Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen Touareg
Overview
Manufacturer	Volkswagen AG
Production	2002–present
Assembly	Volkswagen Bratislava Plant, Bratislava, Slovakia
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury crossover SUV (J)
Body style	5-door wagon
Layout	Longitudinal front engine, four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group PL71 platform
Related	Porsche Cayenne Audi Q7

The Volkswagen Touareg (German pronunciation: [ˈtuːaʁɛk]) is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by German automaker Volkswagen since 2002 at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant. The vehicle was named after the nomadic Tuareg people, inhabitants of the Saharan interior in North Africa.^[1]

Development

The Touareg (internally designated Typ 7L) was a joint venture project developed by Volkswagen Group, Audi and Porsche. The goal was to create an off-road vehicle that could handle like a sports car. The team, with over 300 people, was led by Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert and based in Weissach, Germany. The result of the joint project is the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform, shared by the Touareg, the Audi Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne, although there are styling, equipment, and technical differences between those vehicles. The Touareg and Porsche both seat five, while the Q7's stretched wheelbase accommodates a third row for seven passengers. The Volkswagen Touareg is built at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, alongside the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne.

Due to the demand, and the exchange rates of euros against the US dollar, as well as different pricing and environmental policies in the USA, the V6 and V8 engine variants make up most of Volkswagen's American Touareg offering. Compared to other Volkswagen-branded vehicles sold in the USA which are aimed at the mass market, Touaregs came in the more upscale trims and placed in competition with other luxury crossover SUVs from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, a limited number of the V10 TDI Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines was available in the 2004 model year (before being pulled for environmental reasons). They were brought back to the United States for the 2006 as a "Tier I emissions concept (43 state emissions)".^[2]

First generation (2002–2010)

First generation (7L)
Overview
Production	2002–2010
Body and chassis
Related	Porsche Cayenne Audi Q7
Powertrain
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,855 mm (112.4 in)
Length	4,754 mm (187.2 in)
Width	1,928 mm (75.9 in)
Height	1,726 mm (68.0 in)

Pre-facelift Volkswagen Touareg (Europe)

The Touareg comes as standard with a four-wheel drive system. It has an automatic progressively locking centre differential (with manual override), and a "low range" setting that can be activated with in-cabin controls. Options to make the vehicles more capable off-road include an available 4-wheel Adaptive Air Suspension (plus Continuous Damping Control) which can raise the car's ride height on command, and an interior switch allowing the rear differential to be manually locked. Its load level ground clearance is at 6.3 in (160 mm), Off Road Level is at 9.6 in (244 mm), and Xtra clearance of 11.8 in (300 mm).^[2]

Marketing

Interior

A 2007 Volkswagen Touareg 2 V10 TDI towed a Boeing 747 airliner in 2006. The Touareg was marketed as being the most capable off-roader to date. Several 2007 First Generation Touaregs were given to the staff, cast and crew of King Kong. Volkswagen subsequently offered for sale the Touareg Kong special edition, which featured upgraded specification and King Kong badging on the B-pillars.^[3] Return as new on 2016 as the third generation of Volkswagen Touareg.

Engines

Petrol engines
Model	Year	Engine type	Power, torque @ rpm	Engine Code
3.2 V6	2002–2007	3,189 cc (194.6 cu in) VR6	220 PS (162 kW; 217 bhp) – 241 PS (177 kW; 238 bhp)
3.6 V6	2004–2006	3,597 cc (219.5 cu in) VR6	280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp)
4.2 V8	2002–2008	4,163 cc (254.0 cu in) V8	310 PS (228 kW; 306 bhp)	AXQ or BAR (06+)
6.0 W12	2005–2010	5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12	450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp), 600 N·m (443 lbf·ft)
Diesel engines
Model	Year	Engine type	Power, torque @ rpm	Engine Code
2.5 R5 TDI	2003–2010	2,460 cc (150.1 cu in) I5 Turbo	174 PS (128 kW; 172 bhp), 400 N·m (295 lbf·ft)
3.0 V6 TDI	2004–2007	2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 Turbo	225 PS (165 kW; 222 bhp)
5.0 V10 TDI	2002–2007	4,921 cc (300.3 cu in) V10 TDI Turbo	313 PS (230 kW; 309 bhp) @3750, 750 N·m (553 lbf·ft) @ 2,000

W12 (2005–2010)

