Starting in 2005 in HARTGE’s product range is the new HARTGE 645Ci 5.1. Its premiere was celebrated beginning of December 2004 at the Essen Motorshow. The HARTGE 6 series was presented to technicians as well to the public with an individual optic and as usual with a high-performance engine. The modified V8 engine with 5.1 liter displacement gives an output of 420 hp and an impressive torque of 520 Nm (384 lb-ft).

The HARTGE engineers reach this by increasing the displacement with a new crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods and its own bespoke engine mapping. These facts endow the HARTGE Six with a 0 – 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h.

The 30 mm lower HARTGE sport suspension with specific spring rates and shock absorbers take care of the best grip on the road (for vehicles without Dynamic-Drive-System, an additional stabilizer set is available). The essential road holding takes the HARTGE 6 series with specific tires from Continental or Pirelli in the dimensions 255/30-21” front and 295/25-21” rear. The HARTGE high- performance brake system with eight piston brake calipers front and 380 mm cross-drilled floating rotors gives the 1695 kg vehicle always the best braking deceleration.

The ”model athletic” optic gets the HARTGE Six from the new designed front spoiler, with enlarged kidney grilles and integrated headlights, which personify a combination of modern ”timeless design” and ”retro-look”.

At the rear section the stainless steel rear silencers shine with two dual round tail pipes right and left and give a robust sound, (optional with two oval tail pieces available).

The newly designed 21 inch HARTGE ’’Classic II’’ alloy wheels in the dimensions 9.5 x 21” offset 18 front and 10.5 x 21” offset 22 rear (available from March 2005) match perfectly. This marks the next evolutionary step of the beautiful and timeless HARTGE ”Classic” wheel. More sizes to come end of 2005.

High grade interior materials in leather and aluminium complete the optics. The HARTGE designed aluminium handbrake handle, the aluminium/leather automatic gear lever and the aluminium pedals are the cream of the crop. The HARTGE leather sport steering wheel (optionally with carbon inlays) with its amazing grip encourages the driver to high speed cornering.

The interior concept of the HARTGE Six was completed by the HARTGE speedometer with its scale over 300 km/h. The fact that off-road cars are always an issue for racing drivers as well, is proven by Laurent Aiello. A passionate jet-skier, the new DTM-champion was one of the first to have his name written down on the list of possible clients for the first Abt Touareg. “For me, the Touareg is the ideal car: I can take my jet-skis and my entire family without any problems and I don’t have to do without sporting power and comfort”, the Frenchman says. “And I am convinced that, with its even more sporty looks, the Abt Touareg will be a real highlight.”

Text and photos courtesy of HERBERT HARTGE GmbH & Co. KG