Gurgel Carajás History

The Carajás launched in late 1984 as Gurgel's largest vehicle — a proper two-wheel-drive SUV using a 1.8-litre water-cooled Volkswagen Santana engine mounted at the front, with a rear transaxle connected by what Gurgel called the 'Tork Tube System' (TTS). The rear-biased weight distribution improved traction off-road without a traditional four-wheel-drive transfer case.

Like the Xavante, the Carajás used Gurgel's Selectraction system: two hand-operated levers allowed independent braking of each rear wheel, transmitting torque to the wheel with grip. Engine options expanded to include a 1.6-litre diesel and both gasoline and ethanol variants of the 1.8-litre. A rare four-door VIP variant was also produced in limited numbers.

At its peak the Carajás was Brazil's best-selling SUV. Regular production halted in January 1991 after President Fernando Collor opened Brazil's market to foreign imports — the Lada Niva arrived and undercut it on price. The Carajás remained available on special order until Gurgel declared bankruptcy in 1994.