Tokyo 2007 Preview: Daihatsu Mud Master-C
by John Neff on Oct 10th 2007 at 12:12PM 
click above image for 17 more pics of the Daihatsu Mud Master-C Concept
The Mud Master-C Concept from Daihatsu looks like a Dakar rally van that's been left in the wash too long. It's a true truck with a body-on-frame design, though. It's generous ride height and copious degrees of approach and departure angles mean that the Mud Master-C can actually go places while leaving an eency-weency footprint in its wake. Daihatsu says that there are three gullwing doors on the concept, though they're really hatches, one on each side and one on the back. The truly neat thing about the Mud Master-C Concept is that it's configurable. For instance, the mountain bike support model developed with professional cyclist Raita Suzuki (shown at right) is configured to carry a pair of bikes, but the concept can also be configured as an open bed truck capable of carrying an ATV or even a crane!
Check out more info and Daihatsu's press release after the jump, and be sure to browse the gallery to see the Mud Master-C's unique features.
[Source: Daihatsu]
Gallery: Daihatsu Mud Master-C
The Mud Master-C also features what Daihatsu calls a hub reduction system that transfers power using gears mounted between the driveshaft and the wheelhub. It appears the system allows the driveshaft to sit higher than the center of the wheelhub, giving the Mud Master-C its impressive ground clearance. The relatively large 16-inch off-road tires help, too.
Inside the concept you'll find a dash that's comprised simply of one large screen that displays both gauges and in-car entertainment options. Being the activity vehicle it is, the Mud Master-C also features water repellant seats so that hosing mud off of them is not a problem. The seats, however, are flat as church pews, which, when combined with the concept's height and narrow width, mean turns should be taken with caution.
Daihatsu didn't mention what powers the Mud Master-C, but we're guessing it's a small gas or diesel engine mounted amidship below the floor.
PRESS RELEASE:
2. MUD MASTER-C (Mud Master-Concept)
This small, tough transporter leverages compactness and light weight for special off-road agility and adopts body-on-frame construction for outstanding durability and cargo capability. This mountain bike support model was designed in collaboration with the leading professional cyclist, Raita Suzuki.
- A hub reduction system, which transfers driving power via gears mounted between the drive shaft and wheel hub, together with large-diameter 16-inch off-road tires, achieves 370mm ride height and generous angles of approach, departure and breakover for outstanding off-road drivability and stream-fording capability.
- The body uses highly durable, lightweight and compact body-on-frame construction. A range of attachments can be combined for a variety of applications, from outdoor sports to work in rough terrain.
- Large gullwing doors on three sides give the MUD MASTER-C great convenience, ideal for loading and unloading bicycles in the "mountain bike support" model.
- Full-cabin styling creates a strong presence.
- The interior features a simple instrument panel with large-screen LCD multi-display and the water-repellent seats, reflecting the car's rugged image.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
domitype 11:36PM (2/27/2009)
I like this (and I have a Pinz 710M.) I think they would have to bump it up a class or two for it to sell in USA - maybe the size of a Mazda 5? With fold flat rear seats for extra passengers or whatever, an easy to clean interior, 30+ MPG (maybe a plug in hybrid?) and "99th percentile seating" (I am 6' 5" and I cannot sit in most Kei size vehicles) I think it would be a winner!
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Avinash machado 12:20PM (10/10/2007)
Good it is not coming to the US. 10 of them could be crushed in traffic at the same time by just 1 Hummer.
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Snifter 1:54PM (2/04/2009)
Actually it’s more likely to be the white Ford Econoline 350 that you and your bib wearing classmates are going to "school" in...
F1Fan 12:24PM (10/10/2007)
Let's see, we shouldn't park our vehicle at a distance that doesn't trash the landscape and bike our way in? No! Let's drive in and then ride through the ruts and debris we've caused with our huge footprint vehicle with monter truck tires for some reall good mountain biking.
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Charger06RT 12:31PM (10/10/2007)
This concept looks really top heavy. I'm getting Suzuki Samaria flashbacks.
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TheOne442 12:35PM (10/10/2007)
Stait-out the 80's!!!
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Lisa Beamer 12:51PM (10/10/2007)
I would consider this vehicle if it were ever imported. Short means easy city parking, plus I need 4wd to get to my surfing spots.
This thing is like a way better looking honda element.
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Paul 12:42PM (10/10/2007)
I'm sure this one will pass the elk test......(Remember the Mercedes A class debaccle?)
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terraFocus 12:46PM (10/10/2007)
I want one, but maybe with an exo-roll cage.. In case I don't come rolling down the hill rubber side down.
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1337 12:46PM (10/10/2007)
All that just to carry two mountain bikes? Why not just ride the bikes?
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Tioch 12:51PM (10/10/2007)
Hmm... Suzuki Super Carry much? Did Daihaitsu just leave their engineering books at home for this one? A off-road vehicle needs good torque and ground clearance. Ground clearance means a higher center of gravity which will make it more prone to roll. You can counteract that by lowering the center with weight or by widening the wheelbase. They've already said that its lean on weight. Look at that wheelbase though! With a wheelbase that skinny, any sideways incline would tip it over. Doesn't matter how much torque you can put down, if you can't keep the thing stable over the rough bumpy stuff, its not an off-road vehicle. I mean, they say it can ford streams, but you'd be crazy too considering any decent amount of water and current would just flip the thing over too. If you want a good example of skinny wheelbase vehicles flipping, watch the Top Gear episode where they test some vans.
Sorry Daihaitsu. Maybe you did some service by naming it mud, cause that's about how good that thing is... Definitely an off-road vehicle in name only.
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mark_welby 4:45PM (10/10/2007)
Bud Bundy was "Grandmaster B". That's about all I have to add here.
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TEM 8:34PM (10/10/2007)
Heh. Nice.
2jmotorsports 1:07PM (10/10/2007)
It looks like a itty bitty Vanagon Synchro. I like it.
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Rick 7:05PM (10/10/2007)
If this came over to the states would young bored kids in Iowa go around town tipping them over?
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captredbeard 2:00PM (10/10/2007)
this thing is straight out of Jurassic Park!
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sebaviva 2:17PM (10/10/2007)
It's a baby Pinzgauer! It would look cool beside a Pinz, sort of like a mother ship and a runabout. Too young or too American to know what a Pinzgauer is? Just do an image search, and all will be revealed. Cheers.
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Guenther 2:34PM (10/10/2007)
Look up Puch Haflinger (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haflinger_(Fahrzeug). Its the predecessor to the Pinz, having a similar relation as a WWII Flat fender and a HMMWV.
Anyway, I like this thing- its a kei-Van on big tires. Sammies only flopped over when the driver did something stupid. For low-impact mobility, this is great- it can keep within the width of the average hiking trail and turn on a dime.
SPG 3:00PM (10/10/2007)
Dakkar cool and micro tall wagon of Japan lame.
All and all this would be a fun toy.
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Guenther 3:05PM (10/10/2007)
As for styling, while most of the concepts at Tokyo sofar look like angry food processors, this at least looks like a happy toaster.
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