Volkswagen Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck

For the first time in the 41-year history of the Baja 1000, a vehicle with clean diesel technology successfully competed in the demanding high performance trophy truck class in the Baja 1000.
After more than 1,000 kilometers (634 miles) through some of the toughest terrain imaginable, Volkswagen’s newly developed Baja Race Touareg TDI prototype successfully crossed the finish line in Ensenda, Mexico driven by veteran drivers Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero.

The Baja Race Touareg TDI experienced a defective seal on the gearbox during the race that led to the necessary replacement of the entire gearbox causing a major time loss for the team. “Ultimately, a simple seal had an enormous effect with a big loss of time. This defect surprised us because it had never occurred before,” said Don Tebbe, Project Manager for the Arciero Miller Racing (AMR) team which, in close collaboration with Volkswagen Motorsport, is responsible for the development and fielding of the Baja Touareg. “Shortly before the finish we also exchanged the rear differential just to be on the safe side. From tests we knew that this part might possibly be at the limit. Work on an improved version is already in progress,” Tebbe added.

The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck that ran the 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race in the SCORE Trophy Truck class was 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 had little difficulty maneuvering the highly difficult and technical 634 mile Baja 1000 course.