotherm 4D diesel secondar heater, and a Truma Aventa roof-mounted air-conditioner, with other highlights including a Marshall Stockwell II audio system and dimmable LED lighting.

Torsus says the name Liberra is an amalgamation of ‘Liberty’ and ‘Terra’, and translates as ‘Freedom on Earth’.

The go-anywhere luxury motorhome is available globally in both left-hand-drive and right-hand drive formats, so there's a chance one might end up down under, with "each bespoke Torsus Praetorian Liberra built to individual customer requirements, with extensive customisation options available".

The price? It kicks off at an eye-watering €580,000 (AUD$1.206 million).

Although smaller and cheaper than the Praetorian Liberra (priced from €130,000-AUD$230K) and built in collaboration with fellow Czech company Egoe, Torus says its new 4x4 van-based Terrastorm campervan "is equally tough and tenacious in character".

It scores uprated off-road suspension and heavy-duty 17-inch all-terrain tyres, and delivers a ground clearance of 250mm, approach and departure angles of 26 degrees and 20 degrees, and a wading depth of 520mm.

To handle deeper water crossings there are extended breathers for the gearbox and differentials, along with full underbody armour and a front winch to help keep you going in the rough stuff.

For cooking, an Egoe Nestbox slides out from the rear tailgate area, containing a small fridge, a food-prep area, cooker, sink and storage drawers.

The Terrastorm (which has also been fitted out as an ambulance and emergency vehicle), can also be fitted with a folding rear mattress platform that sleeps two, plus there's a side awning that attaches to the side of the camper using suction cups.

“In collaboration with our partners, Torsus ushers in a new era of overlanding, camping and outdoor living for those possessed with a burning passion for exploration and the bravery to push the boundaries far beyond the beaten track," the Czech company said.

"These vehicles allow people not just to reach remote locations, but to stay there comfortably as long as they wish. Whether soaking up solitude or navigating to the next destination, the adventure never ends.”