Hot on the heels of the unique V10 TDI and the particularly economical R5 TDI comes the new V6 TDI as the third direct-injection turbodiesel for the Touareg. The six-cylinder engine develops 165 kW / 225 h.p. at 4000 rpm and therefore fills the gap between the larger 313 h.p. ten-cylinder and the smaller 174 h.p. five cylinder. In the V6 TDI version, the Touareg with its standard six-speed manual gearbox achieves a maximum speed of 203 km/h (six-speed automatic:201 km/h); the average consumption is 10.6 litres diesel per 100 kilometres (automatic: 10.9 litres).Equipped with a diesel particulate filter at no extra cost, the Touareg V6 TDI complies with the Euro-4 emissions standard.
- New Six-Cylinder TDI with Particulate Filter as Standard 225 h.p. V6 TDI develops a powerful 500 Newton metres
- Touareg V6 TDI tows trailers weighing up to 3500 kilograms
Direct injection with piezoelectric technology represents the technical highlight of this engine.The TDI develops a maximum torque of 500 Newton metres practically from stationary (from 1750 rpm).The engine is equipped with a fast glow system featuring ceramic glow plugs to enable the car to be started in winter just as quickly as a petrol-engined version.The V6 TDI for the Touareg has been significantly modified for off-road use compared to the derivative also available in the Phaeton:The six-cylinder unit arranged directly over the front axle in the off-roader features, amongst other items, a modified oil circuit that ensures complete functional reliability even at the most extreme vehicle inclinations.
Powerful thrust even in the low rpm range: One of the most important characteristics of the V6 TDI - acclaimed by many experts as the most modern diesel in the world - is its “powerful thrust even in the low rpm range”.This thrust at low revs creates the particular appeal of this TDI even in the large off-roader. It sets it apart from all six-cylinder petrol engines with a comparable cubic capacity.In comparison,it is not so long ago that achieving 500 Newton metres torque was the exclusive preserve of high-performance sports cars with at least eight combustion chambers.
In the case of the Touareg, the 500 Newton metres torque provides for driving pleasure over every metre you drive.In off-road conditions, the peak torque that is available at practically all times gives assistance in situations such as when setting off on extreme inclines.On-road, in contrast, the engine offers spontaneous torque delivery and a pleasantly low noise level.Furthermore, it can be recommended as the ideal ingredient for a classic towing vehicle such as the Touareg (3500 kilo trailer weight, braked at maximum 12 percent incline).
Compact and light: The new V6 TDI engine is 440 millimetres long, meaning that it is extremely compact.The cylinder crankcase features an angle of 90 degrees and is made from high-strength yet light vermicular graphite cast iron (GGV). This offers 100 percent greater strength although it weighs 15 percent less than grey cast iron.The engine weighs only 220 kilograms; its cylinder gap is 90 millimetres and the compression ratio is 17:1.
Runs as smoothly as a petrol engine: The 24 valves of the six-cylinder engine are actuated using low-friction roller finger followers with hydraulic valve clearance compensation; this technology, together with the piezoelectric function, makes a decisive contribution to reducing consumption and exhaust emissions.Together with the new common rail system and the high-strength construction of the cylinder crankcase, using roller finger followers makes a positive contribution to the engine acoustics.Specifically, in conjunction with the clamped and therefore practically play-free camshaft timing gears, this makes it possible to reduce the mechanical noise of the valve train - a fundamental prerequisite for the excellent smooth running of the V6 TDI that is every bit as refined as a six-cylinder petrol engine.
1600 bar injection pressure: Mixture preparation is handled by a common rail system of the latest design: the Bosch CRIP II+.It consists of a high-pressure pump (up to 1600 bar injection pressure), one common rail per cylinder bank, the low-pressure system with primary pump and filter, piezoelectric injectors and an electronic control unit together with sensors.The injection pressure is very high for a common rail engine, meaning that the fuel is atomised more finely; this allows the mixture preparation to be optimised further and permits more efficient combustion.The consequences are both palpable and measurable:Power (kW) and torque (Nm) are also significantly increased while consumption and exhaust emissions are lowered.
