- VW releases photos of the Race Touareg 3, which will contest the 2011 Dakar Rally.
- The Race Touareg 3 is largely an evolution of the Touareg 2, but is said to be faster.
- The drivetrain is the same, though, with a twin-turbo 2.5-liter TDI five-cylinder making 296 hp.
WOLFSBURG, Germany — After teasing race fans earlier this summer, Volkswagen has released images of its new Race Touareg 3. The German automaker will enter this Touareg in the 2011 Dakar Rally in Argentina and Chile.
The Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 is essentially an evolution of the diesel-powered Race Touareg 2 that won the 2009 and 2010 Dakar races. VW said the latest race vehicle is "faster and more efficient."
Exterior changes to the vehicle are subtle and include revisions to the roof-mounted cooling system, as well as a new grille, LED headlamps, wheels and rear clamshell.
The Touareg 3 uses the same diesel-fueled five-cylinder engine as its predecessor. The twin-turbocharged 2.5-liter TDI engine still makes 296 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque and transmits power through a revised five-speed sequential gearbox with a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch and three limited-slip differentials.
VW says the Race Touareg 3 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 6.1 seconds, with a top speed of 117 mph.
The vehicle runs on BF Goodrich 235/85R16 tires.
Inside Line says: The new brute looks just as wicked — and capable — as its predecessor. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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