Published on January 28th, 2011 | by Daniel Sherman Fernandez
0Volkswagen’s Dakar Winning Touareg Concept Unveiled
Volkswagen has just taken its 3rd consecutive win at the Dakar Rally with Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah leading the trio of VWs giving the team an outstanding 1-2-3 finish. In honour of the Race Touareg, VW has launched two new models at the recent Qatar Motor Show. The first is a concept car based on the successful Race Touareg 3 machine. This vehicle converts the rally-bred monster into a road-going vehicle. A special “Morning Magic” shade of metallic white is complemented by Race Touareg graphics along the lower flanks and 18-inch gold painted BBS wheels.
The interior is toned down from the racecar, but supposedly inspired by a stealth fighter plane. It’s equipped with Recaro race seats upholstered in Nubuck and perforated Nappa leather. Power is derived from a 2.5-litre TDI engine similar to that used to conquer the Dakar, which produces 225 kW.
The Touareg Gold Edition, in turn, is particularly tailored to affluent Gulf customers. The aptly named model has 24-carat gold finishing on the custom 22-inch wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips and window frames, mirror caps and grille surround, Touareg V8 badge and boot sill trim.
The bright yellow highlights continue inside the cabin while the headliner is made of Alcantara. The Nappa leather seats have a diamond pattern and the facia is trimmed in dark natural leather.