Piezoelectric technology instead of solenoid valves: The piezoelectric injectors play a key role in the newly designed common rail system.Background:Until now, the injection moment and the injector duration have been controlled by electronically regulated solenoid valves for each cylinder in the injectors.As a world first, the job previously performed by the solenoid valves is now undertaken by piezoelectric inline injectors in the V6 TDI. These switch much faster than solenoid valves.
In these new injectors, the injection valves are controlled by a component referred to as a piezoelectric actuator.It comprises piezoelectric crystals that change their structure when an electric voltage is passed through them, causing them to expand.This results in a minimum geometrical change that - assisted by a hydraulic element - mechanically triggers the opening of the injection nozzle needle.
Faster and lighter: In practice, the new piezoelectric technology offers many benefits:The electronically actuated piezoelectric actuator switches five times faster than a conventional solenoid valve.It is directly integrated in the injector, which means the movement is transferred directly onto the nozzle needle without a mechanical element and the moved mass on the nozzle needle is reduced by 75 percent from 16 grams to only 4 grams now.In addition, piezoelectric technology doubles the nozzle needle speed compared to solenoid valves.Injection itself is performed using a 7-hole nozzle; it promotes homogenous fuel distribution throughout the combustion chamber and thereby makes a contribution to reduced emissions thanks to the associated greater combustion efficiency.
Four injections per cycle: Thanks to these technical provisions, it is possible to vary the number of injection procedures to ideally match the particular operating conditions.In the case of the new V6 TDI, Volkswagen uses up to four injections per combustion cycle in total:In addition to the main injection, there is a double pre-injection in the low rpm range and a single pre-injection in the medium rpm range.In addition, there is a single post-injection up to approx. 2500 rpm.On the one hand, this injection sequence ensures optimum emissions behaviour while on the other hand combustion is smoother and therefore the engine acoustics are extremely comfortable. The V6 TDI sets new standards in this respect and can scarcely be heard as a diesel engine even inside the Touareg.Instead, the engine acoustics just like its smooth running are entirely comparable to those of a six-cylinder petrol engine.
Centrally integrated turbocharger, two intercoolers: The turbocharger is located centrally in the V-angle of the engine so as to achieve optimum economy of space. To enable the turbo to operate with the best possible efficiency, the temperature of the induction air is effectively reduced by two intercoolers connected in parallel with minimum pressure loss. The variable turbine geometry of the turbocharger is controlled by an electrical actuator in the new V6 TDI. It means the guide blades are adjusted more quickly and more exactly. As a result, the charge air pressure is built up significantly faster, particularly at low revs, resulting in improved response characteristics. The optimised blade shape of the compressor and turbine wheel effectively promotes this direct conversion.
Variable induction tract: Additionally, infinitely variable swirl flaps are integrated in the induction tract. They adapt the air movement to the particular engine speed and load. Background: A high level of swirl at low engine load also helps to optimise combustion as does, conversely, low swirl at high engine load. In practice, this means a closed duct at low load increases swirl whereas an open duct at high load makes it possible to achieve a high level of cylinder charging.
Exhaust gas recirculation: The new V6 TDI with its very highly developed injection technology is characterised by particularly low pollution emissions; pollutants are reduced to a large extent as part of the combustion process. The remainder of the exhaust gases is rendered inoffensive in subsequent processes. Controlled exhaust gas recirculation promotes this: The exhaust manifold has double walls (with air gap insulation) so the exhaust gases can be sent for exhaust gas post-treatment without noticeable heat losses. The exhaust gas recirculation itself, in contrast, requires effective cooling so as to make real inroads into NOx and particulate emissions, for example. To achieve this, the exhaust gas passes through an exhaust gas recirculation cooler with water through-flow that is controlled according to temperature and load. This cooler is located within the inner angle of the engine’s V, thereby further optimising the economy of space in the engine. During the cold-start phase, the exhaust gases are passed through a bypass duct to build up pressure ahead of the cooler. This enables the catalytic converters to reach their ideal operating temperature more rapidly. Once the engine and the catalytic converters are up to temperature, the exhaust gas flow enters the EGR cooling zone directly.