The 6.0-litre double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 48-valve W12 engined version was initially intended to be a limited-edition model, with just 500 units planned to be produced; around 330 were slated for sale in Saudi Arabia, with the remainder sold in Europe. Some of those W12 Touaregs were sold in China, but the number of sold is unknown. No sales in the United States were made. Eventually, the W12 model became an ordinary model without any production restrictions. It is estimated to reach 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 5.9 seconds.^[4]

V10 TDI (2002–2010)

The V10 TDI was offered in the United States for a limited time in 2004, but emissions regulations forced it off the market for a temporary period.^[5]

The V10 TDI returned to the U.S. market as 2006 model year vehicle in five states. Later US models went on sale in 2006, which was compliant with 50 states emission with Ultra-low sulfur diesel and particulate filter.^[6] Stricter California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards resulted in the V10 TDI being cancelled again in the United States.^[7] The V10 engine has since been replaced by a V6 TDI engine that meets the CARB minimum emission requirements for the 2009 model year. However in 2015 it was discovered that these V6 engines were not meeting the CARB emissions requirements and were part of the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

Fifth Gear used this version for testing if it can tow a Boeing 747.

Facelift (2007-2010)

Facelift Volkswagen Touareg (US)

Facelift Volkswagen Touareg (UK)

The Touareg's first facelift was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show,^[8] and later in 2007 New York Auto Show as a 2008 model.^[9] It now features the shield grille from others in the Volkswagen Passenger Cars range. The updated Touareg has more than 2300 redesigned parts and boasts some new technological features:

• ABS Plus, which works in conjunction with the traction control system, and shortens the braking distance by up to 25% on loose surfaces;
• Front Scan, an adaptive cruise control system, which can slow or even stop the car depending on traffic conditions;
• Side Scan, a blind-spot monitor : it uses radar at the rear of the car to sense another car's presence, and causes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) built into the wing mirrors to flash. If the driver indicates to move out, the LEDs flash at an accelerated rate to warn the driver until the other vehicle moves out of the Touareg's field of vision.

The 2007 Touareg, alongside an already lengthy options list, could be equipped with a driving dynamics package, a rollover sensor, a 620 watt Dynaudio sound system, and redesigned comfort seats. All diesel versions now have the diesel particulate filter standard.^[10]

In the US and Canada, the facelifted Touareg was marketed as the Touareg 2 for the 2008-2010 model year, reverting to simply Touareg in 2011.

R50 (2007–2010)

Volkswagen Touareg R50

Volkswagen Touareg R50

The Touareg R50 is the third Volkswagen after the Golf and Passat to be given the 'R' treatment by Volkswagen Individual GmbH. The R50 global launch was at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show.

The "R50" naming comes from the engine displacement: 5.0 L. The R50 was offered with a 5.0-litre V10 diesel engine, 257 kilowatts (349 PS; 345 bhp) with 850 newton metres (627 lbf·ft) of torque, and pushing the car to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 6.7 seconds.^[11]

The R50 came standard with 21-inch Omanyt wheels, sport-tuned air suspension, decorative 'engine spin' finish interior trim inlays, and a four-zone Climatronic climate control system.

V6 TDI (2007–2010)

It is a version of V6 TDI with improved performance. The 2007 version of the V6 TDI has now 239 PS. With this engine, the car reaches 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. Also, this improved version of the V6 TDI develops 500 N/m.^[12]

V6 TDI Clean Diesel (2009–2015)

It is a version of V6 TDI with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, replacing V10 TDI in US and Canada. The Touareg contains a 4.5 US gallons (17 l; 3.7 imp gal) tank in the rear of the vehicle underneath the spare tyre which stores the AdBlue solution. It is estimated that this tank will need to be replenished every 6,000–10,000 miles (9,700–16,100 km). The Touareg does not include NOX storage catalyst found in Jetta Clean Diesel TDI due to its heavy weight.^[13]

Touareg BlueTDI was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Motor Show.^[14] Production version of V6 TDI Clean Diesel was unveiled in 2008 LA Auto Show.^[15]

Although sales of production version was planned in North America in 2008, it did not start until 2009.

