The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2008 LA Auto Show: Volkswagen Showcases a Variety of Clean Diesel Technology - COMPLETE VIDEO


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

LOS ANGELES - November 19, 2008: Volkswagen showcased the breadth of their diesel powered technology during a news conference today at the 2008 L.A. Auto Show. Volkswagen debuted its all-new 50-state compliant Toaureg V6 TDI clean diesel SUV along with a purpose-built Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck that will run this years Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

The Touareg V6 TDI clean diesel is powered by a 3.0L, turbocharged six cylinder engine capable of producing 221 horsepower and an impressive 407 lbs-ft. of torque. Utilizing common rail injection and the most advanced catalytic converter system in the world, it meets the most stringent emission requirements of California and will be available in all 50-states.

The Touareg V6 TDI will define a completely new generation of extremely economical and low emissions SUV’s, and reinforces Volkswagen commitment to clean diesel technology as the most sensible alternative fuel vehicle available today.


Click PLAY to watch the complete Volkswagen Press Conference

The Touareg V6 TDI drastically reduces fuel costs with one of the most advanced diesel engines of our times. On the highway it attains an impressive 25 mpg according to EPA ratings, and with a fuel tank capacity of 26.4 gallons it equates to a driving range of more than 600 miles to the tank, all while emitting fewer emissions.

The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck that will run the 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race in the SCORE Trophy Truck class is powered by a 5.5 liter V-12 clean diesel engine that produces 550 horsepower and 625 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Staying true to the off-road prowess that the Touareg is best known for, the purpose-built Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck takes the Touareg’s off-road tenaciousness to a whole new level. With a double A-Arm front suspension that allows 25 inches of wheel travel, and a 4-link rear suspension that allows 30 inches of wheel travel, combined with Fox Racing Shocks, Eibach Coils and BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17 off-road tires the Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck should have little difficulty maneuvering the highly difficult and technical 634 mile Baja 1000 course.

Chassis design and production was handled by Arciero Miller Racing located in Foothill Ranch, California. The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck features a wheelbase of 125 inches, overall length of 213 inches, width of 92 inches, an overall height of 78 inches and weighs 5650 pounds. The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck Body was designed by the Volkswagen Design Center located in Santa Monica, California.

The Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI is sponsored by Volkswagen of America, Inc., Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC Wheels and Fox Shocks.