VW reveals Red Bull Baja Racing Trophy Truck, launches Touareg V6 TDI in U.S.

Volkswagen showcased the breadth of its diesel powered technology today, with the unveiling of two different vehicles both carrying the Touareg nameplate. One is a new clean-diesel version, which meets the most stringent emission requirements of California and will be available in all 50 U.S. states, while the other is a V10-powered TDI desert racer.

The Touareg V6 TDI clean diesel will come to market later this year with a 3.0L turbocharged V6 production 221hp (165kW) and 407lb-ft (550Nm) of torque. The vehicle’s EPA fuel economy rating is 25mpg, impressive for a large SUV, and with its 26.4 gallon tank can travel more than 600 miles between fill-ups.

The desert racer, on the hand, is not meant for production but is instead competing in the 41st Annual Tecate Score Baja 1000 desert race taking place this month. The vehicle is the new Baja Racing Touareg TDI Trophy Truck, sponsored by both VW and Red Bull, and it is competing in the Trophy Truck class.

The bizarre looking machine is powered by a 5.5L V12 TDI engine that produces 550hp (405kW) and 625lb-ft of torque (850Nm). Additionally, the mid-engined rear-wheel-drive race truck features a six-speed sequential gearbox from Xtrac.

Sharing little with VW’s Touareg SUV, from which it gathers its name, the Baja Racing Touareg TDI Trophy Truck features a number of performance modifications including Dual Garrett TR 30 R turbochargers, double A-Arm front suspension that allows 25in of wheel travel, a four-link rear suspension that allows 30in of wheel travel, Fox Racing Shocks, Eibach Coils and BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37in off-road tires.

The chassis design and production was handled by Arciero Miller Racing located in Foothill Ranch, California. The completed vehicle features a 125in wheelbase, 213in overall length, 92in width, and stands 78in tall. It also tips the scales at 5,600lb (2,562kg).