Sander Kuiken, Technical development diesel application, Volkswagen AG was one of the engineers that worked on the AdBlue system created by Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Kuiken talked about the difference between the VW Touareg diesel and gasoline vehicles.^[16]

Touareg "Lux Limited" (2009-)

It is a version of V6 TDI Clean Diesel (225PS), V6 FSI, V8 FSI for the US market, with 20-inch alloy wheels ("Mountain" type) with size 275 all-season tires, a choice of 4 body colours (Biscay Blue, Black Magic Pearl, Campanella White and Galapagos Gray). It came equipped with full body color aerodynamics body kit, dual power front seats, full Cricket two tone leather interior, touch screen navigation with streaming bluetooth audio, 320 watt 11-speaker audio system and adaptive high intensity discharge headlamps.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 NAIAS.^[17]

Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid (2009)

It is a prototype hybrid vehicle with 2,995 cc (182.8 cu in) V6 petrol engine with a 'Twin Vortices Series' (TVS) supercharger rated 333 PS (245 kW; 328 bhp) at 5,500 rpm and 440 N·m (320 lbf·ft) at 3,000 rpm, an electric motor rated 52 PS (38 kW; 51 bhp) and 300 N·m (220 lbf·ft), eight-speed automatic transmission. It has combined ratings of 374 metric horsepower (275 kW; 369 bhp) and 550 newton metres (410 lbf·ft). The electric-motor is powered by 240-cell, 288 V, 6 Ah nickel metal-hydride battery array. The 4motion four-wheel drive system was replaced by a lighter Torsen centre differential from Audi Q7 to save weight. The electric motor has the top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). Start-stop system supports regenerative braking, coasting. Power steering, air conditioning were changed to be powered by battery.

Planned production version included special E-switch that the driver can activate for pure electric driving, 160 km/h (99 mph) coasting speed.^[18]

Engines

US models included 3.6 V6, 4.2 V8, BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI. Canada models include 3.6 V6, BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI. BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI was sold as V6 TDI Clean Diesel in US and Canada.

Petrol engines
model	years	engine type	power@rpm	torque@rpm
3.6 V6	2006–2010	3,597 cc (219.5 cu in) VR6 FSI	280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp) @ 6,250	360 N·m (266 lbf·ft) @ 2,500-5,000
4.2 V8	2006–2010	4,163 cc (254.0 cu in) V8 FSI	350 PS (257 kW; 345 bhp) @ 6,800	440 N·m (325 lbf·ft) @ 3,500
6.0 W12	2005–2010	5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12	450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp) @ 6,000	600 N·m (443 lbf·ft) @ 3,250
Diesel engines
model	years	engine type	power@rpm	torque@rpm
2.5 R5 TDI	2003–2010	2,461 cc (150.2 cu in) I5 Pumpe-Düse turbo	174 PS (128 kW; 172 bhp) @ 3,500	400 N·m (295 lbf·ft) @ 2,250
3.0 V6 TDI	2007–2010	2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 common rail turbo	240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) @ 4,000-4,400	500 N·m (369 lbf·ft) @ 1,500-3,000 manual, 550 N·m (406 lbf·ft) @2000-2250 automatic
BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI	2009–2010	2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 common rail turbo	225 PS (165 kW; 222 bhp) @ 3,500	550 N·m (406 lbf·ft) @ 2,000-2,250
5.0 V10 TDI	2002–2010	4,921 cc (300.3 cu in) V10 Pumpe-Düse turbo	313 PS (230 kW; 309 bhp) @ 3,750	750 N·m (553 lbf·ft) @ 2,000
R50	2007–2010	4,921 cc (300.3 cu in) V10 Pumpe-Düse turbo	350 PS (257 kW; 345 bhp) @ 3,500	850 N·m (627 lbf·ft) @ 2,000

Transmissions

Petrol engines
Model	Year	Transmission type
3.6 V6	2006–	6-speed automatic
4.2 V8	2006–	6-speed automatic
6.0 W12	2005–	6-speed automatic
Diesel engines
Model	Year	Transmission type
2.5 R5 TDI	2003–	6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
3.0 V6 TDI	2007–	6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI	2009–	6-speed automatic
5.0 V10 TDI	2002–	6-speed automatic
R50	2007–	6-speed automatic

Marketing

In Canada and the USA, ads showed the Touareg being capable of feats that other Volkswagen cars could not accomplish, such as going right through a snowbank while a New Beetle got stuck.