Diesel Particulate Filter
- Zero-maintenance diesel particulate filter as standard
Diesel particulate filter: The Touareg V6 TDI is equipped with a diesel particulate filter as standard. This temporarily stores and eliminates the diesel soot before it is emitted into the atmosphere with the exhaust gases.As a rule, the effect of diesel particulate filters supplements that of oxidation catalysts that have been used for a long time now.
Catalytic converter and DPF: The exhaust gas is cleaned using a primary catalytic converter located close to the engine (near the turbocharger) and the main catalytic converter in the underbody. Furthermore, soot particles are separated out by a diesel particulate filter that is installed as standard.
In general, diesel particulate filters are used for capturing and eliminating the diesel soot before it is emitted into the atmosphere with the exhaust gases.In the Touareg V6 TDI, the system used is an advanced, state-of-the-art design.The catalysed soot filter (CSF) employs a filter coating containing precious metal that operates in two ways. During passive regeneration, the soot stored in the catalytic converter is slowly and carefully converted into CO2.This process takes place in a temperature range from 350 to 500 °C and continues without requiring any special intervention, particularly when the vehicle is predominantly used for motorway driving.Only during longer periods under low load (primarily in urban traffic), the exhaust temperature is actively increased to about 600 °C every 1000 to 1200 kilometres for additional filter regeneration.The particles stored in the filter are burned off at this temperature.
All-wheel Drive
- 4XMOTION ensures magnificent propulsion both on-road and off
The power from the new V6 TDI in the Touareg is transmitted to the wheels through the 4XMOTION all-wheel drive system. Not only does this all-wheel drive ensure outstanding off-road handling, it also grants high levels of safety and dynamic potential on the road.
The powerflow passes through a transfer case that is equipped with an off-road reduction ratio as standard. From there, the drive is sent to the driven wheels via front axle and rear axle differentials.The rear axle differential features an optional continuous locking function while the interaxle differential has continuous locking as standard.The infinitely variable multiple-disc clutch of the interaxle differential lock is automatically controlled by the running gear electronic control unit; if required, up to 100 percent of the drive power can be transmitted to one of the two axles.The differential locks can also be manually activated at 100 percent using a dial switch in the cockpit; this involves temporarily deactivating the automatic control of the differential lock unless other commands are received from the ABS or ESP.Standard 4-wheel EBS is superimposed on this control system to assist in the fine distribution of drive force.
On-road: The 4XMOTION all-wheel drive of the Touareg offers enormous advantages even on consolidated roads. Under normal conditions - on a dry road with even grip and constant engine power - all-wheel drive splits the force 50:50 between the front and rear axles. As soon as a wheel starts to slip, however, for example because of aquaplaning or if one side of the carriageway is wet, the power flow to the axle with more grip is increased using the multiple-disc lock of the interaxle differential (up to 100 percent). This adapted force distribution is additionally assisted by a 4-wheel EDS (EDS = electronic differential lock with active brake control).
As a result, the all-wheel drive has an equally positive effect on both driving dynamics and on active safety. In consequence, the Touareg handles like a luxury limousine; it is extremely safe and controllable while its cornering stability is outstanding even under the most unfavourable road conditions.
Off-road: The vehicle also makes magnificent progress off-road thanks to the basic construction of the 4XMOTION all-wheel drive as described here with its front and rear-axle differential as well as the transfer case with interaxle differential flange-mounted on the back of the gearbox. As standard, the Touareg also features a lock for the interaxle differential and a reduction ratio. Thus equipped, the Touareg can tackle the steepest of inclines with its 100 percent (45 degree) climbing ability. To activate off-road mode electrically at the same time as engaging the gearbox reduction ratio, all the driver has to do is turn the dial switch located on the left of the central tunnel from the “High” position (fast driving mode) to “Low”. The interaxle differential lock is automatically engaged if an axle loses traction; furthermore, the lock can also be activated manually (at 100 percent) using a dial switch. This temporarily deactivates automatic control over the differential lock. The same principle applies to the optional electrically lockable rear axle differential. Perfection on the edge: Hill descent control is available for use on very steep downhill inclines (greater than 20 percent). In addition, it activates itself automatically if the vehicle’s speed is first reduced to below 20 km/h and ESP is not deactivated; the Touareg then coasts at a constant speed for as long as a gear is engaged but the accelerator pedal is not pressed. Furthermore, performance in hilly areas is rounded off perfectly by hill ascent control (automatic versions) and a new overall set-up.
