Toureg tugs a jumbo (and previews 2007 face lift)

24 November 2006 :: Filed under SUV, Volkswagen Toureg, Europe & UK

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A triumph of torque

Transparent publicity stunt alert? Yup, but it does communicate the torque-tastic capability of the Toureg’s V10 diesel lump rather nicely. Earlier this week, a VW Toureg V10 TDI repeatedly dragged a 155 tonne 747-200 passenger jet down a runway at Dunsfold Aerodrome, 40 miles south west of London. Neither the Toureg nor the 747 achieved escape velocity…


If you’re wondering what the deal is with the fancy light clusters, chrome grille and big rims, this is the new look for the Toureg, due for production early next year

The Toureg in question was a standard production example save for 4.3 tonnes of metal ballast (in the form of steel plates behind the front bumper and underneath the engine) and a final drive ratio taken from the V8 model. With ballast on board (required to generate extra purchase on the runway surface), the Toureg tipped the scales at just over seven tonnes (7,030 kg) including the driver, an engineer from the technical department at the company’s headquarters in Germany. And that despite running standard self-levelling air suspension.

VW claims the car’s engine, wheels, tyres and structure were also completely boggo. Even the standard towbar was used (though fitted with an adapted towing bracket). With the 747 in tow, the Toureg achieved a Vmax of 5mph and covered 150 metres. VW reckons that even after repeated runs, the engine and transmission showed no signs of the immense strain. Cue much rejoicing.

P.S. This jet tugging escape is just the latest in a series of achievements and accolades for the flagship oil-burning Toureg. The V10 model is also the proud winner of back-to-back Caravan Club Towcar of the Year awards (2004 and 2005, full-size 4x4 category, natch). It doesn’t get much sweeter than that, folks.