A Touareg V10 TDI pulled a Boeing 747 as part of an advertising campaign, which holds the world record for the heaviest load towed by a passenger car.^[19]

In 2007 día de los Innocentes, Volkswagen Spain site showed a fake Touareg Cabrio convertible. The site was registered to VW's Spanish division.^[20]

As part of the Touareg 2 launch campaign coinciding with The Bourne Ultimatum movie premiere, Volkswagen launched an interactive stunt simulator that allows fans to play out their own stunts online. Users can maneuver any of six different VW models through different explosions, while altering vehicle speeds, props, sound effects and camera angles to make that perfect scene.^[21]

Second generation (2011–present)

Second generation (7P5)
Overview
Production	2010–present
Body and chassis
Platform	Volkswagen Group PL52 platform (VW526)[22]
Related	Porsche Cayenne Audi Q7
Powertrain
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113.9 in (2,893 mm)
Length	188.8 in (4,796 mm)
Width	76.4 in (1,941 mm)
Height	67.3 in (1,709 mm)[23] Hybrid: 68.2 in (1,732 mm)

Pre-facelift Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI BlueMotion (Germany)

Interior

The second generation (Typ 7P5) was revealed on February 10, 2010 in Munich,^[24] and later in 2010 Beijing International Auto Show.^[25]

The new Touareg features a world first in automotive headlight technology: the "glare-free high beam".^[26] ("Dynamic Light Assist"^[24] at Volkswagen). Unlike an adaptive high beam system, the newest system continually and gradually adjusts not only the range of the high-beam, but also its pattern.^[27] The beam pattern changes its direction continually so that vehicles in front are not being illuminated, while the area surrounding them is being constantly illuminated at high beam intensity.^[28]

Features

• Full-speed range Automatic Distance Control (adaptive cruise control) with new Stop&Go function
• Lane departure warning system: Lane Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor: Side Assist
• Front Assist Collision avoidance system for front (with full automatic emergency braking)^[29]
• Area View with four cameras
• Adaptive Air Suspension with continuous damping control (CDC) and Adaptive Body Roll Compensation
• Standard Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission^[30]

Touareg Hybrid (2010–)

Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid (Europe)

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 Geneva Motor Show,^[31] and later in 2010 New York International Auto Show,^[32] 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show.

Chinese model went on sale in early 2011.^[33]

Touareg Exclusive (2010-)

It is a version of Touareg with seats with two-tone leather combination "Nappa" upholstery in 2 colour combinations (Pepper Beige–Titan Black, Dark Burgundy–Titan Black), heated front seats with electric 12-way settings, electro-pneumatically adjustable backrest side bolsters and head restraints with longitudinal and height adjustment; leather door inserts, a black headliner and sill panel strips in stainless steel with exclusive lettering, decorative elements made from real wood in "Olive Silk Gloss", 19-inch "Salamanca" alloy wheels in Sterling Silver (no-cost optional 19-inch Girona wheel, optional 20-inch "Tarragona" wheel), Chrome & Style package, roof rails in anodised silver.^[34]

Race Touareg 3

It is a race car for 2011 Dakar rally, replacing Race Touareg 2. It included 2.5-litre twin-turbocharged TDI engine rated 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp), 5-speed sequential gearbox and a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch, steel spaceframe chassis, BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres.^[35]

2011 Qatar Motor Show concepts (2011)

Race Touareg 3 Qatar is a concept car based on the Race Touareg 3, for street use. It included BBS 18-inch gold wheels, Serpentino Grey Metallic safety cage, Recaro racing bucket seats, Matt Carbon interior trim, "Black" and "Pure Grey" Nubuk leather upholstery at seat side supports and the door trim panels, Titan Black Nappa leather-upholstered centre seat panels, two-tone seams and silver piping on the seat covers and safety-related items painted in Tornado Red.

Touareg Gold Edition is based on Touareg with 4.2 V8 FSI engine. It included custom designed 22-inch wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips and window frames, mirror caps and parts of the air intake frame, "Magic Morning" body colour, 24-carat gold accents and switches, "Luna" interior trim colour, Luna Alcantara roofliner and Nappa leather seats, natural brown leather dashboard with Magnolia seams, floor mats in Natural brown with leather inserts in "Luna".

