Volkswagen has just taken its third consecutive win at the arduous Dakar Rally. Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah lead the trio of VWs that gave the team a 1-2-3 finish, and in honour of the Race Touareg, VW has launched two new models at the Qatar Motor Show.
The first is a concept car based on the successful Race Touareg 3 machine. This vehicle converts the rally-bred monster into a road-going vehicle. A special “Morning Magic” shade of metallic white is complemented by Race Touareg graphics along the lower flanks and 18-inch gold painted BBS wheels.
The interior is toned down from the racecar, but supposedly inspired by a stealth fighter plane. It’s equipped with Recaro race seats upholstered in Nubuck and perforated Nappa leather. Power is derived from a 2,5-litre TDI engine similar to that used to conquer the Dakar, which produces 225 kW.
The Touareg Gold Edition, in turn, is particularly tailored to affluent Gulf customers. The aptly named model has 24-carat gold finishing on the custom 22-inch wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips and window frames, mirror caps and grille surround, Touareg V8 badge and boot sill trim.
The bright yellow highlights continue inside the cabin (see image) while the headliner is made of Alcantara. The Nappa leather seats have a Bentley-esque diamond pattern and the facia is drimmed in dark natural leather.
Gold has long been the preferred colour in the Middle East to highlight certain aspects of one’s car and this model should do well in those markets. We somehow doubt that the Gold Edition will be as popular, or even available in Europe or other markets.
As for the Race Touareg, we can only hope that VW build a road-going version to satiate SUV fans lust for fast off-road machines.
