Recently, Qt Services have taken over the production of the Wildcat super 4x4s from Bowler, and today they are announcing the launch of the Qt Wildcat 300STR. The Qt Wildcat 300STR is still based on a Land Rover platform and is powered by a 4 liter Rover V8 that's capable of taking it from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. This is almost as fast as an Impreza STI. The Qt Wildcat 300STR is a 4x4 that can take you at 3 digit speeds over any type of rough terrain and in many opinions is meanest road legal off-roader.
The Qt Wildcat 300STR features a fully welded tubular chassis, 4-wheel drive, 5-point harnesses, heavy duty differentials and drive-shafts.
Apart from being and extreme hardcore 4x4, the Qt Wildcat 300STR also has air conditioning, bluetooth, an iPod dock and a stereo hi-fi system. The options list of the Qt Wildcat 300STR includes storage for you golf clubs, in case you want to play on the moon.
The Qt Wildcat 300STR is the entry level version of the new off-roader. The company also offers the 400NSR which is a full competition model and the 500DKR which is the full professional version.
The Qt Wildcat 300STR price has not been announced yet.
Qt Press Release:
Since Qt Services took over production of the Wildcat, they have developed and launched what can only be described as the meanest road legal off-road vehicle, equally at home in the City of London as it would be in the deserts of North Africa.
Powered by an ultra-reliable, 4 liter Rover V8, the Qt Wildcat 300STR is capable of 3-figure
speeds over completely unmade terrain, something that even the ubiquitous Range Rover Sport would look askance at. The secret of the success of this model is the suppleness of its chassis and suspension, derived from its big brothers that compete in 'raid' events such as the gruelling Dakar Rally, which makes it surprisingly easy and comfortable to drive. And in spite of its incredible performance figures - 0-60 in 5.8 seconds – the Wildcat manages to achieve a good balance between performance and economy.
The car pictured not only has the usual Wildcat features that make it almost unbreakable – fully welded tubular chassis, 4-wheel drive, 5-point harnesses, heavy duty differentials and drive-shafts - but also creature comforts such as air conditioning, bluetooth, iPod dock and stereo hi-fi. The boss of Qt Services, Dave Marsh, denies his wife wanted one modified for shopping but does admit to the chassis' versatility allowing for a certain amount of customising: "If you consider that the Qt Wildcat 300STR is essentially a two-seater, there are a number of options open to you and this first production Qt Wildcat 300STR has been specified with rear storage for the new owner's golf clubs. We'd love to be there when he rocks up to the clubhouse and parks it next to the Astons and
Mercedes! Definitely a head-turner."
Depending on your style of driving, there are three Wildcat variants to choose from - the Qt Wildcat 300STR (described here), the 400NSR which is a full competition model designed for hill rallies and tout terrain events and the top spec 500DKR which has the full rally raid package for serious and seasoned competitors.
The new car features many upgrades from the previous version to improve its performance and is performing well in competition.
Central to this is the all new Jaguar V8 engine which has given a significant increase in power and a much wider and flatter torque curve. This has vastly improved the car’s driveability.
Coupled to the engine is the newly developed close ratio, straight cut gearbox which is matched to engine characteristics.
Revisions have also been made to the steering with a new quick ratio steering box requiring less input resistance making the car easier to control over the long Rally Raid stages.
The new car also features 60mm Donerre lithium fast rebound dampers which vastly improve traction and control; the Qt-designed mountings for the coil over shock absorbers were developed in conjunction with Donerre.
