2011 Volkswagen Race Touareg 3: Dakar Rally Machine

Updated July 21, 2026
2011 Touareg Volkswagon Dakar Rally 8

Volkswagen is back for another run at the Dakar Rally with the 2011 Race Touareg 3, an improved version of the car that took back-to-back Dakar wins in 2009 and 2010. This one is built to tackle the 5,000-mile route through Chile and Argentina.

Build highlights

  • Twin-turbo 2.5-liter diesel, 296 HP and 442 ft-lbs of torque
  • 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds, top speed 117 mph
  • Five-speed sequential transmission with triple-plate ceramic clutch
  • Steel space frame chassis
  • Two coilover springs and shocks on each wheel
  • Custom 16-inch BFGoodrich tires, 9.25 inches wide
  • Carbon fiber and Kevlar body panels, new LED lights, grille, wheels, and modified roof cooling scoops
  • Race seats, navigation, and Raptor-style auxiliary toggle switches

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