Three Touareg V10 TDIs Complete Pikes Peak Hill Climb

July 6, 2006 – 4:01 pm by Dan Volkens
Filed under Events, Volkswagen Touareg

These 2006 Touaregs were the first ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) vehicles to compete in the Race to the Clouds event. Mark Miller finished in 14 minutes 8 seconds, followed by his teammates Ryan Arciero and Danny Sullivan.

The three Touareg V10 TDIs were the first vehicles to use ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) in the Race to the Clouds. This clean diesel fuel reduces emissions of sulfur compounds and allows for the use of advanced emission control systems. The Touareg also is the first light duty vehicle in the U.S. to include a particulate filter that further reduces emissions. The 2006 Touareg’s diesel engine is compliant in all 50 states and consumes up to 30 percent less fuel than traditional gasoline engines.

“The Touaregs, which were basically showroom stock vehicles, were faster than many of the purpose built race cars. For a vehicle with minimal modifications to cover all 12.4 miles, 156 turns at altitudes up to 14,000 feet in just over 14 minutes is remarkable,” said Miller. “The power of the twin-turbo V10 TDI diesel engine was really phenomenal.”
- From Volkswagen Press Release

Heh, I wonder if that engine will still be 50 state compliant when the U.S.’s new emissions standards are released. (Read up on that in our previous article) I’d love one. 310hp at 3,750rpm and 553lbs-ft of torque at 2,000rpm. Me likey. But the price tag for one of these beasties is base $67,750. Yikes!

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