Toyota Hilux 6x6 backs record-breaking Antarctic ski
A specially modified Toyota Hilux 6x6 from Arctic Trucks supported Parker Liautaud’s expedition, enabling a new speed record for skiing from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole.
A Toyota Hilux 6x6, modified by Arctic Trucks, played a crucial support role in the Willis Resilience Expedition, helping Parker Liautaud set a new record for skiing from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole. The expedition completed the 640km route in 18 days, 4 hours and 43 minutes, beating the previous record by nearly six days.
The Hilux 6x6 was not just a transport vehicle but a mobile base for the expedition. Arctic Trucks, an Icelandic specialist known for preparing vehicles for polar conditions, built the vehicle to tackle Antarctica’s deep snow, crevasses and extreme temperatures. The six-wheel-drive system, oversized tyres and reinforced chassis allowed the Hilux to carry heavy supplies and scientific equipment across the ice, supporting both the skier and the technical team.
Arctic Trucks’ modifications for polar extremes
Arctic Trucks has a track record with polar expeditions, having previously supplied Hilux vehicles for high-profile crossings. For the Willis Resilience Expedition, the Hilux 6x6 received a stretched chassis to accommodate the extra axle, a 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, and heavy-duty suspension. The modifications also included extra fuel capacity, specialist navigation equipment and cold-weather adaptations to prevent mechanical failures in sub-zero conditions.
- Six-wheel drive for improved traction on snow and ice
- Oversized flotation tyres to reduce ground pressure
- Reinforced chassis and suspension for heavy loads
- Auxiliary fuel tanks for extended range
- Specialist communications and navigation systems
The Hilux’s reliability and Arctic Trucks’ engineering allowed the support crew, led by driver and mechanic Eyjofur Mar Teitsson, to provide real-time assistance and data collection throughout the journey. The vehicle’s performance in the harsh Antarctic environment was critical to the expedition’s scientific aims as well as Liautaud’s record attempt.
Record-breaking journey and scientific work
The Willis Resilience Expedition was not only a test of endurance but also a scientific mission. The team gathered environmental and meteorological data to improve understanding of Antarctic conditions. The Hilux 6x6 carried equipment for weather monitoring and ice sampling, making it central to the research effort as well as the logistics of the record attempt.
The expedition’s success highlights the versatility of the Toyota Hilux platform and Arctic Trucks’ expertise in building vehicles for the world’s most demanding environments. The Hilux 6x6’s role in the Antarctic record attempt demonstrates how commercial vehicles, when properly modified, can enable scientific and endurance achievements previously thought out of reach.
For more on the Hilux’s role in Antarctic expeditions, seeToyota Hilux South Pole Crossing Record Recognized by Guinness.
