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In a remarkable display of ingenuity and dedication, a team of Nissan engineers has successfully completed the challenging Baja Aragon Rally in a modified Nissan X-Trail e-POWER. The event, held on July 27-28, saw the X-Trail navigate over 310 miles of rugged terrain, demonstrating the robustness of Nissan's e-POWER system and e-4ORCE all-wheel drive technology.
A Passion Project Turns into Reality
The modified X-Trail, prepared by a seven-engineer team from Nissan Technical Centre Europe – Spain (NTCE-S) in Barcelona, was entered into the rally’s "Open" category. The ambitious project began as a passion project in February 2023. The team, led by Jonatan Gijón and Cesar Fernández—both skilled Nissan test drivers—took on the challenge of preparing the X-Trail for the demanding rally conditions during their evenings and weekends. Their goal? To finish the rally and prove the durability of Nissan’s advanced powertrain technologies.
An Unmodified Powertrain with Strategic Upgrades
Despite the grueling conditions, the X-Trail’s e-POWER powertrain remained unchanged from the standard production model. Modifications for the rally focused on enhancing performance and safety rather than altering the core powertrain. Key updates included improved cooling capacity, upgraded suspension, a roll cage, a competition fuel tank, a stripped-out interior, and additional safety equipment.
Miquel Sasot, Manager of the Powertrain Group at NTCE-S, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment: “We are thrilled to have achieved our goal of finishing the Baja Aragon Rally. The conditions were extremely tough, but our success is a testament to the e-POWER system and e-4ORCE all-wheel drive technology, and to the passion and commitment of our team.”
Innovative Engineering Meets Rally Challenges
The e-POWER system, featured in both the Qashqai and X-Trail models, drives the wheels exclusively with an electric motor, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience. The petrol engine serves solely as a generator, eliminating the need for plug-in charging. Since its launch, more than 150,000 e-POWER-equipped vehicles have been sold across Europe.
The X-Trail’s advanced e-4ORCE twin-motor all-wheel drive system played a crucial role in handling the rally's tough terrain. This system provides optimal traction and stability by monitoring available grip 1000 times per second and adjusting power distribution as needed.
A Testimony to Nissan’s Spirit
David Moss, Senior Vice President of Region Research & Development at Nissan’s AMIEO region, highlighted the spirit of innovation that drove the project: “When the team presented their feasibility study for modifying an e-POWER X-Trail, we were excited by the opportunity to showcase the powertrain’s robustness. This project embodies Nissan’s commitment to pushing boundaries and demonstrating our advanced technologies.”
Coralie Musy, Region Vice President of Brand & Customer Experience, echoed this sentiment: “At Nissan, we strive to 'Defy Ordinary,' seeking ways to go further and challenge conventions. The Barcelona team’s extraordinary achievement in the Baja Aragon Rally is a perfect example of this spirit. We’re incredibly proud of their success.”
For more updates on Nissan’s innovative projects and to follow their latest developments, visit the Nissan website.
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