The vehicles were unveiled at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show.^[36]

Touareg X (2013-2014)

It is a limited (1000 units) version of 2014 Touareg TDI Clean Diesel Lux (240PS) with 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system for the US market, commemorating 10th anniversary of Volkswagen Touareg. It included unique 19-inch 'Moab' aluminum-alloy wheels, Moonlight Blue Pearl body colour, LED taillights, Touareg X-specific badging, Vienna leather seating surfaces in Black Anthracite, a complementing black headliner, a panoramic powered sunroof, keyless access with push-button start, bi-xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, front fog- and cornering lights, RNS 850 navigation system with an eight-inch color touchscreen, 60GB hard drive, and rearview camera; Bluetooth technology, Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning, 12-way powered and heated front seats with driver seat memory and power adjustable lumbar, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.^[37]

Engines

Petrol engines^[38]

Model	Years	Engine type	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm	0–100 km/h	Top speed	Regions
3.6 V6 FSI BlueMotion Technology V6 FSI Sport (US)	2010–	3,597 cc (219.5 cu in) VR6	280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) @6200	360 N·m (266 lb·ft) @3200	7.8	228 km/h (142 mph)	All, except UK, China and New Zealand, Russia Not available in Europe since 2014
3.6 V6 FSI			249 PS (183 kW; 245 hp) @6200	360 N·m (266 lb·ft) @3500	8.4	N/A	Russia only
3.0 V6 TSI[39]	2010–	2,995 cc (182.8 cu in) V6 supercharged	290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp) @4850–6500	420 N·m (310 lb·ft) @2500–5000	7.1	230 km/h (143 mph)	China only
3.0 V6 TSI Hybrid V6 TSI Hybrid (US)[40][41]	2010–2014	2,995 cc (182.8 cu in) V6 supercharged	333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp) @5500–6500	440 N·m (325 lb·ft) @3000–5250	5.8	240 km/h (149 mph)	All except Middle East
		electric motor	46 PS (34 kW; 45 hp)@1500–3250	?
		combined	380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp)@?	580 N·m (428 lb·ft)@?
4.2 FSI	2010-	4,163 cc (254.0 cu in) V8	360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp) @6800	430 N·m (317 lb·ft) @3500	6.2	250 km/h (155 mph)	Middle East, Brazil, China, Russia (2010-2014)

Diesel engines^[38]

Model	Years	Engine type	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm	0–100 km/h	Top speed	Regions
V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology (204 PS)	2010–	2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 turbo	204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) @3200–4400	450 N·m (332 lb·ft) @1250–3200	8.5	206 km/h (128 mph)	Germany, Sweden
V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology V6 TDI Clean Diesel Sport (US) (239 PS)	2010–	2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 turbo	239 PS (176 kW; 236 hp) @4000–4400	550 N·m (406 lb·ft) @2000–2250	7.8	218 km/h (135 mph)	Eastern Europe, Western Europe, North America (2010-2015), Australia, China
V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology (245 PS)	2011–	2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 turbo	245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp) @3800–4400	550 N·m (406 lb·ft) @1750–2750	7.6	220 km/h (137 mph)	Germany, Australia
V8 TDI	2010–	4,134 cc (252.3 cu in) V8 turbo	340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) @ 4,400	800 N·m (590 lb·ft) @1750–2750	5.8	242 km/h (150 mph)	Eastern Europe (2010-2014), Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Chile.

Marketing

As part of Touareg product launch in China, a 3-part, 15-minute total movie named A Journey Beyond (锐·享征程) was produced. The movie was produced by DDB Guoan,^[42][43] and directed by Lu Chuan.^[44][45][46] The film itself was nominated as finalist in China Longxi awards under the FILM – Craft: Best editing category.^[47]

As part of National Museum of China sponsorship, Touareg Hybrid vehicles were offered as free shuttle service – named "Museum Hopping" – between the National Museum, the Palace Museum and the National Art Museum.^[48][49]

2014 Facelift

2014 Facelift

Changes include:^[50]

• Standard bi-xenon headlights
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System (Multi-collision brake)
• Upgraded ACC adaptive cruise control
• V6 TDI with 262 ps / 258 hp
• Easy Open
• improved standard steel-spring suspension
• First time be available with mobile online services: Point-of-Interest (POI) Search via Google, map display provided by Google Earth, Google Street View function and Online Traffic Information.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash-tested the Touareg, and presented the following results (ratings from 'poor' to 'good'):^[51]

Category	Rating
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints and seats	Good

Motorsports

A modified Touareg dubbed Stanley won the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge.

