(autoinsidernews) - The Dakar Rally 2007 begins in 18 days, and Volkswagen has entered five Race-Touareg 2s. And VW is bringing several new Touareg V6 TDIs as service vehicles for VW's race entries. The Dakar Rally will be a final trial before the new Touareg V6 TDI is delivered to customers at the beginning of 2007. The opinion of off-road experts is that cars that can survive the Dakar Rally can withstand just about anything.
While VW's service vehicles are technically little different from the standard Touareg, there are differences in how they are equipped, including special Dakar extras, like: long-range tanks, all-terrain tires, sand deflectors, roll bars, bucket seats with six-point belts, a special navigation system programmable for off-road purposes, satellite telephone and a location system for emergencies, reports Trend.
The V6 TDI is one of three TDI engines offered in the Touareg (in Europe), which also is available with two gasoline engines. The new Touareg will be available in dealers in early 2007.