Volkswagen has been at the forefront of diesel technology for years, but diesels have yet to really catch on here in North America. In order to spread awareness for diesels on this side of the Atlantic, VW has announced that it will be campaigning a clean-diesel Touareg TDI in this year’s Baja 1000 desert race.
Set to be unveiled at next week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, the race ready Touareg will be powered by a turbocharged 5.5L clean-diesel V12. That oil burner will provide plenty of grunt for the grueling race, with output pegged at 550 horsepower and 625 lb-ft or torque. The Touareg TDI Trophy Truck will be the first turbo-diesel to compete in the SCORE Trophy Truck class.
The Touareg Trophy Truck’s suspension will be far from stock, with Fox Racing Shocks allowing for 25 inches of travel up front and 30 inches out back. A set of 37 inch BFGoodrich Baja tires will ensure the Touareg gets all of its diesel power down to the dirt.
Check back next week for live images of VW’s Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck.