Pikes Peak

VW Touareg TDI entered the 85th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with V10 TDI Touaregs and a V6 TDI Touareg, driven by Ryan Arciero, Mike Miller and Chris Blais. Arciero won the race with a time of 13:17:703 and set a new division record for the fastest time with a diesel powered vehicle. Miller finished in second with a time of 13:25:247. Chris Blais finished in third with a time of 15:48:312.^[52]

Baja 500

The 2.5L R5 TDI won a 2007 Baja 500 class with drivers Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford (USA/South Africa).^[53]

Baja 1000

It included a 5.5 L V12 clean diesel engine with dual Garrett TR30R turbochargers rated 550 PS (405 kW; 542 bhp) and 850 N·m (627 lbf·ft), Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission, 9-inch rear axle, Fox Racing Shocks, KMC 17" Custom Forged Beadlock wheels with BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17 tires, Lowrance 9200 GPS, Sparco Carbon Fiber Racing seats. It used mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout. The chassis and body were designed by Arciero Miller Racing and Volkswagen Design Center California respectively.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 LA Auto Show.^[54]

The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck completed 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race with 13th position for Trophy Truck Class. The vehicle was driven by Mark Miller.^[55]

Dakar Rally

2007 Edition Race Touareg 2 at Essen Motor Show 2006

In the 2003 Dakar Rally, Volkswagen entered a team of rear wheel drive Tarek buggies.^[56] VW claimed sixth overall, driven by Stephane Henrard and co-driver Bobby Willis. In the following year, the 2004 Dakar Rally saw the debut rally for the T2 class purpose built Race Touareg by Volkswagen Motorsport.^[56] Bruno Saby and co driver Matthew Stevenson claimed sixth position overall. In the 2005 Dakar Rally, Jutta Kleinschmidt and co driver Fabrizia Pons claimed third spot overall in the Race Touareg.^[57]

In the 2006 Dakar Rally, Volkswagen driver Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Tina Thörner claimed second spot the highest ever for a diesel model in the new Race Touareg 2. It has a shorter wheelbase than the original Race Touareg, as well as increased visibility.^[57] For the 2007 Dakar Rally, VW driver Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford drove the Race Touareg 2 to 4th position overall. In the 2008 Central Europe Rally, Carlos Sainz drove his Race Touareg 2 to victory.^[58] Finally, in the 2009 edition of Rally Dakar, Volkswagen achieved a one-two result. Giniel de Villiers and co driver Dirk von Zitzewitz won the race ahead of Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford. With just two days to go, Carlos Sainz crashed out after dominating the rally for several days, thus preventing Volkswagen from making it a one-two-three result.^[59]

Carlos Sainz won in 2010 with a 1-2-3 finish, and Nasser Al-Attiyah won for VW in 2011.

A 1/32 slot car model of the Red Bull-sponsored Touareg, which is designed to run on the company's RAID track (which simulates off-road racing) is available from Ninco.

Power Output: VW Dakar Racers

• 2007 Race-Touareg 2 (T2 spec) 2.5 TDI 285 hp/209 kW
• 2006 Race-Touareg 2 (T2 spec) 2.5 TDI 275 hp/202 kW
• 2005 Race-Touareg (T2 spec) 2.5 TDI 260 hp/191 kW
• 2004 Race-Touareg (T2 spec) 2.3 TDI 231 hp/170 kW
• 2003 Tarek 1.9 TDI 218 hp/160 kW

Cape to Cape

On September 20, 2015 a Touareg V6 TDI driven by Rainer Zietlow, Marius Biela and Sam Roach completed the run of 19,000 km from Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, to the North Cape (Nordkapp) of Norway in a world record time of 9 days, 4 hours, 9 minutes and 27 seconds.^[60]

For the record run a stronger suspension was added, larger tires, a roll-cage and extra strong Hella head lights as well as additional tanks for a total range of 3000 km. The 244 HP V6 TDI engine as well as other mechanical parts such as gearbox and drive shafts were standard.

Awards

The Touareg was Car and Driver magazine's Best Luxury SUV for 2003, Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2004, "Four Wheeler" magazine's Four Wheeler of the Year for 2005, and Overlander's 2003 4WDOTY.

References

1. CAR Canadian Auto Review, Review: 2015 Volkswagen Touareg TDI, retrieved on April 13, 2016
2. "Touareg – Complete Specs (USA)". VW.com. Retrieved 2012-03-06.
3. "Touareg V10 TDI tows a 747".
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External links

• Volkswagen Touareg US site