Chassis with Decoupling Stabilisers
- Touareg features optional air suspension and decoupling stabilisers
Decoupling stabilisers: In parallel to the market launch of the new Touareg V6 TDI 3.0, it is for the first time possible to order the advanced chassis design of the off-roader with decoupling stabilisers. This applies to all engine versions and to models with steel suspension and air suspension. The off-road handling of the Touareg was already excellent, but is further improved to a significant extent at the extremes. Another factor of decisive importance is that driving comfort is palpably improved on poor quality field and forest tracks in particular.
Initial situation: The Touareg is one of the few off-roaders to offer outstanding comfort and handling properties. Thanks to its comparatively sporty suspension set-up with high damping and torsionally rigid stabilisers, it displays equally agile and safe driving properties on-road too.
Resolution of a conflict of interests: At the limits, on the other hand, optimum axle distortion is supported by torsionally weak stabilisers that allow the axle to flex to a greater extent. The decoupling stabiliser was developed in order to resolve this conflict of interests. In this case, a hydraulically operated dog clutch couples and decouples the stabiliser that is split into two “parts”. The system is used on the stabilisers of the front and rear axles.
Function: The clutch is engaged during on-road driving and the stabiliser is very torsionally rigid; this minimises body roll and promotes safe handling. The stabilisers are decoupled off-road, however. As a consequence, the wheels on an axle can deflect and rebound with even greater independence from one another. This adds up to perfect off-road capability, driving comfort and traction. The system increases axle flexure by 60 mm when the stabiliser is decoupled. The system is operated using a switch on the central console. The speed must be below 40 km/h during decoupling. The stabilisers are coupled up again automatically when a speed of 50 km/h or a certain level of transverse acceleration is reached. The most important system components are:
- Hydraulic supply unit
- Control unit for decoupling the stabiliser
- Decoupling stabilisers on front and rear axles
Chassis and suspension in detail: A twin A-arm axle with upper aluminium links and lower steel links is used at the front.At the rear, the Touareg also boasts a twin A-arm axle characterised by forged aluminium links above and steel triangular control arms underneath.The front track width is 1655 millimetres, that at the back is 1670 millimetres (V6).The Touareg with steel suspension has a maximum ground clearance of 237 millimetres.
Steel suspension: Steel suspension is fitted as standard. Optionally, and as standard with the Touareg V10 TDI, Volkswagen also offers the off-roader with CDC air suspension including automatic level control and electronic shock absorber control (CDC: Continuous Damping Control). In this case, the maximum ground clearance is increased to 300 millimetres. Internally ventilated fixed calliper brakes on all wheels with ESP, brake assistant and electronic brake force distribution (EBV) give the Touareg magnificent braking performance.
Air suspension system: When driving on-road, the air suspension system ensures an extremely high level of comfort and - thanks to a speed-dependent, automatic chassis lowering function - offers the dynamic properties of a very sporty car. Off-road, air suspension also improves driving performance whilst also offering an unusually high standard of comfort.
Interior and Standard Equipment
- As roomy as a van, as comfortable as a luxury saloon
Luxury class equipment: As befits its status as a top class off-roader, the Touareg V6 TDI also features an extensive package of comfort and safety equipment.Details that make for the kind of atmosphere that is normally only to be found in luxury saloons - particularly as far as the interior is concerned. For one thing, the Touareg’s interior is an object lesson in well thought-out functions. Generously roomy and with a boot volume of 555 litres, the Volkswagen is the ideal car for five people to travel in. For another thing, the synthesis of robust dimensions with elegant, high-quality materials makes for a contemporary, luxurious atmosphere.
As an option, the Touareg is available with a 4-zone Climatronic system that enables individual automatic climate control (temperature, air flow and air distribution) even for both back seat passengers. The Touareg V6 TDI is supplied with a manually operated air-conditioning system as standard. A high-quality audio system is also part of the standard on-board equipment. In the case of the new model, this takes the form of the Delta radio/CD system with 4 x 20 watts music power.
