12 January 2004 - 23:08 Volkswagen in the 2004 Dakar Rally Competition debut for two new Race-Touareg cars

Challenge "Dakar": Twelve months after the one-two finish in the category for two-wheel drive vehicles, Volkswagen is to take on the world's toughest rally yet again by competing in the 11,000 kilometre rally from Paris to Dakar for the first time with a brace of four-wheel driven Race-Touareg.

Innovative new design: Race-Touareg born in Wolfsburg Development in record time: The Race-Touareg was developed in less than seven months by Volkswagen. The four-wheel drive vehicle for desert competition has composite carbon bodywork based on a steel space frame, is powered by a five-cylinder TDI-engine with more than 170 kW and distinguishes itself through its ingenious weight distribution.

Strong driver team: Jutta Kleinschmidt and Bruno Saby
Two Dakar winners on board: Volkswagen trust Dakar winners Jutta Kleinschmidt (2001) and Bruno Saby (1993). Together they can claim seven individual Cross- Country victories and many other successes. Fabrizia Pons navigates for Jutta Kleinschmidt and Matthew Stevenson is co-driver for Bruno Saby.

Clear ambitions: Finish for Race-Touareg as preparation for 2005
11,000 kilometres of chronic stress: Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen has given the team an ambitious goal. Both Race-Touareg, which, as completely new designs, will contest their first competition in January, should cross the rally's finish line on 18 January 2004 in Senegal. The entire Volkswagen team will collect as much experience as possible in order to prepare for the 2005 Dakar Rally.

Notice: All data and equipment configurations, detailed in this press folder are valid only for the model programme offered in Germany. Discrepancies can arise in other countries. Subject to change without notice. Errors and omissions excepted. The identifying abbreviations TDI, SDI, FSI, DSG and TSC are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies belonging to the Volkswagen Group in Germany.

Press Release
Volkswagen Racing, 1.12.2003