The Tomcar is a type of commercial off-road utility vehicle.
The Tomcar is made in two and four seat models, and is powered by either unleaded petrol or diesel engines and now in electric. It uses a CVT transmission system and a chain driven final drive system, giving the vehicles a ground clearance of 38Â cm (15").
The Tomcar's chain-driven swingarm system allows the vehicle an above average ground clearance and suspension articulation, and also create "anti-squat" or lift.
History
The Tomcar is a specialist military vehicle. The initial model was the two-seater TM2. A four-seater model, known as the TM4, was added to the lineup in order to carry more personnel. A utility version with a larger carrying capacity was also developed, known as the TM5.
It is currently in use by the Israeli military to patrol its borders and carry out various military missions. It is also used by the US Customs and Border Patrol, by the US National Guard, and by the British Army in Afghanistan.
The Tomcar has become available to the public for both commercial and recreational use since 2005.
The Tomcar is produced in Melbourne, Australia by MTM Pty Ltd on licence from Tomcar Australia Pty Ltd. Production began in November 2011. The Melbourne Tomcar Australia facility was officially launched on March 8, 2012 by Victorian Minister for Trade, Industry and Export Richard Dalla-Riva.
On November 6, 2013, Tomcar Australia Pty Ltd became the first car manufacturer to accept Bitcoin. In March 2015 Tomcar Australia became the first auto manufacturer in the world to sell a new vehicle using Bitcoin.
Tomcar Australia announced in May 2016 that they would become the first Australian production electric car.
Models
The Tomcar currently comes in a two-seater version called the TM-2, a four-seater version called the TM-4 and a utility two-seater version called a TM-5.
The Tomcar used to be also available in a one-seater version, known as the TM-1; however, this is now a discontinued model.
Specifications
Model: TM-2 (Two-Seater)
Dimensions:
- Length: 2820Â mm / 111.5"
- Width: 1780Â mm / 70"
- Height: 1686Â mm / 67"
- Wheelbase: 2052Â mm / 81"
- Ground clearance: 381Â mm / 15"
- Dry weight: 715Â kg / 1573Â lbs
Engines:
- Lombardini Inline 4-stroke Diesel engine.
- YH465Q-2E 4-Stroke-water-cooled petrol engine.
- Kohler LH775S Liquid Cooled petrol engine.
Transmission:
- Automatic V-belt CVT
- Heavy-duty, high/low gear box
- Rear wheel drive
- Final drive: 2 x dual oil bathed chains
- Forward - neutral - reverse
- Differential lock
Tyres:
- Front: AT 25 x 8 - 12
- Rear: AT 26 x 12 - 12
Suspension:
- Front: Double wishbone, heavy-duty 343Â mm / 13.5" travel
- Rear: Trail arm heavy-duty 343mm / 13.5" travel with dual coil over springs, gas/hydraulic shocks
Steering:
- Rack-and-pinion, 1.6 turn lock-to-lock
Brakes:
- Disc Brakes
- Mechanical hand brake
Fuel:
- 26 litre / 6.75 gallon safety tank (1 or 2 tanks)
Electrics:
- 12V 56AH battery
- 40A alternator and regulator
- Power socket
- Halogen headlights, tail lights and brake lights
- Horn
Instrumentation:
- Speedometer
- Wheels hour meter
- Voltmeter
- Fuel gauge
- Low oil pressure
- Turn signal
- High beam light
- Water temp gauge
Seats:
- Adjustable bucket type with head rest,
- 4-point harness
References
Sources
- Hassall, David. "Australia’s first all-terrain vehicle to be built in Melbourne", "John Mellor's GoAuto News", 12 April 2012
- Hinchliffe, Mark. "Tomcar is a terrain terror", Courier Mail, 11 May 2007 (archived)
- Janes Defence Weekly Vol. 42, Issue 25, 22 June 2005
- TV News broadcast - Eyewitness News, Channel 5 KSL, Utah USA, Summer 2004.
- TV broadcast - "Discovery Channel, Daily Planet Show", 25 September 2009.
External links
- Tomcar.com
- Tomcar.com.au
