VW shows off new Dakar challenger

By Tom Phillips

23rd August 2010

The ultimate off-roader just got better. This is the Race Touareg 3, the latest version of VW’s diesel-powered challenger that has won the legendary Dakar rally for the last two years. And the latest version promises to be better than ever, making it favourite for a repeat success at next year’s event.

The newcomer boasts a number of improvements over its predecessor, including new carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork which has been optimized to improve cooling – essential for a car which races in temperatures which reach the high 40s Celsius. The new Touareg has also gained new LED lights which bring its looks into line with the recently-launched production Touareg.

The racer is powered by a highly tuned twin-turbo 2.5-litre diesel engine which has been specially optimized for the altitudes of over 15,000 feet experienced on the Dakar. The unit delivers 296bhp and 600Nm to all four wheels and can launch the car from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds no matter what the terrain.

The Touareg 3 has been tested to its limits in preparation for the rigors of the Dakar. The opening shakedown test saw the VW Motorsport team rack up over 6,000 high-speed miles, which equates to a greater distance than Formula 1 cars cover in an entire season.