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| 2003.10.17 |
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NISSAN AND RALLY RAIDS
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In 2002, Nissan defined two priorities for its sporting activities: the Dakar for the European continent, and the Japan GT Championship, in order to support the brand's global strategy.
Last year, Nissan embarked on a four-year rally raid programme, which kicked of with the Dakar 2003.
The main axis of this sporting strategy, the Dakar is an excellent means of communication. Dakar has worldwide appeal -- not only throughout Europe but also in Japan, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America -- all markets in which Nissan has a strong presence. It provides an excellent opportunity for Nissan to show the performances of its all-terrain range globally.
After finishing in fifth position in the overall classification of the 2003 Dakar, including five stage wins, the Nissan Rally Raid Team has shown itself to be a serious competitor in its first works participation in the event.
Throughout the season over the past year, the team has taken part in a number of rounds of the World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, in order to increase its knowledge of this area of the sport, and to build up as much experience as possible. The competitive Pickup allowed Nissan to claim a magnificent win in the Rally of Morocco last June, with Giniel de Villiers and Tina Thörner. This was the manufacturer's first win on a World Cup event.
Thanks to the experience acquired in competition, the 2004 version of the Nissan Pickup was born.
This new generation of the Pickup, with its robust silhouette, is, like its predecessor, driven by the competition version of the production VQ 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder engine. The most significant changes are in the bodywork with an impact on styling. The 2004 model has been designed to improve the aerodynamic profile, in order to achieve a higher top speed and better visibility.
Moreover, the significant reduction in the front overhang, the improvement in the protection beneath the bodywork and a more generous clearance should allow the crew to better face the rocky routes and the dunes.
With this new machine, top-level crews and a professional team, Nissan is confident to achieve significant results in the Dakar 2004.
This aim of the participation in this event is not only to showcase the technical competence of Nissan, but to arouse interest and passion among its clients and supporters all over the world.
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THE NISSAN RALLY RAID TEAM CREWS
The Nissan Rally Raid Team for the 2004 Dakar will be made up of four crews, who will be driving Pickup vehicles in the Superproduction category.
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Ari VATANEN (FIN) |
| Four-times winner of the mythical Dakar event, Ari Vatanen will be behind the wheel of a Nissan Pickup for the second year in a row. Extremely motivated, as always, Ari cannot wait to get back to Africa, a continent of which he is incredibly fond. Having claimed four of the manufacturer's five stage wins in this year's Dakar, he would like to reach the record number of 50 stage wins during the 2004 event (he currently has 49 wins to his credit…). His compatriot Juha Repo will be in charge of the navigation. Juha recently took part in the UAE Desert Challenge in Dubaï, alongside Ari. It was his first time in the sand and the dunes, and quite visibly, he enjoyed the experience… |
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Colin McRAE (GB) |
| World Rally Champion in 1995, finishing second in the World Championship on three occasions, Colin McRae is without doubt a legendary character in the world of rallying. After an exceptional career, he has reached a turning point, and is venturing into rally-raids. With both the category and by the Nissan Pickup appealing to him, he could create a few surprises and spoil the fun for some of the "regulars". Supported by Swedish driver Tina Thörner, he will be able to count on her experience and talent to avoid the navigational pitfalls, in what looks like being a particularly difficult edition of the Dakar. |
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Giniel DE VILLIERS (RSA) |
| Progressing continuously, the South African driver would dearly like to claim his first Dakar stage win. Finishing fifth in the previous edition, he proved that Nissan could count on his consistency and talent. Having won the Rally of Morocco earlier this year, he has already savoured the sweet taste of victory, and would like to repeat the experience … His team-mate and compatriot Francois Jordaan might be taking part in the Dakar for the first time, but he knows his driver extremely well. Francois has been navigating for Giniel in South Africa for three years. |
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Yves LOUBET (FRA) |
| After only six Rally-Raid events, Yves Loubet is incredibly enthusiastic at the thought of competing in an official car. Having recently won the Rally of the Pharaohs with a Nissan Pickup, and despite his relative inexperience in his area of the sport, Yves is far from being an unknown quantity. Five French Rally Championship titles, three vice-champion titles and a former European Champion, the driver from Corsica is extremely motivated, and ready to face any challenges. He will be driving alongside 2002 Dakar winner Pascal Maimon for the first time. Extremely experienced and professional, Pascal is, like his driver, extremely motivated. A dynamic duo, well worth watching. |
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A large team…
For the 2004 edition, no fewer than 65 people will make up the Nissan Rally Raid Team. This impressive figure includes engineers, mechanics, logistics personnel, drivers of the assistance trucks, crews, press and public relations and Management.
To manage and run this team, Gilles Martineau has recently joined the Nissan Rally Raid Team. With solid experience in motorsport, he will take on the role of Team Manager.
After twelve years with Ford, where he was the Director of Motorsport Activities, Gilles Martineau is knowledgeable in both circuit competition and Rallying. He has no fewer than ten seasons of Formula Ford to his credit, having taken control of all aspects of the category, both organisational and sporting. Manager and coordinator of the Rally Raid activities, he has extensive knowledge of both the World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies and the Dakar.
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NISSAN 2004 PICKUP SPECIFICATIONS
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| Engine |
Based on VQ35 (4 valves per cylinder. 4 cam all-aluminium engine) six cylinder engine. With variable valve timing |
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| Bore / stroke |
95.5 x 81.4 |
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| Max Output |
200 kW at 5000 rpm |
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| Max Torque |
360 Nm at 4000 rpm |
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| Clutch |
Multi Plate |
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| Inlet |
Roller throttle injection system |
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| Oil System |
Dry sump configuration |
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| Engine Management |
Pectel, fully programmable, with engine history logging |
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| Transmission |
Six speed sequential gearbox with centre differential and single reverse |
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| Suspension |
Front and Rear
Double wishbone with dual coil-over dampers
Max permissible travel for T2 250 mm
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| Differentials |
Front and Rear units have centre portions from Nissan Patrol with motorsport constructed housings and limited slip |
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Brakes &
Wheels and Tyres |
Front and rear - AP four piston callipers with 320 mm ventilated discs 16" Magnesium Alloy rims with BF Goodrich tyres |
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| Fuel Tank |
500 litre tank for long distance liaison and stages |
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| Steering |
Power assisted rack and pinion |
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| Maximum Speed |
190 km/h |
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| Weight (Dry) |
1750 kg (T2 min weight 1750kg) |
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| Dimensions |
Length: 4.700 mm
Height: 1.700 mm
Width: 2.000 mm
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| Chassis |
v200-element roll cage, incorporating all suspension pick-up points and attachment points for body work and ancillaries. Enlarged cabin area, compared with the 2003 IRS Pickup for improved comfort and visibility. |
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| Body Parts |
The revised body shape for improved aerodynamics and visibility is of composite construction.
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