Overview of standard equipment in the Touareg V6 TDI:
Drive train / chassis and suspension / wheels and tyres
- V6 engine with 165 kW / 225 h.p.
- 7½J x 17 alloy wheels with 235/65 R17 summer tyres
- “Tire-Fit” puncture set or inflatable spare tyre
- 17-inch front and rear disc brakes
- Six-speed manual gearbox for permanent all-wheel drive with interaxle differential and low range
Safety
- Front airbags for driver and front seat passenger
- Three-point automatic seat belts at the front and rear
- Electronic stability program, traction control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic differential lock, engine drag torque control, BA, hill descent control, hill ascent control (manual gearbox only)
- Outward seatbelts at front and rear adjustable in height
- Outward seatbelts at front and rear with belt tensioners (with force limiters for driver and front-seat passenger)
- Isofix child seat system
- Head airbags
- Side airbags at front
- Warning triangle and first-aid kit
- Warning lights in the front doors and reflectors in the rear doors
- Electronic immobiliser
Exterior equipment
- Outside mirror housing in the same colour as the car
- C-rails in black
- Chrome-edged radiator grille
- Fully galvanised, self-supporting body
Infotainment / communication
- 8 loudspeakers
- Aerial system (not visible)
- Delta radio with integrated CD player
Function
- 4-spoke steering wheel with adjustable rake and reach
- Activated charcoal filter for fresh air induction
- Electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors
- Electric window lifters all round with automatic locking mechanism (front)
- Speed-dependent door locking (programmable), automatic opening, lock/unlock switch in all four doors
- Hinged rear window
- Air-conditioning system
- Comfort turn indicators (tip once to flash three times)
- Programmable central locking (with safe locking)
- Front and rear windscreen wipers with intermittent wipe function
- Power steering
- Power sockets (3)
Interior equipment
- Cupholders in the central console
- Floor mats at the front and rear
- Tonneau cover
- Cooled glove compartment with insert compartment
- Instruments with 3-inch monochrome display
- Central armrest at front and rear with storage compartment
- Non-smoker package (oddments boxes instead of ashtrays)
- Double sun visors with vanity mirrors
- Heat-absorbing glazing
Lighting
- Interior courtesy lighting:
- Illuminated symbols for individual air nozzles
- Illuminated door openers
- Footwell lighting
- Reading lights at the front and rear
- Headlights in H7 technology
- Rechargeable torch (non-smoker package)
Touareg Individual
Exclusive equipment for the Touareg V6 TDI
Classic special equipment such as leather seats, sat-nav or four-zone automatic climate control is available for the Touareg. In addition to this, however, the range of products from Volkswagen Individual GmbH have enriched the variety of equipment available since 2004. The name “Touareg Individual” stands for a package of the most exclusive exterior and interior details.
Individual interior: Inside, a new bicolour leather trim is used for the seats and parts of the door trim. The comfort seats in the Touareg are upgraded by a combination of nappa leather and brown natural leather. New ebony applications in the “Macassar” décor add even more style to this appearance. High-quality aluminium in the areas of the doors and sills sets up an optical contrast to the natural materials.
Individual exterior: The Touareg Individual will be supplied as standard with newly designed 19 inch alloy wheels (”Sienna” type in “Sterling” or “Titanium” colours) and 275/45 R19 tyres. Furthermore, the step on the rear bumper, the entire radiator grille and the side window frames are all in chromium - a touch otherwise reserved for the top-of-the-range engine versions (V8 and V10 TDI). The silver roof rack blends harmoniously into the scheme.
