The end of a legend

Austrian Armed Forces: THIS is the successor to the Pinzgauer

The appearance of the "Noriker" is debatable. Fans of the Pinzgauer, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, will turn away in horror.(Bild: Bundesheer)

Almost every member of the armed forces has certainly had the opportunity to drive what is probably the best off-road vehicle in the world through the most difficult terrain. We are talking about the Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer, which was produced in Austria from 1967 to 2000 and then in Great Britain for a few more years. A total of 30,000 of them saw the light of day and, in addition to the Austrian army, were also sold in numerous other countries around the world. The "workhorse" has been decommissioned by the army for years. Now a successor has been found.

After years of searching, the decision has been made in favor of an Italian vehicle: the MUV 4x4 from Iveco. The "Noriker", as the variant for the Austrian Armed Forces will be called, was presented at a press conference on Monday.

"Noriker"(Bild: Bundesheer)

Just like the Pinzgauer, the 180 hp military vehicle (the Pinzgauer only has between 84 and 115 hp, depending on the engine and equipment) is designed for the toughest terrain with its selectable all-wheel drive .

"Mobility is improved by a permanent all-wheel drive with lockable differentials. Independent front suspension ensures balanced off-road capability, handling and reliability. ESP and ABS further enhance performance and there is also the option of run-flat tires," according to the manufacturer's website.

The van, single and double cab and chassis variants are designed to meet all possible requirements, with the capacity to quickly transport and deploy up to 14+2 people with equipment. The maximum permissible payload is four tons, which is more than the Pinzgauer (see also info box below).

Technical data of the Pinzgauer

• Production in Austria: 1971 to 2000
• Production in the UK: 2000 to 2007
• Two basic variants: 4 wheels with all-wheel drive or 6 wheels with all-wheel drive
• Drive: diesel or petrol engine
• Width: 180 cm
• Height: 216 cm
• Unladen weight around two tons, permissible total weight 3.5 tons
• Crew (depending on equipment): Driver plus nine people or driver plus ten people

Arnie also has a Pinzgauer
Incidentally, many of the decommissioned Pinzgauers are in private hands, including after being auctioned off by the Ministry of Defense. Incidentally, Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger is also a big fan. A few years ago, the "Terminator" had a 6x6 718 K model built to his own specifications. He was also criticized for this, as the Pinzgauer is not really climate-friendly.