Volkswagen unveiled their 2008 VW-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. Its verbose name doesn't exactly roll easily off the tongue, but the Touareg Baja Racer is no ordinary vehicle, either.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the VW Touareg Baja Racer is the first turbodiesel to take part in the Trophy Truck class. And with a rear-wheel-drive chassis powered by a 542-HP, 5.5-liter V12 turbodiesel engine, the VW Touareg Baja Racer exists not only to make a statement about fuel economy, but to be competitive in the 634-mile Baja 1000.
The Red Bull-sponsored VW Touareg Baja Racer will run in the SCORE Trophy Truck Class of the 41st annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race, which the Los Angeles Times reports will begin on November 21.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Turbodiesel Off-road Racing
- Innovative automakers can develop more efficient and eco-friendly off-road trucks by incorporating turbodiesel engines and other clean technologies.
- Rear-wheel-drive Chassis
- Opportunities exist for automakers to improve performance and handling by integrating rear-wheel-drive technology in off-road vehicles.
- Alternative Fuel Racing
- There is potential for automakers to create a new class of alternative fuel racing to showcase the capabilities of hybrid and electric vehicles in off-road scenarios.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Automotive
- Opportunities exist for automakers to develop and test innovative technologies in off-road racing scenarios.
- Clean Energy
- Automakers can promote the use of alternative fuels in the off-road racing industry, and demonstrate the effectiveness of clean technologies.
- Sports and Entertainment
- Alternative fuel racing could provide exciting new spectator opportunities for fans of off-road racing and environmentalism alike.