Overview of the equipment of the Touareg V6 TDI Individual (equipment in addition to or different from the standard equipment of the Touareg):
Exterior equipment
- Chromed strips on the radiator grill, side windows and sills
- Silver-coloured roof luggage rack
- Light alloy wheels “Seville” 9J x 19 with locking wheel nuts, 275/45 R19 tyres, wheel colour either Sterling Silver or Titanium
- Chrome step on the rear bumper
Interior equipment
- Individual decorative inlays in “Macassar” wood trim
- Individual leather trim with nappa leather (”anthracite”) and natural leather (”saddle”) on comfort seats
- Textile floor mats, edged with “saddle” leather
- Aluminium footboard embellishers with “Individual” emblem
Travelling Feature
- Mobility for Globetrotters VW off-roader opens up an new form of unbounded travel
- Volkswagen experience developes a long-distance travel programme
Within a very short period, the Touareg has developed into a preferred steed for globetrotters.And more besides:For many people who choose a Touareg, this is the car that opens the door to adventure travel.The reasons are obvious:Driving a car that knows practically no limits, it’s quite natural to want to take new paths and rediscover the freedom of travel.For professional globetrotters such as the outdoor trainer Matthias Göttenauer, journeys in the Touareg have already taken on the character of an expedition.
Volkswagen also offers an adventure programme of its own design:the Touareg experience with destinations all over the world.And many drivers come to the test course to spend a weekend practising for what they will have to overcome when it comes to their big journey.Indeed, some of them are already doing this in the form of a Touareg club.This is really astonishing - after all, what other debutant during the last two years can claim such a cult status for itself?!The following examples give a brief insight into this multi-faceted world of Touareg driving:
Globetrotter 1 - Through the Sahara in a Touareg: Outdoor trainerMatthias Göttenauer was one of the first Touareg travellers to cross the Sahara in the VW off-roader in 2002. This author has amassed a great deal of expedition experience and, as a teacher, has trained groups such as managers and even cosmonauts. The tale of his crossing has become a best seller that is passed on from one globetrotter to another. Here is a brief extract describing what happened when the Touareg - an unknown quantity at the time - encountered its first real challenge.The lead-in to Göttenauer’s report puts it as follows:
“The Volkswagen Touareg is a highly modern SUV intended to set new standards on and off the road. But how would it respond when put to the test? Two experienced Sahara freaks set out on a classic Sahara journey, destination Timbuktu, in a V6, the latest scion in the new generation of off-roaders.” …
And he rounded off his report as follows:… “Our initial scepticism in terms of the reliability and ruggedness of the car was soon transformed into confidence in its endurance qualities. On most tracks, the Touareg V6 matched the classic long-distance vehicles, indeed on rippled surfaces and high speed routes it offered an as yet unparalleled level of driving comfort. After the trip, the vehicle showed hardly any traces of wear and tear. As far as we are concerned, this trip has revealed that it’s quite possible to break out from everyday life even in a new generation off-roader.”
Globetrotter 2 - Round the world in a Touareg: Six more Touaregs are currently on a similar trip, however one that is quite different in terms of the distances involved.Their path will take them once around the world.The “Touareg experience 360°”, a unique event in this format, started in July 2004. The special thing about this experience is that the all-wheel drive Volkswagens are not only carrying experienced travel professionals but also “temporary private globetrotters”.
The six Touareg R5 TDI cars set off from Wolfsburg, initial destination Alaska.From there, they started out on a 53,000 kilometre round-the-world trip on July 18th.This superlative travel experience organised by Volkswagen is - or rather was - open to anyone with an urge for adventure.Following the first leg (from Alaska to the Rocky Mountains) and the second (from the Grand Canyon to Mexico), the Touaregs are now driving through the Amazon to the high Andes.
Specifically, each guest team will join one of the 14 tour legs on the way around the world. The trip duration for each team ranges from two to four weeks, depending on the continent. The Touareg experience 360° will not finish until October 29th, 2005 in Wolfsburg.
Globetrotter 3 - Short trip by Touareg: The “Touareg experience 360°” is underway and therefore closed to new entrants. However, the overall “Volkswagen experience” programme - a travel service established especially by the company - offers numerous other event journeys with exciting trips through some of the most beautiful regions on the planet. The destination list includes, for example, trips near the Arctic Circle in Iceland, to the exclusive Alpine ski area around Val d’Isère, the unending dunes of Morocco’s western Sahara, the off-road Mecca of Moab in the USA and the land of the rainbow, South Africa. A trip accompanying the Dakar Rally is a new highlight for January 2005. It starts on December 30, 2004. The participants will travel in a “civilian” Touareg and experience how the participants get on in their race-tuned Touaregs. For more information, visit “www.volkswagen-experience.de” or, in Germany, ring the hotline on 0800 893 8368.
