klaus
December 22nd, 2006, 01:19
Mark Miller posted some pictures in another thread and talked a bit about the new Touareg for this years Dakar race.
One of the most noticeable change will be the new engine in the Touareg2.
From the VW press:
Volkswagen with new four-valve TDI-engine in 2007 Dakar Rally Wolfsburg (30 November 2006). Stronger and more agile: Volkswagen starts the 2007 Dakar Rally in January with a new four-valve TDI-engine.
The 2.5 litre five-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the Race Touareg 2 is equipped with a completely newly developed cylinder head, which helps to increase the power output to 285 hp and push the maximum torque over 600 Nm. The response characteristics of the two-stage forced induction Turbo-Diesel were also noticeably improved for the demanding desert event.
"The new version of the engine gives the Race Touareg even more performance for the Dakar Rally, available to the drivers in both fast and slow track sections alike”, explains Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen ahead of the Volkswagen Press Conference at the Motor Show in Essen. "Adding to this is the incredible efficiency of our innovative TDI-Technology. We aim to be the first manufacturer to win the Dakar Rally with a diesel powered vehicle.”
Logical engine development for highest "Dakar” demands
During a series of dynamometer runs, intensive tests and its first competitive outing the newest version of the engine has already proven its performance and reliability. Because of the 39 millimetre diameter intake-air restrictor, stipulated by the regulations, the absolute power only climbs by approximately 10 hp. However, the new and improved cylinder-head architecture allows a superior gas flow rate, which improves the power and initial response throughout the rev range. The torque delivered by the engine climbs correspondingly to over 600 Nm.
The induction and exhaust tracts on the four-valve engine differ from its predecessor in that they are no longer mounted on one side of the engine, but opposite one another. "In spite of the greater power output the engine is actually more thermally efficient than before”, emphasises Donatus Wichelhaus is responsible for the engine development Volkswagen factory driver Carlos Sainz claimed three stage victories during the UAE Desert Challenge with the four-valve power unit. "The engine not only produces more power, but has benefited significantly in the areas of response and drivability. This will help us in the ever changing conditions encountered during the Dakar Rally”; says the two-time Rally World Champion.
Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 further improved
The Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 has been constantly improved since the finish of the 2006 Dakar Rally. A new version of the 2.5-litres five-cylinder Diesel engine, which uses a four-valve cylinder-head for the first time, equips the all-wheel drive prototype. "The engine produces a little more power, namely 285 hp, and delivers more torque over a wider rev range which significantly improves the drivability”, explains Donatus Wichelhaus, Head of Engine Development at Volkswagen Motorsport
During a series of intensive tests many of the Race Touareg components were further developed: In total 35 per cent of the components were either modified or newly designed. The gearbox was also improved. "The drivers are full of praise because changing gear requires less physical effort. An invaluable advantage on the Dakar Rally's long daily stages”, explains Kris Nissen. Further improvements were found in the suspension and its geometry. "In cooperation with ZF Sachs we developed a ‘Dakar' damper that proved to be good on hard sub-surfaces and camel grass.
Selected competitive outings also counted towards the Dakar Rally preparations. Volkswagen factory driver Giniel de Villiers and his German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz were successful in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup recording a brace of wins at the Rally Transibérico in Portugal and Spain and the Moroccan Rally. Carlos Sainz won three of the six stages in the UAE Desert Challenge together with co-driver Michel Périn. "These wins reflect our current level of performance. We are capable of putting the strongest competitors under pressure and beating them”, endorses Kris Nissen
Giniel de Villiers is highly motivated after his two wins this season. "We want to win the "Dakar”. We are well prepared, the team has worked hard on the development of the Race Touareg”, explains the South African. "At the tests and races the improvements to the suspension and engine were very noticeable. A lot of small details were also improved in the cockpit, from which we will benefit while we are at work on the long daily stages.”
One of the most noticeable change will be the new engine in the Touareg2.
From the VW press:
Volkswagen with new four-valve TDI-engine in 2007 Dakar Rally Wolfsburg (30 November 2006). Stronger and more agile: Volkswagen starts the 2007 Dakar Rally in January with a new four-valve TDI-engine.
The 2.5 litre five-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the Race Touareg 2 is equipped with a completely newly developed cylinder head, which helps to increase the power output to 285 hp and push the maximum torque over 600 Nm. The response characteristics of the two-stage forced induction Turbo-Diesel were also noticeably improved for the demanding desert event.
"The new version of the engine gives the Race Touareg even more performance for the Dakar Rally, available to the drivers in both fast and slow track sections alike”, explains Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen ahead of the Volkswagen Press Conference at the Motor Show in Essen. "Adding to this is the incredible efficiency of our innovative TDI-Technology. We aim to be the first manufacturer to win the Dakar Rally with a diesel powered vehicle.”
Logical engine development for highest "Dakar” demands
During a series of dynamometer runs, intensive tests and its first competitive outing the newest version of the engine has already proven its performance and reliability. Because of the 39 millimetre diameter intake-air restrictor, stipulated by the regulations, the absolute power only climbs by approximately 10 hp. However, the new and improved cylinder-head architecture allows a superior gas flow rate, which improves the power and initial response throughout the rev range. The torque delivered by the engine climbs correspondingly to over 600 Nm.
The induction and exhaust tracts on the four-valve engine differ from its predecessor in that they are no longer mounted on one side of the engine, but opposite one another. "In spite of the greater power output the engine is actually more thermally efficient than before”, emphasises Donatus Wichelhaus is responsible for the engine development Volkswagen factory driver Carlos Sainz claimed three stage victories during the UAE Desert Challenge with the four-valve power unit. "The engine not only produces more power, but has benefited significantly in the areas of response and drivability. This will help us in the ever changing conditions encountered during the Dakar Rally”; says the two-time Rally World Champion.
Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 further improved
The Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 has been constantly improved since the finish of the 2006 Dakar Rally. A new version of the 2.5-litres five-cylinder Diesel engine, which uses a four-valve cylinder-head for the first time, equips the all-wheel drive prototype. "The engine produces a little more power, namely 285 hp, and delivers more torque over a wider rev range which significantly improves the drivability”, explains Donatus Wichelhaus, Head of Engine Development at Volkswagen Motorsport
During a series of intensive tests many of the Race Touareg components were further developed: In total 35 per cent of the components were either modified or newly designed. The gearbox was also improved. "The drivers are full of praise because changing gear requires less physical effort. An invaluable advantage on the Dakar Rally's long daily stages”, explains Kris Nissen. Further improvements were found in the suspension and its geometry. "In cooperation with ZF Sachs we developed a ‘Dakar' damper that proved to be good on hard sub-surfaces and camel grass.
Selected competitive outings also counted towards the Dakar Rally preparations. Volkswagen factory driver Giniel de Villiers and his German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz were successful in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup recording a brace of wins at the Rally Transibérico in Portugal and Spain and the Moroccan Rally. Carlos Sainz won three of the six stages in the UAE Desert Challenge together with co-driver Michel Périn. "These wins reflect our current level of performance. We are capable of putting the strongest competitors under pressure and beating them”, endorses Kris Nissen
Giniel de Villiers is highly motivated after his two wins this season. "We want to win the "Dakar”. We are well prepared, the team has worked hard on the development of the Race Touareg”, explains the South African. "At the tests and races the improvements to the suspension and engine were very noticeable. A lot of small details were also improved in the cockpit, from which we will benefit while we are at work on the long daily stages.”