Skip to main content

The Technoimpulse Rocket Z Is an Apocalypse-Worthy Beast of an SUV

You know the drill: The zombie apocalypse is upon us and you desperately need to disappear into the wilds of northern Russia. Assuming you’ve readied a proper bug-out pack, what’s your plan to get the hell out of dodge? You need a legit, go-anywhere, all-terrain vehicle. Enter the Technoimpulse Rocket Z 210-91 4×4 SUV.

Пробег по Мурманской области. Проезд до п-ва Рыбачий. Март 2018

Let’s sidestep the Rocket Z’s cheesy moniker because, clearly, the Technoimpulse marketing department is still digging the 90s-era love of buzzwords like “cyber,” “techno,” and “eat my shorts!” Regardless, this is one seriously capable off-road machine. The short, stubby design with all four wheels pushed to the corners is purpose-built for steep approach and departure angles (52 degrees to be exact). The lack of any forward, rear, or aft overhangs make it easy to keep the Rocket Z off the rocks.

Recommended Videos

A long list of off-road-centric features — full-time 4WD, a limited slip differential on both axles, a two-speed transfer case, and high-powered Hella lighting to light up your approach — ensures you’ll have a hard time getting stuck. If you do, a built-in commercial winch will help remedy the situation. Plus, the massive, all-terrain tires are inflatable via an onboard system that means you needn’t leave that cab in a flat-tire situation.

Under the hood, the Hyundai mid-engine diesel puts out a modest 100 horsepower, but this isn’t a go-fast vehicle. It’s designed to get you wherever you need to go reliably and predictably. Twin 100-liter fuel tanks guarantee plenty of range which you’re going to want in an apocalypse scenario.

Inside, the Rocket Z provides enough room for nine passengers, including the pilot. The seating layout is designed to maximize flexibility. Adjacent the pilot’s permanent seat is a fold-down jumpseat for someone to ride shotgun. Behind that is a wide bench seat, then two wall-mounted seats at the rear — all of which collapses down to turn the entire rear cabin into a makeshift sleep space.

The Technoimpulse Rocket Z SUV starts north of 6,050,000 Russian Rubles (approximately USD $90,000) and gets a whole lot pricier based on the options you choose. If the entry-level 210-91 isn’t Armageddon-worthy enough for you, Technoimpulse offers the beefier 6×6 Rocket Z 310-91 which is marketed for border patrolling and other military-grade expeditions. Take heart, though, because whichever model you choose, the company offers “shop now, pay later” layaway-style options.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Stellantis Debuts new hands-free, eyes-off autonomous driving
Stellantis unveils STLA AutoDrive tech
Stellantis AutoDrive

Stellantis-developed automated driving technology is ready for deployment
Hands-free and eyes-off (SAE Level 3) functionality available up to 37 mph (60 km/h), even at night and in challenging weather conditions
STLA AutoDrive also enables Level 2 (hands-on) and Level 2+ (hands-off, eyes-on) capabilities at higher speeds, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions
Designed to evolve, with potential for higher speed operation up to 59 mph (95 km/h) and off-road capabilities

 

Read more
The importance of F1 tires: What every fan should know
What do the colors on the sides of F1 tires even mean?
Pirelli F1 tires on display, soft, medium, hard, intermediate and full wet compounds

Sometimes the difference between a winner and a DNF (did not finish) in Formula 1 racing is made where the rubber meets the road. What rubber drivers are using at any one time is vitally important and heavily regulated, and things can get complex. Luckily, we've written an F1 tires guide to help you get your head around it all.

Pirelli currently manufactures, mounts, manages, recovers, and ultimately disposes of all of the tires used in Formula 1. The Italian tire manufacturer’s current partnership with F1 began back in 2011, with its current contract running until at least 2027 -- and an option to extend for a further year. The storied company also had plenty of involvement with F1 before its current stint, having manufactured tires for the sport at various points from the 1950s onward.

Read more
Road tests start on solid-state EV battery developed by Mercedes AMG and F1 engineers
The range increases from weight reduction and passive cooling as well as energy density..
road tests start on mercedes solid state ev battery testing a race track with amg left front three quarter view

Road testing started this month on a Mercedes "621 mile" solid-state lithium-metal battery. Jointly developed by engineers from Mercedes AMG performance passenger cars and F1 groups and battery cell engineers from Factorial Energy Inc., the new batteries increase the available power for EVs while reducing battery weight.
Why build a solid-state EV battery

EV batteries with solid-state cells have multiple advantages in addition to range and weight. Solid-state batteries also improve driving efficiency and cell safety.

Read more