Top Gear’s Polar Toyota Hilux
By Alan •
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When TopGear star Jeremy Clarkson decided to go to the North Pole by car, he chose a Toyota Hilux that was modified by Arctic Trucks for this very special task. It was much harder than originally planned, but they did it – they managed to get to the North Pole in a Toyota Hilux. The model is an extraordinary piece of engineering – it kept going through the harsh conditions, even after suffering damage.
A few snapshorts of the Toyota from the Top Gear Polar Special (Original Air Date: 25 July 2007):
It was one of their best shows, they really pushed their limits on this one.
Modifications:
- 38 inches in diameter and running at pressures as low as 4psi to give good flotation over snow. Two valves per wheel.
- Mounted on a heavy duty bulbar with lifting points. Auxillary driving lights are Xenons. Arches flared by 30cm.
- Modified for ultra-low air temperatures. Extra coolant added to boost coolant temperature before start-up. There’s a fuel heater in there, too.
- Fat 5mm aluminium skid plates protect the bumper, suspension, transmission and transfer case.
- The position of the front suspension was moved 50mm towards the ground, then moved forward 40mm.
- Lots of kit in here including shovels, pry-bars, jacks, towing strap, tool kits, first aid kits and a chain saw. Friendly.
- Locking front and rear diffs modified to cope with the cold. Special exhaust and extra fuel tank under here, too.
- A weapon holder. Shotguns were carried for protection against polar bear attack.
Tags: hilux, north pole, top gear, toyota
(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
Alan is a concept-cars.org founder editor.
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I really love Top Gear (I just finished watching it!), but for one reason and another; I had to miss the polar special.
Was it any good? Is it worth finding the episode online to watch it?
I love the look of the car; great post!
Damn those guys have a lot of money to spend on these cars. I must say, this particular one is sweet as
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let’s go baby seal hunting, i’ll bring the buns.
“Shotguns were carried for protection against polar bear attack”
Now THAT’s planning ahead
Wait- I’m confused. Where’s Santa?
why did sat nav read 78 degrees at the north pole. I would have thought it should be 90 degrees
eddie, the north pole isn’t exactly at 90 degrees because the earth is tilted.
Love this and love Top Gear!
@gman: No, the North Pole is indeed at 90 degrees because that’s the bloody definition of the North Pole.
What the TopGear folks actually went to was the _Magnetic_ North Pole, though they inexplicably never clarified this. The Magnetic North Pole does not coincide with the “real” North Pole (i.e. the Geographic North Pole, at 90 degrees north), and even moves around from year to year.
The Magnetic North Pole is currently to be found amongst Canada’s Arctic islands and while quite inaccessible, is nowhere near as inaccessible as the _real_ North Pole, which is nowhere near any island. One might think, given Clarkson’s sneering reference to Al Gore’s claim of open water near the North Pole, that the Top Gear folks might have clarified the distinction between the two!
Dooooohhhhhh!
gman, before trying to teach Geography, I suggest you go and learn some! I’m not even going to start to explain or even understand your ignorance, but Eddie is completely correct; however, it does appear that (and why they didn’t explain this is unfathomable) they went to the Magnetic North Pole – not the same thing at all as the “North Pole”.
This was probably their best show yet. Top Gear you are the best entertaining and adventuresome show on TV. Congratulations on being the first team to drive to the North Pole.