Touareg club scene - In union with the Touareg: In less than 2 x 365 days, the Touareg has developed into a car with cult status. It’s a fact that within less than two years of its debut, there’s already been a club formed. The “International Touareg Friends’ Club” includes professionally organised car drivers who enjoy driving this extraordinary off-roader. And it speaks volumes for this Touareg concept that is unique in this format. It’s an SUV that is fun to drive on the road but can display great talents off the road as well. An SUV that offers the comfort and sportiness of a top-class saloon but is every bit as robust as a classic off-roader.
Motor Sport Feature
- Dakar Rally as the Sporting Challenge Once again, three Race Touaregs will be starting the Dakar Rally on January 1st
- The Race Touareg is also powered by a turbodiesel engine
The name Touareg not only stands for a series production off-roader.In parallel, Volkswagen developed a sports car with the same name:the Race Touareg.On the morning of New Year’s Day 2005, three Race Touaregs will set off from Dakar to add to their previous successes in the most demanding rally in the world.The Race Touaregs will be driven by Jutta Kleinschmidt (with co-driver Fabrizia Pons), Juha Kankkunen (with co-driver Juha Repo) and Bruno Saby (with co-driver Michel Périn).
Volkswagen will also be using several other Touaregs as tried-and-tested service vehicles. These are the same as series production versions, except that they are equipped with (three) racing bucket seats, special workshop equipment, a safety cage and an off-road navigation system.
The Race Touareg in detail:
Body: A tubular spaceframe contains all the fixing points for the engine and gearbox, body panels as well as the wheel suspension - at the same time as functioning as a safety cage. High-strength aircraft steel guarantees a tensile strength of up to 700 Newton metres per square millimetre - after all, the FIA roll test prescribes loads corresponding to about 16.9 tonnes for a defined unit of surface area. At the same time, particular attention has been paid to achieving the lowest possible centre of gravity.
The appearance of the Race Touareg is not only striking, it is also completely practical. Thanks to its short overhangs, even pronounced slope approach angles do not present a problem. Aerodynamics were also a top priority: An improved drag coefficient and a smaller frontal area than the predecessor model, the Tarek, are the results of extensive work in the wind tunnel. All aerodynamic tests were performed on 1:1 models in Wolfsburg. The aerodynamic balance between the front and rear axles is significantly more favourable than in the Tarek, so that neither positive nor negative lift are created. This is because applying downforce onto sandy surfaces with a high rolling resistance would have been counterproductive. The entire bodywork is made from carbon fibres and weighs only about 50 kilograms.
Chassis and suspension: The wheels of the Race Touareg are guided by double wishbone units on the front and rear axles, and each wheel is equipped with twin spring and shock absorber elements. The spring travel is limited to 250 millimetres in the race rules. Achieving high ground clearance makes it necessary to have the lower transverse links positioned relatively high up. In spite of this, it has been possible to achieve the sort of suspension kinematics that make for excellent driving properties.
Engine: Volkswagen uses TDI technology in marathon sport as well. Even its predecessor, the Volkswagen Tarek with TDI drive, carried off a double victory in its class in the 2003 Dakar Rally. The Race Touareg will be propelled by an inline five-cylinder engine. Its cubic capacity of 2.3 litres is defined by the race rules. To comply with the 1750 kilogram minimum weight category, the cubic capacity is not allowed to exceed 3500 cubic centimetres. However, a factor of 1.5 is applied to a turbodiesel engine - so the cubic capacity cannot be more than 2333 cubic centimetres.
All-wheel drive: More than 450 Newton metres of torque are sent to the all-wheel drive system via a sequential six-speed gearbox. The interaxle differential as well as the front and rear axle differentials are designed as mechanical differential gear units. Since the race rules forbid any kind of electronic actuation (”active differential”), all three differentials can be locked up mechanically or with a viscous clutch.
[source: volkswagen-media-services.com]
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