HARTGE HUNTER splendour
X3 as expertly off-road vehicle
As a successful race driver and team manager on the international stage, Herbert Hartge applies motor sports technology know-how into each of his BMW-based vehicles. The reason a racy all-wheel-drive vehicle is now fully suitable for hunting on even the most challenging terrain situations, lies not only in the fact that he’s able to fall back on a wealth of gathered rallye sport experience: Herbert is truly an avid and passionate hunter.
The modified X3 renders his passion. As “HUNTER“ it embodies a fine sleek manner of moving expertly and stylishly over rough and smooth. The necessary ground clearance of 23 cm is provided by longer spring/damper units, additional front spacer blocks and very good all-terrain-pneus (255/55 R 18) which are mounted on HARTGE´s “CLASSIC 2“ light alloy wheels. A considerable larger angle of driving slope (for example 31° instead of 23.9° at the front) and an improved ramp angle made possible despite the use of a continuous solid underbody skid plate made of stainless steel forgiving even hard hits of the ground, predestine the “HUNTER“ for the hunting-ground, in which its off-road tyre patterns leave impressive footprints. Thanks to a shortened axle drive ratio, an excellent traction and an increased torque, the 3.0d - whose Common-Rail-engine HARTGE pushed to 253 bhp (compared to 218 bhp in the production X3) – clambers up slopes up to 48°. Further terrain capabilities are certified with a wading depth of 50 cm and a axle articulation index of 63 percent.
The full range of HARTGE performance enhancements naturally extend to the version for the bhp-spoiled hunters society. In the 3.0sd 335hp/246 kW (factory 283 hp/210 kW) blow the mort through the hunting horn. The power-plus is gained through tuning of the electronic control unit (ECU): within technical territories tuner HARTGE is already a famous “hunting” authority.
Automatic differential locks on both axles ease the “HUNTER´s“ ability to stalk through difficult terrain. Stainless steel grating protects and guards the radiator from damage due to thick underbrush or rocks.
In addition to many practical accessories, which include washable Sensatec seat covers, customers requests for the “green look“ will be fulfilled: from a sports steering wheel made from green leather/maple, a speedometer with green instrument dial, leather interior through to a trunk mat in the same colour. Although not being designed for being a work animal like the Land Rover Defender, the X3 offers enough space for hunting gear including a tub for carrying the game.
Again, this X3 clearly demonstrates its supremacy on off-road terrain. HARTGE´s “HUNTER“ enriches the hunting scene as an off-road vehicle, which in contrast to the British Landy or German G-Class cuts a fine figure “onroad“ as well with speeds up to 210 km/h (dependent upon tyre manufacturer).
Nissan Reports February Sales in Europe
Trappes, France (ots/PRNewswire) - Nissan Europe reported total
sales of 32,468 vehicles(x) in February 2007, a decrease of 4%
compared to the same month last year. Year to date, Nissan sold
61,874 vehicles in Europe, a decrease of 5.3% compared to the same
period last year.
Total industry volume was down 2.8% this month in Western Europe,
compared to last year, particularly in markets such as Spain,
Portugal and Germany (down 14% vs last year). Furthermore, following
Nissan's run-out of three products from the popular C and D segments
(Almera, Tino and Primera) at the end of last year, Nissan reported a
decline in sales for the month of February.
Despite this, the Russian and UK markets performed well, as did
Eastern Europe and the Nordic regions. Sales of the new Qashqai have
just begun for which the initial order bank shows a promising start.
COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS
- For the region of Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, Nissan sold
6,644 units in February, registering an increase of 80% compared to
last year. Year to date Nissan sold a total of 11,699 units in these
countries, up 88.8% compared to the same period last year.
- In the UK, Nissan sold 2,235 units in February, an increase of
3.7% compared to last year. Year to date Nissan sold 6,486 units in
the UK, down 16.0% compared to the same period last year.
- In Eastern Europe (Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and
Slovakia), Nissan sold 1,399 units, an increase of 38.2% compared to
last year. Year to date, Nissan sold 2,261 units in Central and
Eastern Europe.
- In Italy, Nissan sold 3,834 units in February, down 14.6%
compared to last year. Year to date Nissan sold 6,957 units in Italy,
down 19.1% compared to the same period last year.
- Nissan in Spain sold 4,255 units in February, down 15.3%
compared to last year. Year to date Nissan sold 7,106 units in Spain,
down 19.1% compared to the same period last year.
TOP 10 COUNTRIES
Feb 07 vs Feb 06 % ytd 06 vs ytd 06 %
Variation Variation
vs 2006 vs 2006
Russia 5,909 77.6 10,475 87.2
Spain 4,255 -15.3 7,106 -19.1
Italy 3,834 -14.6 6,957 -19.1
France 2,380 -29.1 3,950 -37.1
UK 2,235 3.7 6,486 -16
Germany 1,814 -45.8 3,021 -53.8
Poland 717 30.8 1,209 210
Ukraine 675 82.4 1,083 80.5
Finland 649 -40 1,651 -22.6
Sweden 516 69.2 947 23575
Nissan employs around 12,000 people in its European design,
research and development, manufacturing, logistics, and sales and
marketing operations. Last year, the company produced a total of
506,602 vehicles in its Spanish and British plants. Nissan Europe's
Head Office is based in Trappes (Paris), France.
For further information on all markets, please contact Nissan
Europe Corporate Communications.
World Premiere of confident brand ambassador /
Spectacular Reveal of Striking Opel GTC Concept
Geneva (ots) -
On the eve of the 77th Geneva Motor Show, Opel illuminated the
night. Supported by a dramatic light show, the Opel GTC Concept (Gran
Turismo Coupé) made its spectacular debut at the "GM Premiere Night."
Heralding a new design era for the brand, the GTC Concept gives an
insight into how Opel's design language will look in the future.
Adding to progressive shapes and surfaces, the four-seat coupé
features unique LED lighting concepts in the front and rear,
providing a new signature lighting style for the brand.
The reveal's exciting light show highlighted the GTC Concept´s
signature illumination theme by utilizing state-of-the-art LED
technology for the huge stage wall. The car then strutted down a long
runway to its final resting spot on a turntable in the center of the
room.
Visual effects of the evening were also part of the futuristic
iBar concept: Items like mobile phones or drink glasses rested on the
bar tops were connected by animation of the concept car and the Opel
emblem. In addition, a common denominator of the show was the color
red, reflecting the interior lighting theme of the concept car and
the red line in its seats, steering wheel and tires.
Two live performances of the U.S. band "Pink Martini" and a
fashion show of the hip Spanish label "Mango" rounded off the
spectacular presentation of the GTC Concept.
"This evening's presentation perfectly highlighted the GTC Concept
as the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explained Alain Visser,
Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The concept car´s
exciting lines, high driving dynamics and interior flexibility
reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the
future." "With the GTC Concept our team envisioned the new essence of
Opel - more confident, relevant and distinctive - in a
high-performance four-seat coupé," said Bryan Nesbitt, Executive
Director, GM Europe Design. "This style is what to expect of future
Opel products."
Key elements of the GTC Concept (length/width/height:
4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an
aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum
vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical
elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements. Another
significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé is the
sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing.
Echoing the exterior, the interior visually articulates a dynamic
driving experience and reveals a new standard of Opel aesthetics.
Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful
"Flex4" system. The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately
to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or
two-seater with flat load floor.
The Opel GTC Concept is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6
turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent,
electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system.
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