- 8,238
- United Kingdom
Volkswagen entered this Touareg in the Trophy Truck division of the fearsome Baja 1000 desert race in 2008. In a unique twist on the Trophy Truck ethos, the Touareg is powered by a 5.5 litre diesel V12, boosted by two Garrett turbochargers. This is placed in the centre of the chassis, a design seen more frequently in lower-category open wheeled buggies.
Aiming for efficiency in the face of the far less economical petrol-burning competition, it managed a 13th position finish at the hands of veteran off road racers Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero. The truck could have potentially placed even higher, were it not for a time-consuming gearbox replacement.
It has 25 inches/63cm of front suspension travel, and 30 inches/76cm of rear suspension travel, necessary for keeping the truck's wheels on the ground over rough terrain.
Sans bodywork.
Powertrain
Engine: 5.5 Liter, 90 degree V-12 TDI Twin Turbo Diesel
Valve train: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
Induction: Dual Garrett TR 30 R with dual 43.5mm air-restrictors, 2.94 bar (absolute) pressure
Emissions: Dow Automotive Diesel Particle Filters (2)
Horsepower: 550bhp (405kW)
Torque: 625ft-lb (850Nm)
Layout: Mid-engine, rear wheel drive
Transmission: Xtrac 6 Speed Sequential
Rear Axle: Custom Built solid 9in Rear Axle
Suspension
Front Shocks: Fox Racing Shocks - 3.0 Coil-over with 3.0 Bypass/Multi-adjustable Dampener
Rear Shocks: Fox Racing Shocks - 3.0 Coil-over with 3.0 Bypass/Multi-adjustable Dampener
Springs: Eibach Coils
Wheels: KMC 17in Custom Forged Beadlock
Tires: BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17
General
Owner: Volkswagen of America Inc.
Chassis Design: Arciero Miller Racing
Body Design: Volkswagen Design Center California
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 125in (317cm)
Overall Length: 213in (541cm)
Track Width: 92 in (233cm)
Overall Height: 78in (198cm)
Weight: 5,650lbs (2,562kg)
Brakes: Brembo 6 Piston Calipers
Steering: Lee Manufacturing
Interior
GPS: Lowrance 9200 system
Seats: Sparco Carbon Fiber Racing seats
Source(s): Autoblog, Jalopnik, TruckTrend
