Automotive

Torsus debuts world's most extreme big yellow school bus

Torsus debuts world's most extreme big yellow school bus
The classic yellow school bus gets remade for a rougher world
The classic yellow school bus gets remade for a rougher world
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The classic yellow school bus gets remade for a rougher world
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The classic yellow school bus gets remade for a rougher world
When local routes are unpaved or hit hard with weather, the Torsus Praetorian school bus pushes onward to make it in ahead of first bell
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When local routes are unpaved or hit hard with weather, the Torsus Praetorian school bus pushes onward to make it in ahead of first bell
The custom-designed seats include a math and science scheme and protective coating
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The custom-designed seats include a math and science scheme and protective coating
The Torsus Praetorian school bus seats up to 35 children
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The Torsus Praetorian school bus seats up to 35 children
The Praetorian has a 13.4-in ground clearance and 32-degree approach angle
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The Praetorian has a 13.4-in ground clearance and 32-degree approach angle
Departure angle: 26 degrees
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Departure angle: 26 degrees
The wheels on this bus go 'round and 'round where others would become stuck and immobilized
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The wheels on this bus go 'round and 'round where others would become stuck and immobilized
Upgrade the Torsus school bus with add-ons like the front-end protector and it looks even meaner
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Upgrade the Torsus school bus with add-ons like the front-end protector and it looks even meaner
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From world exploration to safer post-pandemic commuting, Torsus has quickly adapted the design of its Praetorian 4x4 bus to the needs of very different types of users. Its latest adaptation is sure to make children around the world grumble and grimace: a school bus that threatens to eliminate the terms "snow day" and "delayed opening" from the vernacular. On the plus side, the ruggedized all-terrain yellow bus is one of the coolest ways a kid could ask to show up at school doors.

If a school happens to service remote job site workers and sparse local populations somewhere like the Canadian Arctic or Australian Outback, it'll probably need something a little more robust than the average bus. So Torsus has developed the MAN-chassised Praetorian it calls the world's toughest off-road bus.

The process of converting the Praetorian from off-road work bus to go-anywhere school bus is a fairly straightforward one. The exterior get a classic yellow paint job that just screams "school bus" and a safety package brings stop signs, child crossing designations and added lighting that we presume flashes during stops. There's also an emergency exit on the side.

When local routes are unpaved or hit hard with weather, the Torsus Praetorian school bus pushes onward to make it in ahead of first bell
When local routes are unpaved or hit hard with weather, the Torsus Praetorian school bus pushes onward to make it in ahead of first bell

The base Praetorian chassis and mechanical package remains unchanged, bringing in the 286-hp 6.9-liter MAN diesel engine, 4x4 system with front and rear differential locks, parabolic-spring front and rear suspension, and Michelin off-road tires. There goes the snow day.

Schoolchildren of all ages will be further disheartened to learn about the Praetorian's ability to swim across waters nearly 3 feet (90 cm) deep and clear obstacles up to 13.4 inches (34 cm) high. There goes the guarantee of post-storm flooded roads and downed trees closing down local schools for days on end.

But all hope is not lost for children yearning for the surprise delight of a restful morning and free weekday. The Praetorian school bus has no way of navigating around a school-darkening power outage or teachers' strike.

The Torsus Praetorian school bus seats up to 35 children
The Torsus Praetorian school bus seats up to 35 children

Inside, Torsus can equip the school bus to carry up to 35 children. It has splashed the seats in a protective polymer coating and finished them in STEM-inspired graphics that should quietly inspire occupants to start thinking about school on the journey there. Much safer than the unbuckled bench seats we used to bounce around on as kids, the individual Praetorian bus seats are all equipped with seat belts and offer available options like folding armrests and aisle-side hip support.

There's no word on pricing, but existing Preatorian bus variants carry base prices starting at €153,000 (approx. US$180,700) for an empty shell and rising into the €300,000s for more complex versions like the anti-riot bus and expedition command center.

Source: Torsus

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8 comments
8 comments
Gizmowiz
Finally a bus for those Alaskan bogs.
Captain Danger
Snow days were the best days!
Nothing like the absolute joy of a day off from school.
The best was the Blizzard of 77 , we had a whole week off.
Bruce H. Anderson
A touch of whimsey. I like it.
buzzclick
It's gonna be a snow day anyway if this bus doesn't pick up the teachers too. lol

But seriously, if there is no unfolding set of steps that the little tykes can climb up into the bus safely with, it's a fail.
navmed
This would make a great RV
toni24
8Now there is a school bus that might just survive my county road. In 8 years my Dodge 1500 4x4 Pick up has gone through 36 wheel bearings 3 transmissions countless brakes and rotors. In short my road qualifies me for the Baja 1000. But the school kids would have noexcuse for missing class with this bus
Bushpossum
Looks like kids in wheelchairs will be left out again - so much for universal design.
BlueOak
“The Praetorian school bus has no way of navigating around a school-darkening power outage or teachers' strike.”

This is an example of what makes NEW ATLAS stand out. A willingness to speak transparently. Keep it up!