Nissan X-Trail modded for Alpine mountain rescue campaign

Rarely does a car maker build a car with a purpose not to be driven. Yet, that’s exactly the craic with Nissan’s latest X-Trail variant. The heavily-modded motor is a four-wheel-drive demonstrator for mountain rescue, with the campaign slogan ‘best if it’s not needed’.

Speaking of crack though, have you seen the thing? A red and grey monster, with four tank-style continuous tracks instead of wheels, a winch, ginormous wheel arches, wider bumpers and a bespoke roof rack for ski recovery equipment greets snow goers in Cervinia, Italy.

The rescue vehicle has no rear seats to create more space for a stretcher and a medic, if required. Modifications also include a siren, flashing lights and a light matrix to give snowsports fans encouragement to slow down, be respectful and ‘ride responsibly’ – part of a campaign across five European ski resorts. Don't speed cameras work on snowy slopes?

Really, Nissan wants to showcase its all-wheel-drive tech. The X-trail is a ‘self-charging’ hybrid, so the fuel powers an on-board generator, which charges the battery. That in turn powers the twin-motors on each axle. Cue instantaneous electrified drive, faster reaction times from each individual wheel and superior traction control.

The brand reckons its e-4orce system sails smoothly – precisely and undetected – over icy and uneven patches of piste. “The development of the X-Trail Mountain Rescue and the surrounding campaign is a bold and innovative way to help consumers understand the benefits of Nissan's advanced electrified all-wheel drive system e-4ORCE," said Nissan AMIEO VP, Coralie Musy.

"Thousands of winter sports enthusiasts passing through the five ski stations will see and understand the peace of mind and poise that X-Trail equipped with e-4ORCE delivers on the road."