Israel is known to be one of the leading manufacturers of weapon systems in the world with some of the best-reputated companies in the industry. Yesterday, one of those companies showcased a new concept in SUVs that are slated to replace the Hummer. The Wilder is a brand new combat-protected SUV that was unveiled by the Israeli manufacturer of armored vehicles called Plasson, at the Eurosatory Arms and Defense Exhibition.
The current model is meant to replace the Yago, a small Arctic-wildcat armored vehicle that failed to reach serial production.
The cabin is positioned at the front while the engine is located in a central-rear compartment, a similar arrangement to standard cars helps good weight distribution. The seat arrangement is similar to the McLaren F1 with a driver in the center, an arrangement that provides an excellent field of view. Two more seats are positioned on either side and slightly behind for a mission commander and navigator.
Another seat is located just behind the driver and is used by the weapon operator. The entrance to the cabin is through a pair of side doors that open upside down (suicide doors), and behind the passenger capsule, there is a compartment (1.3x1.3 meters) that allows carrying additional equipment.
The vehicle is powered by a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder unit made by Cummins (161 HP), and the power is transmitted by an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, with a gearbox that allows for dual-constant drive and power transmission.
There are lateral differential locks (rear and front ) While the ventral spacing (33.5 cm) is 6 cm larger than the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
Itzik Minni, an expert in Israeli car racing, is in charge of the unique suspension system. It combines transverse differentials and an original transmission mechanism, long suspension arms and an unusual 37 cm move, 2 cm longer than the Nasser al-Atiyah Toyota Hilux T1 + that won the last Dakar Rally.
The suspensions are supported by KING 2.5's coil-over units ( including shock absorbers) and the surface-to-ground tires connect them to the ground with a mechanism that allows continued travel even after crossing a barbed-wire barrier.
It is not exactly known yet who will be using this vehicle and if the IDF is looking to purchase any.
