Posts Tagged 'arctic trucks'
25 August 2011 at 17:22
EWR Announce ‘Double Traverse’ of Antarctica
Tony Martin, CEO of ultra-endurance pioneers Extreme World Races, has announced an extraordinary challenge – to complete a pioneering 7000km return crossing of the entire length of Antarctica by specially adapted Toyota Hilux AT6x6 truck, including Captain Scott’s infamous route..
Never before attempted, EWR will be commemorating Captain Scott’s centenary year by faithfully following the iconic explorer’s route via the Beardmore Glacier, before making the return journey – a distance of nearly 3500km each way. To mark this event, EWR will also be organising a ski race to the South Pole and creating a foundation base on the edge of Antarctica for young students and scientists.
EWR, at the forefront of advances in polar exploration since 2003, have developed a revolutionary fleet of Toyota Hilux AT4x4 and AT6x6 vehicles in partnership with Arctic Trucks Iceland. Introduced by EWR in 2009, these incredible vehicles have been painstakingly designed and tested to offer the ultimate balance of the most extreme performance with the minimum environmental impact.
As a result, EWR have been responsible for providing logistics on major projects including the legendary Top Gear Polar Challenge and BBC’s On Thin Ice Series with Ben Fogle and James Cracknell and EWR’s polar expertise and infrastructure is now world-renowned.
Now with world-beating fuel efficiency, higher load capacity and improved towing ability, plus extra-large deck for carrying support teams and the extensive equipment required for survival in these conditions, the new AT6x6 is the ultimate off-roader and the only vehicle capable of performing to this level in this harshest of tests.
Tony Martin, CEO and Founder of Extreme World Races; ‘since 2003, we have been developing our network of Hilux vehicles to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally sensitive exploration in Antarctica. EWR are the only operation with the infrastructure to be able to attempt this route and it will be both an honour and the realization of a personal dream of mine, to be able to attempt the famed double traverse on the Centenary of Captain Scott’s journey.’
With temperatures of -50 degrees, winds of 80 mph and deadly crevasses up to a kilometre deep, this is one of the most dangerous places on the planet. Immortalised by Captain Scott’s epic and ultimately tragic expedition 100 years ago, Antarctica remains one of the world’s last great wildernesses and this treacherous journey will push the boundaries of polar exploration to its very limits.
Tags: Antarctica | Tony Martin | Captain Scott | Arctic Trucks
Posted in Extreme Headlines | South Pole | Extreme Races | No Comments
16 August 2011 at 11:02
Press Release. For Immediate Release.
EWR Announce ‘Double Traverse’ of Antarctica
Tony Martin, CEO of ultra-endurance pioneers Extreme World Races, today announces an extraordinary challenge – to complete a pioneering 7000km return crossing of the entire length of Antarctica by specially adapted Toyota Hilux 6x6 truck, including Captain Scott’s infamous route.
Never before attempted, EWR will be commemorating Captain Scott’s centenary year by faithfully following the iconic explorer’s route via the Beardmore Glacier, before making the return journey – a distance of nearly 3500km each way. To mark this event, EWR will also be organising a ski race to the South Pole and creating a foundation base on the edge of Antarctica for young students and scientists.
EWR CEO Tony Martin
EWR's specially designed AT44
6 x 6
EWR, at the forefront of advances in polar exploration since 2003, have developed a revolutionary fleet of Toyota Hilux vehicles in partnership with Norway-based Arctic Trucks. Introduced by EWR in 2009, these incredible vehicles have been painstakingly designed and tested to offer the ultimate balance of the most extreme performance with the minimum environmental impact.
As a result, EWR have been responsible for providing logistics on major projects including the legendary Top Gear Polar Challenge and BBC’s On Thin Ice Series with Ben Fogle and James Cracknell and EWR’s polar expertise and infrastructure is now world-renowned.
Now with world-beating fuel efficiency, higher load capacity and improved towing ability, plus extra-large deck for carrying support teams and the extensive equipment required for survival in these conditions, the new AT44 6x6 is the ultimate off-roader and the only vehicle capable of performing to this level in this harshest of tests.
