or 5.9L (360ci) LA V8, optional 4-barrel carburetor The XR311 was a prototype military vehicle of US origin that was procured in limited numbers during the 1970s.

As a result of the trials of these two prototypes the US Army purchased ten improved or second generation models in 1971.

The XR311 was designed to carry out a wide variety of roles including anti-tank, reconnaissance patrol, convoy escort, command and control, medivac, military police, mortar carrier, internal security and forward air defense communications vehicle.

The XR311 is built around a tubular-steel frame safety roll-cage which protects the passenger compartment if the vehicle rolls over.

The engine and transmission are at the rear of the hull and there is an external load-carrying platform above this which can take a maximum load of 386 kg (851 lb).

The minimum ground clearance is 11 inches, and a full length skid pan protects the hull and drivetrain, which allows the vehicle to slide over obstacles.

The fully independent suspension uses modified Dana 44 centersections, and used many off the shelf parts from the front wheel drive Oldsmobile Toronado / Cadillac Eldorado (e.g., CV joints and boots, spindle and bearings, and 11-inch disk brakes), and is of a double-wishbone design with a torsion-bar spring and hydraulic telescopic shock absorber at each station.