VW Unveils Touareg Concepts in Qatar

DOHA, Qatar — Volkswagen continues to dazzle the locals at the 2011 Qatar Auto Show with two new and unique concepts based on its Touareg utility vehicle.

The first is a street-legal version of the Dakar-winning Race Touareg 3. Its companion is an exclusive 355-horsepower Touareg Gold Edition, complete with 24-carat gold parts and accents.

VW says the former is "a slightly tamer version" of the 306-hp Race Touareg 3 — but only slightly. The concept swaps the racing vehicle's 16-inch wheels for 18-inch "gold look" BBS rims, and has been painted "Magic Morning," which the company describes as "a white that has a slight gold shimmer to it."

The Race Touareg's cockpit was completely overhauled and, presumably, civilized, with the roll cage virtually the only bit left over from the racecar. Recaro racing buckets are offset by matte-carbon accents and black and gray leather with silver piping and two-tone seams.

Also painted Magic Morning, the Touareg Gold Edition features a real 24-carat gold finish on the custom 22-inch wheels, roof rails, window frames, mirror caps and rub strips.

The interior also gets gold trim, as well as brown leather upholstery and burr walnut accents with gold marquetry.

Inside Line says: All show, no production go. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent