Volkswagen Touareg Achieves World Altitude Record
The Volkswagen Touareg has achieved a world altitude record by climbing to over 7,000 meters above sea level. The SUV achieved this feat on the Ojos del Salado, a volcano in Chile's Atacama Desert, which is the highest volcano in the world at 6,893 meters.
The climb was a collaboration between Volkswagen, which provided the Touareg vehicle, and Rainer Zietlow, a German adventurer and driver who has attempted various expeditions around the world. Zietlow, along with co-drivers Carlos Fernandez and Marius Biela, set the world record for the highest altitude achieved by a liquid-fueled car.
To achieve this record, the Touareg was specially-modified with an engine that could handle the thinner air at high altitude. It also had specially-designed tires to improve grip, a roll cage for safety, and an additional fuel tank for extended range. The modifications were crucial, as the team started the climb at an altitude of 4,000 meters and gained over 3,500 meters on their way to the summit.
The climb took place in December 2020, and it took the team four days to reach the summit. During that time, they faced a number of challenges, including maintaining their physical and mental endurance at high altitude, dealing with low temperatures, and navigating their way through rough and unpredictable terrain.
Zietlow, who has previously set records for driving across continents, said that this was by far the toughest challenge he has faced. "This climb was incredibly tough, and it pushed us to our limits," he said. "We had to deal with all sorts of obstacles and challenges, but we never lost sight of our goal. The Touareg was the perfect vehicle for this expedition, and it performed flawlessly throughout."
The world altitude record is a major achievement for Volkswagen, as it demonstrates the performance and reliability of the Touareg in extreme conditions. It also shows that Volkswagen is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive engineering, and that it is willing to work with adventurous drivers to achieve its goals.
The Touareg itself is a luxury SUV that is known for its advanced technology and off-road capabilities. It has a range of powertrains, including a hybrid model that combines a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor to produce a total output of 362 horsepower. The Touareg also features a range of safety and convenience features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and wireless charging.
The Touareg's success on the Ojos del Salado is just one example of how Volkswagen is working to create vehicles that can perform in extreme conditions. The company has a long history of innovation in this area, including the development of the Volkswagen Trekking Buggy, which was designed specifically for off-road racing.
Volkswagen also has a strong focus on electric vehicles, with plans to electrify its entire model lineup by 2030. This includes the development of a range of electric SUVs, such as the ID.4, which is a compact electric SUV that is expected to go on sale in the United States in 2021.
Overall, the Volkswagen Touareg's achievement of the world altitude record is a major accomplishment for the company and for the team of adventurers who helped make it happen. It is a testament to the innovation and technical expertise of Volkswagen's engineers, as well as the grit and determination of the team that made the climb.
The record also serves as an inspiration to other automotive companies and adventurers who are looking to push the limits of what is possible. It shows that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, it is possible to achieve incredible things in the world of automotive engineering.
As for the Touareg, it will undoubtedly continue to be a popular choice for adventurous drivers who want a vehicle that can handle any terrain, climate, or challenge they might face. With its impressive performance on the Ojos del Salado, it has cemented its status as one of the most capable and versatile SUVs on the market today.