Tony Martin, CEO and Founder of Extreme World Races;
‘since 2003, we have been developing our network of Hilux vehicles to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally sensitive exploration in Antarctica. EWR are the only operation with the infrastructure to be able to attempt this route and it will be both an honour and the realization of a personal dream of mine, to be able to attempt the famed double traverse on the Centenary of Captain Scott’s journey.’
With temperatures of -50 degrees, winds of 80 mph and deadly crevasses up to a kilometre deep, this is one of the most dangerous places on the planet. Immortalised by Captain Scott’s epic and ultimately tragic expedition 100 years ago, Antarctica remains one of the world’s last great wildernesses and this treacherous journey will push the boundaries of polar exploration to its very limits.
Toyota Hilux AT44 6x6 Specifications
· Engine: 3.0L Diesel common rail, 170hp/3600rpm/360Nm
· Filtration: Extra heavy duty fuel and air filtration
· Gearbox: 5 speed automatic
· Transfer case: Part time High and low range (2.566:1 in low)
· Crawler gear (2.566:1 in low)
· Differential locks: 100% (front/rear/rear)
· Brakes front/rear: Disc/drum/drum
· Tyres front/rear: 44x18.50/15
· Rim: Arctic Trucks 15x16 rim
· Suspension front/rear: Coil/Coil/Coil
· Length: 6.365mm (+150mm for grille guard)
· Width: 2.300mm
· Height: 2.145mm (+170mm for roof rack)
· Wheelbase: 3.125mm/1200mm
· Ground clearance: 480mm under belly (min. 376mm)
· Fuel tank: 400 L
· Compressed air: integrated compressor
· EL: 12V generator 960W + extra battery
· Power outlets as requested.
· Tire pressure as low as 2 psi or 0,14 kg/cm3
Tags: South Pole Race | Arctic Trucks | Tony Martin
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Press Releases | No Comments
11 January 2011 at 18:34
Our new EWR Arctic Trucks 6x6 vehicles arrived back in Novo last week after their round trip supporting the Germany v Austria Race to the South Pole. It looks like they fully met the team's expectations.
Check out the original press release that announced the delivery of the vehicles, which triggered wide coverage in the UK media.
- EWR 6x6 ready for Antarctica
From Concept To Delivery
For some background into the production process for the EWR 6x6, I contacted Arctic Trucks chairman Emil Grimsson. He was kind enough to answer my questions while trying to stay abreast of the latest news coming back from Antarctica about how the trucks had performed.
A 6x6 vehicle is not as radical an idea as it might at first appear. Arctic Trucks has been watching its use in other commercial environments for some time and were just waiting for the right practical application. That time has finally arrived.
Taking the decision to proceed with construction, however, was simply the start of a challenging process that is still ongoing.
The first test vehicle was built 18 months ago as a prototype for a military tender for Norway and Sweden. This vehicle was tested extensively and the results were excellent. The vehicles used for the recent trip to Antarctica benefited from both this rigorous testing and the company's knowledge gained from previous expeditions to the southern continent. However, it was the first time they'd made a 6x6 with 44 inch tires and, due to the fixed deadline for the race, there was only extremely limited time for testing this aspect of the vehicle.
For Emil, it was important to keep the end in mind. "We still need to look at the results from our recent trip [supporting the Germany v Austria Race to the South Pole] but I believe the 6x6 will take us another step up in servicing operations and ensuring the safety of people in Antarctica."
The Arctic Trucks EWR 6x6 In Action
First reports of the performance of the vehicles in Antarctica is encouraging. Not only did they take in some extremely heavy loads but they made it to the South Pole and back to Novo with no mechanical problems and crossed areas ofsastrugi snow with ease.
Obviously, with a vehicle like this, it's not possible to pick up all the parts ready-made in the workshop. Arctic Trucks sourced the additional axle from Austrian company Oberaigner. Although still a prototype, the axle goes into production later this year. For the two vehicles taking part in the Germany v Austria Race to the South Pole, Arctic Trucks needed to build a large number of new parts, including frames, suspension, decks, and fuel tanks. All in all, each vehicle required about 500 man hours spent on it.
A large part of the drive to construct these vehicles is to increase the safety of travelling in Antarctica and extreme environments. The new Arctic Trucks 6x6 manages to improve safety while simultaneously increasing comfort and fuel efficiency. Emil and his team at Arctic Trucks can be proud of the vehicles they have created.
