Cars & Concepts
Théaults Luxusliner auf Rädern: Der Mercedes Actros Élégance Lounge setzt neue Maßstäbe beim Pferdetransport
The Théault's latest Actros Élégance Lounge model aims to provide thoughtfully designed comfort for both humans and animals
Horse enthusiasts are aware that owning a horse can be quite a costly affair. Top breeding horses sometimes reach a value of up to ten million euros. It's only natural that such valuable quadrupeds aren't simply hauled in a basic trailer behind a Toyota Land Cruiser. Rather, a more luxurious mode of transportation is required.
The French coachbuilder Théault has crafted a fresh horse transport vehicle using the Mercedes Actros as its foundation. The creators tout their "Élégance Lounge" model as a smart blend of comfort and practicality, catering to the needs of both equines and travelers. Notably, Théault brings a century of specialized expertise in the field of horse transportation.
Photo Gallery: Théault's "Élégance Lounge" Horse Transporter Built on a Mercedes-Benz Actros
The vehicle is constructed on a Mercedes Actros 2551 6×2 platform, featuring a robust 12.8-liter engine (OM 471) that delivers an impressive 510 horsepower, ensuring ample power for effortless long-distance travel even when fully loaded. This particular model is derived from the Actros Edition 2, which comes factory-equipped with a variety of additional features designed to enhance everyday functionality.
Human and Animal Comfort
The living space within the "Élégance Lounge" boasts a contemporary yacht-inspired design. Light shades and wooden features create a cozy and inviting environment. This horse transporter is designed to substitute a hotel for drivers, grooms, and possibly riders during journeys. The vehicle's comprehensive amenities ensure comfort on the road: a fully equipped kitchen featuring an oven, stove tops, and a sink allows for meal preparation while traveling. Additionally, there's a bathroom equipped with a walk-in shower and a 400-liter water tank to ensure an adequate water supply for extended trips.
The dining area of the truck can accommodate up to six diners, and there's also a TV and home theater system for cozy evening entertainment. Additionally, there's a small built-in wine cellar. As for sleeping arrangements, the truck has three cleverly designed spots: an electric fold-out bed above the roof, a convertible dining space for additional sleeping quarters, and a third bed situated on a lowering platform above the driver's area.
In designing the Actros' interior, not only was human comfort taken into consideration, but animal welfare was also a priority. The horse compartments in the vehicle can accommodate up to eight horses, ensuring they are shielded from noise and fluctuations in temperature thanks to sophisticated insulation. The compartments are individually placed across the two rear axles.
The floors of the stalls have been specially fortified to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for the horses. A blend of Finnish wood, cushioning foam, and rubber mats provides excellent insulation against heat and sound, significantly diminishing stress for these sensitive creatures.
Entry to the compartments is made possible through two diagonally opening levels – one at the rear and another on the vehicle's right side. This allows for a comfortable and secure loading process for the animals, while the ample storage space beneath the vehicle and in the horse area provides sufficient room for equipment. For those in need of additional storage, there's the option of an attachable tournament box at the back, which accommodates saddles, saddle cloths, and other accessories.
Versatile and Customizable
The Actros "Élégance Lounge" impresses with its opulent features and also with sophisticated technology that simplifies daily operations. This truck is equipped with an electronic control system that allows for lateral extension of the body.
This allows the vehicle's interior space to expand up to 50 square meters, providing additional room for both people and animals. With this expansion, the customer is able to customize the van to suit their needs, whether it's to accommodate more horses or to increase the living space.
Another unique feature of this model is that it is officially registered to carry four people. In addition to the standard driver and passenger seats, there's an extra row that has two additional seats, significantly enhancing comfort during long-distance travel.
Approximately 3,000 hours of work were dedicated to the creation and assembly of this special edition model. This is indicative of the exceptional level of craftsmanship and accuracy that Théault applies to the manufacturing of its vehicles. Furthermore, clients have the option to customize the transporter to their preferences, ensuring that each truck is one-of-a-kind.
Discover more about the Mercedes-Benz Actros at Motor1.com.
Théault boasts a rich history in the creation of horse transportation vehicles. Established in 1924 in Normandy, it rapidly gained recognition for producing vehicles tailored to the unique needs of animal transportation. Currently, Théault has a workforce of approximately 170 employees and manufactures roughly 450 horse carriers per year. With its extensive expertise and the integration of cutting-edge technology, the company offers bespoke solutions to its clientele.
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