Volkswagen has revealed its 2011 Dakar challenger, the Race Touareg 3. As the name rather implies, this is the third iteration of VW's Touareg rally-raid off-roader.
The new car is the successor to the Race Touareg 2 (No kidding - Ed), which won the Dakar Rally in 2009 and 2010 - the first diesel-powered vehicle ever to win the event.
VW says that the Race Touareg 3 will be faster and more efficient while retaining the immense strength and durability of the outgoing car. Jolly good.
And if you're wondering why we're covering a diesel-powered school-run off-roader on PH, then think on this: the 2.5-litre diesel gets two turbos, giving it 296bhp and 442lb ft of torque, which it will then employ at up to 15,000 feet above sea level - over almost any ground - to sprint from 0-62mph in 6.1secs on the way to a 117mph top end.
There are also no fewer than through three limited-slip differentials, an upgraded five-speed sequential gearbox and a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch.
Wind tunnel testing has led to tweaks to the carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork - especially the cooling systems around the roof of the vehicle - to reduce disruption to the airflow at high speeds. A new version of the Touareg means some visual changes, including new LED lights, a new grille, window line, rear clamshell and wheels.
Beneath the composite bodywork, there is very little in common with the Touareg road car. Race Touareg 3 has a high-strength steel spaceframe chassis with a pair of springs and damper units fitted to every corner. A set of bespoke BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres provide the grip, and a spare pair of wheels and tyres are carried by the vehicle at all times.
Not quite your average soft-roader...
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