Tags: germany vs austria 2010 | antarctica | emil grimsson | arctic trucks
Posted in Extreme Headlines | No Comments
03 December 2010 at 11:48
Press Release. For immediate release.
New Arctic Trucks 6x6 Hilux off-roader created for world’s toughest race
Ultimate Arctic Trucks AT44 6x6 Hilux to be tested to limits in Antarctica for Historic EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole
Arctic Trucks AT44 6x6
Since 1990, Arctic Trucks have been the world’s leading extreme terrain modification specialists and their 4x4 Hilux has featured in some of the most incredible journeys undertaken in recent years. However, a very special and historic event – the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole - has required Arctic Trucks to create the all-new AT44 6x6.
With 44 inch tyres, higher load capacity and improved towing ability, extra-large deck for carrying support teams and the extensive equipment required for the competitor’s survival, the AT44 6x6 is now the ultimate off-roader and the only vehicle capable of performing in the world’s last great wilderness.
The hotly anticipated AT44 6x6 Hilux will be tested to its absolute limits in the world’s highest, driest and coldest desert when, on 14th December 2011, 100 years to the day since Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen beat Captain Robert Falcon Scott in their epic duel to the South Pole, the EWR Scott/Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole will begin.
Negotiating multiple crevasses, crossing snow bridges and rising to over 3000 metres above sea level, facing winds of up to 80mph and withstanding temperatures as low as -56C: these are just a few of the challenges on offer in the ultimate off-road test on the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole. Extra large 400 litre fuel tanks and capacity for 8 x 200 litre fuel barrels create an unprecedented driving range, allowing unsupported travel to the South Pole. With substantially more traction, the 6x6 will have greater pulling capacity in difficult conditions. The new drive line of the 6x6 has been designed to keep the exceptional reliability Arctic Trucks are famous for, tested on many successful expeditions to the toughest environments on the planet.
Emil Grimsson of Arctic Trucks;“Creating the 6x6 has been our biggest challenge to date and we are excited by the prospect of being a part of such a momentous event. This is a huge step forward in off-road engineering and will allow us to provide the best possible support for the brave competitors.”
Set in the stunning landscape of the coldest, driest and highest deserts on earth, the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole is inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the original Antarctic challenge between Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen. Taking place for only the third time ever, the second race in 2009, filmed for the BBC’s “On Thin Ice” documentary series, saw history repeat itself as TV celebrity Ben Fogle and Olympian James Cracknell were narrowly defeated by the Norwegians.
Tony Martin, Race Organiser and MD; “For any off-roader, this is the ultimate test. It is vital to have the right levels of expertise, equipment and support. Arctic Trucks’ 6x6 is the only vehicle capable of performing to these levels in Antarctica - the harshest conditions in the world.”
For further information, race maps, a selection of images and to arrange interviews please contact:
Dan Crofton dan@extremeworldraces.com
Darryl Butcher darryl@extremeworldraces.com
020 7225 6420, www.extremeworldraces.com or check out www.vimeo.co/ewr
AT44 6x6 Specifications:
- Engine: 3.0L Diesel common rail, 170hp/3600rpm/360Nm
- Filtration: Extra heavy duty fuel and air filtration
- Gearbox: 5 speed automatic
- Transfer case: Part time High and low range (2.566:1 in low)
- Crawler gear (2.566:1 in low)
- Differential locks: 100% (front/rear/rear)
- Brakes front/rear: Disc/drum/drum
- Tyres front/rear: 44x18.50/15
- Rim: Arctic Trucks 15x16 rim
- Suspension front/rear: Coil/Coil/Coil
- Length: 6.365mm (+150mm for grille guard)
- Width: 2.300mm
- Height: 2.145mm (+170mm for roof rack)
- Wheelbase: 3.125mm/1200mm
- Ground clearance: 480mm under belly (min. 376mm)
- Fuel tank: 400 L
- Compressed air: integrated compressor
- EL: 12V generator 960W + extra battery
- Power outlets as requested.
- Tire pressure as low as 2 psi or 0,14 kg/cm3
- Weight approx. 2.600 kg
Tags: Centenary Race to the South Pole | Arctic Trucks |
Posted in 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Press Releases | No Comments
