The Touareg V10 TDI will be driven by the professional drivers Ryan Arciero, Chris Blais and Mark Miller that will set out to showcase high-performance Volkswagen diesel technology and precise German engineering with a powerful V10 TDI engine challenging the unique mountain driving conditions and reaching the finish line at the 14,100 foot summit.

The grueling, 12.4 mile Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a test of both the vehicle and the driver’s racing ability, with 4,700 feet of elevation gain and 156 hairpin turns on terrain that alternates between pavement and gravel—mostly without guardrails.

This year the Touareg V10 TDIs are entered in the High Performance Showroom Stock division, hoping to gain another division win to add to their 2006 Race to the Clouds success.

Many of the standard Touareg traction control functions will carry over into these race vehicles. The Touareg still will offer its 4XMotion all-wheel drive system, which provides superior traction control – a must-have on the challenging surfaces of Pikes Peak. Additional equipment includes Anti-slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Engine Braking Assist, Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution, Electronic Stabilization Program with brake assist, and Hill Climb Assist.

The three Touareg V10 TDIs once again will be powered by ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) at Pikes Peak. This clean diesel fuel reduces emissions of sulfur compounds and permits the use of advanced emission control systems. In another display of innovation, the Touareg was the first light-duty vehicle in the U.S. to include a particulate filter that further reduces emissions.