First time with Clean Diesel technology: Volkswagen masters Baja 1000
After more than 1,000 kilometers through the rough terrain of the Mexican peninsula California the drivers, Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero (both USA), safely brought the newly developed prototype home to the finish in Ensenada. For the first time in the 41-year history of American off-road racing a vehicle with innovative Clean Diesel technology thus successfully contested the demanding Baja 1000 in the fiercely competitive top class of the high-performance Trophy Trucks.
Defective seal causes major time loss
The Touareg TDI, which is powered by a 550-hp 5.5l V12 diesel engine from the Volkswagen Group, was running almost perfectly across the entire distance. Merely a defective seal on the gearbox caused a loss of time at an early stage and, subsequently, even required the gearbox to be exchanged. “Ultimately, a simple seal had an enormous effect with a big loss of time. This defect surprised us because it had never occurred before,” said Don Tebbe, Project Manager for the Arciero Miller Racing (AMR) team which, in close collaboration with Volkswagen Motorsport, is responsible for the development and fielding of the Baja Touareg. “Shortly before the finish we also exchanged the rear differential just to be on the safe side. From tests we knew that this part might possibly be at the limit. Work on an improved version is already in progress,” Tebbe added.
“At the presentation in Los Angeles and particularly at its premiere in the toughest of all off-road rallies in America the Baja Touareg and Clean Diesel technology caused a sensation and immediately inspired enthusiasm,” said Clark Campbell, Motorsport Manager of Volkswagen of America. “Drawing on the experiences of the maiden race we’ll continue improving the vehicle. We’re already looking forward to participating in select rallies of the 2009 American SCORE series including the Baja 500 and, of course, the Baja 1000.”
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This post was compiled by Memin Pinguin
