Photo: Avallon Blindagens Toyota
What’s the first car that comes to mind when you think of bulletproof cars? The Beast, right? It’s a Cadillac that protects the life of the President of the United States, so it’s definitely an appropriate vehicle for armor. But Toyotas? Would you ever see one with armor? Neither would we.
Well, things are different in Brazil, where Toyota offers a bulletproof Corolla, a Corolla Cross, a Hilux pick-up and an SW4 Off-road straight from the showroom floor. This is an optional equipment that the Japanese carmaker offers in collaboration with local armoring experts Avallon, Carbon, Evolution Blindagens and Parvi Blindados, all certified by Toyota.
They say the armor will not affect the design or performance. But since any armoring procedure has an impact on weight, it could also have an impact on fuel consumption, because the engine has to pull harder.
Armor can be fitted to new or used models, as long as they are no older than the 2020 model year. Before undergoing the armoring procedure, they will need to undergo an assessment by a Toyota dealer, who will ensure that the vehicle can withstand the process.
All customers need to do is contact their local Toyota dealer and have their vehicle sent to the armoring experts. After all, Brazil is among the top 10 countries with the highest crime rates, so offering armored vehicles makes sense, as the number of homicides fuels demand.
Experts will fit reinforcements to the body panels using specialized compounds, such as the matte ballistic composite option, which is 80 percent lighter than steel.
They will also replace the standard windows with thicker ones, called Evo-X glass, which are specially designed to offer the necessary protection, while meeting national standard specifications.
Modified in this way, the vehicle should be able to withstand attacks from small arms fire, as well as weapons such as clubs and metal pipes. It will not, however, offer protection against large-caliber guns or explosives.
There is no information on the cost of the armor, but it would add to the price of the vehicle. For example, the Toyota Corolla starts at R$ 187,790, which translates to $34,385. Meanwhile, the Hilux pickup is a steal at R$ 243,790 ($44,640).
What we do know is that Toyota and its expert partners offer a five-year warranty on armor installation services and a five- or ten-year warranty on the actual armor materials, depending on the components.
The armorers will also offer maintenance for the entire warranty period. However, they do not mention any modifications to the suspension. With all that added weight to the armored vehicle, that may be necessary.
One of the experts involved in the armoring projects, Avallon Blindagens, claims to have one of the largest armoring factories in Latin America. They produce more than 120 armored cars per month with the help of highly qualified engineers and technicians.