Ever fantasised piloting a real Dakar rally machine on your commute through the 'burbs before taking it for a rough and rugged off-roading weekend?
That thought is looking a lot more plausible now that VW has unveiled a street legal concept car based on its Dakar Rally-winning Touareg 3 race car.
According to Volkswagen, the concept, unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show, has not been softened in any significant way. This is a genuine rally vehicle, like the one that was still touring South America in the Dakar Rally two weeks ago and it was built to withstand the toughest rally in the world.
The best news of all is that a VW spokesperson has disclosed that a limited production run of this vehicle is a distinct possibility. Come on Volkswagen - you really can't afford not to!
This version of the Touareg 3 racer has a 228kW TDI engine and can sprint from 0-100 km/h in less than six seconds, according to claims.
The just over two metre wide body was slightly modified for road use. Instead of 16-inch wheels, new 18-inch wheels from BBS with a gold look are being used. The "Race Touareg" signature - also in a golden colour - stretches the entire length of the vehicle's sides.
The interior was completely redesigned; all that remained unmodified was the safety cage. While it still boasts Recaro racing bucket seats the controls were completely redone to make it as user-friendly as a car.
Meanwhile the interior stylists aimed to create what they call the "Stealth look" that is reminiscent of the aircraft of the same name. What's more, in tribute to the Dakar Rally, the Dakar victories are etched in the anodised aluminium of the centre console, right next to the "Race Touareg" signature.
Additional accents include the two-tone seams and silver piping on the seat covers and safety-related items painted in "Tornado Red."
The Race Touareg Qatar was joined, at the show stand, by the Touareg Gold Edition, with certain pieces of its exterior and interior finished in 24-carat gold. No shortage of that shiny stuff in that part of the world, it appears.