The Marauder lays waste a wall
We have photos, videos and specs of the Paramount Marauder, the armoured vehicle driven by Richard Hammond on Top Gear.
We knew the Hamster was off to South Africa to play with a vehicle that made the Hummer look like a Tonka Toy.
And we knew – because they ‘hinted’ at it when we spoke to them last week – that the whole Top Gear segment had more than a little to do with the Paramount Group in South Africa, purveyors of innovative armoured vehicles.
So, as suspected, we were treated to Richard conquering the Urban Jungle of Johannesburg in the Paramount Marauder, an aptly-named, go anywhere, seemingly indestructible piece of military hardware made street-legal. In South Africa, at least.
We were treated to the Marauder ploughing through brick walls, being blown up by 7lbs of plastic explosives and driving away – when the same amount of explosives left the Hummer looking like a Tracey Emin take on a road crash – and fending off a pack of Lions, albeit at the cost of a windscreen wiper or two.
So as we’ve been inundated with emails since last night on the Marauder wanting more details (and one very nice email from a Mr G. Adaffi in Tripoli asking about early delivery), we thought we’d get Paramount to send us a photo or three and some specs (below).
They happily obliged, and we even have a video of much of what was on Top Gear last night – minus the Hammond bits – and a bit more besides.
Paramount Marauder (Top Gear) Photo Gallery
(10 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)
Paramount Marauder Video
Paramount Marauder Technical Specs
| General Specifications | |
| Crew | 2+8 (standard) 2+10 (Stretched |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 9,000 to 12,000 |
| Payload (kg) | Up to 6,000 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 420 (365 under diff) |
| Wheel Base (mm) | 3,100 – 3,550 (Stretched) |
| Combat Weight (kg) GVM | 15,000 to 18,000 |
| Performance | |
| Max Speed Road (kph) | 100-120 (Tyres Dependent) |
| Turning Circle (m) | <18 |
| Road Range (km) | 700 |
| Engine | 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel (165KW-221KW) |
| Transmission | Various manual & auto options |
| Transfer Box | Various Options |
| Diff Locks | Air operated front, centre & rear |
| Brakes | Air operated Disc or Drum (ABS available) |
| Tyres | 1400 R 20 |
| Air Conditioner | 15kW Standard |
| Electrical System | 24V |
| Protection-KE (standard) | Up to STANAG Level III |
| Protection Mine | Double anti-tank mine (14kg TNT under any wheel) Single anti-tank mine 7kg under hull > STANAG Level 4 |
| Options | |
| Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) | Dozer Blade & Bullbar |
| Run Flat Inserts (RFI) | Public Address System |
| ABS Brakes | Various Weapon Stations |
| BC Overpressure System | Add Armour Kits (Active & Passive) |
| Auxiliary Power Unit – 20kW inc AirCon in Silent mode | Battlefield Management Systems |
| Fire Suppression System | Radio, Intercom & Surveillance Systems |
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Great car, for post-Ap time (if you can find enough fuel to feed it)
It’d make a great city car!
It’s a Hummer on steroids!!
Guys, the Marauder is the little brother of the fleet! Wait ’til you see the Matador…which can withstand 21kg’s of TNT. What makes these vehicles really impressive is that they can be ‘up-armoured’ even more by some 5 tons.
And I thought my Ford and Range Rover were big. I think it might be time for a trade-in!
I soooo want one of these!!!!