https://www.thedrive.com/news/37235/the-torsus-praetorian-4x4-school-bus-is-here-to-end-all-snow-days * The War Zone * Reviews + THE STORE * + The War Zone + Reviews + THE STORE + Newsletter Signup * Newsletter Signup * * + + + + + The Torsus Praetorian 4x4 School Bus Is Here to End All Snow Days Sorry, kids. By James Gilboy October 23, 2020 * News [message-ed] Torsus SHARE * * * * James Gilboy View James Gilboy's Articles _JamesGilboy jamesgilboy There's something about an off-roader built for a super-specific purpose that gets the imagination going. Simply knowing that an 8x8 ambulance exists is enough to make you wonder--where is this thing used and how often? Machines like this can kindle a desire for adventure in a rugged, far-off land; one where people might need everyday machinery as capable as the Praetorian 4x4 school bus. Built by Czech off-road specialists Torsus, the Praetorian is a heavy-duty, all-terrain bus built on a chassis from commercial truck-maker MAN. A 6.9-liter turbodiesel inline-six engine sends 290 horsepower and 848 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed ZF manual transmission to an electronically controlled transfer case, which forwards motive force to both axles. If you want more gears, there's also a 12-speed ZF automatic optional. Of course, locking differentials distribute power to the wheels wrapped in 46-inch Michelin XZL all-terrain tires, which offer 14.4 inches of ground clearance in combination with leaf-sprung (or available pneumatic) suspension, and thusly respectable approach and departure angles. [message-ed] Torsus Praetorian 4x4 School Bus Torsus [message-ed] Torsus Praetorian 4x4 School Bus Torsus And now, in addition to serving every role from rescue to riot control, Praetorians can make the school run. Not a whole lot differentiates this newcomer from preexisting Praetorian variants--just the basic school bus accouterments. It has that signature bright yellow paint job and seating for 35 kids. Said seats are decorated with mathematic and scientific motifs, coated in a protective polymer, and can be optionally upgraded with folding armrests and hip supports for aisle-sitters. [message-ed] Torsus Praetorian school bus seats It's hard to imagine a bus like this being of much use outside somewhere like Alaska or Siberia, but its existence will surely come as a relief to a district whose Bluebird or Thomas just isn't cutting the mustard in the snow. Now they just need to scrape together the money for one of these built-to-order off-roaders, which as you'd predict don't come cheap. Torsus didn't specify pricing for the school bus variant, but empty shell Praetorians start at $181,000, and the existing Transporter bus runs just over $196,000. That's more than double what American school districts spent on the average new bus in 2019 according to School Transportation News, though it's a small price to pay for an educated populace. [message-ed] Torsus Torsus Praetorian 4x4 School Bus Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com h/t: Auto Express MORE TO READ * RELATED 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Review: This 702-HP Factory Super Truck Is the New King of the Hill The pure joy of the high-flying, Hellcat-powered TRX is exactly what we need right now. READ NOW * RELATED This 6x6 Mercedes 'Mamute' Has the Most Hypnotizing Off-Road Suspension We've Ever Seen You can keep your 6x6 G-Wagen. This is the six-wheeled Benz we want. READ NOW * RELATED The Avtoros Shaman Ambulance Is Like an 8x8 Freightliner on Steroids If this is coming to get you, you know you really screwed up. READ NOW Sign up for our newsletter Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. SIGN UP the drive site logo * * * * * * The Drive Team * RV Rentals * Cookie Settings * Privacy Policy * Your California Privacy Rights * Terms of Service * Contact Us (c) Brookline Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.