Raced a $58,000 V10 VW Touareg

[Hatchman]

First of all, for those not familiar with the Tourage, here's a link on a review:

http://www.autobytel.com/content/res...g/Year_si/2004

But the quick stats: the V10 TDI is "biturbo" - a separate turbocharger provides combustion air for each bank of five cylinders.
The V10 TDI has big stats: 310 hp @ 3,750 rpm, and a stump-pulling 553 lb. ft. of torque @ 2,000 rpm. A new six speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shifter was designed to stand up to the massive muscle and channel it to the tires.

I figure 553 lb torque, turbo V10 with a 6 speed tranny is a worthy competitor. Not to mentin "double the Titan's" price tag.

So, there I was...
Cruising down the interstate when I see this luxury SUV come flying up behind me. I had no clue what it was, only it had really wide tires on it, and looked really big, luxurious, and sporty. So we get a stretch of road clear of traffic, and he punches it and starts to come around me. He started with about a 10 mph advantage, and I waited until he was one car length behind me until I punched it since I didn't want to have to wait until he was right beside me (doing what I call the GM pass) with a 15 mph or greater advantage.

So I punch it, too bad he is on my left side, and doesn't get the full effect of the Bank's Monster exhaust. His mph advantage quickly diminishes, and by the time he is even with my back bumper we are even. After we hit the triple digits, he starts to fade back ever so slightly, then after we get about 112, he starts pulling on me again, but very slowly and he's still about a car length and a half back. I''m satisfied with stopping his advance up until this point and go ahead and back it off and tap my brake lights three times to let him know I'm done, and let him pass before coming up on the next group of cars (as opposed to cutting over in front of him and then slowing down, like some folks). I know now that his truck is rated up to 130mph, so he would have come on around eventually. Both the guy and his wife give me a friendly wave as I exit the interstate. Nice people in the VW.

I was pretty happy with the Titan, and I'm pretty sure the Titan could just slightly out perform the Touareg up until the speed limiter kicks in. Pretty close though. Most trucks and SUV's don't give the Titan any trouble, I was wondering, "what the heck is in that thing!?" But I was very happy when he pulled along side and noted the V10 on the side. Hope he also enjoyed reading 5.6 V8 on the tailgate.

By the way, disclaimer:
Street racing is dangerous. This piece is a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons driving or surfing the net, is purely coincidental.

[Helinut1970]

That had to put a smile on your face. Nice kill! But you know you are going to hear the enevitable "You were driving like an idiot, slow down and stop risking everyones lives around you." Just wanting to prepare you. Should have said "We didnt go a mile over 70."

[Hatchman]

Originally Posted by Helinut1970

That had to put a smile on your face. Nice kill! But you know you are going to hear the enevitable "You were driving like an idiot, slow down and stop risking everyones lives around you." Just wanting to prepare you. Should have said "We didnt go a mile over 70."

Ha, didn't you read the disclaimer, I made all that up.

[Helinut1970]

Nope, didn't read the disclaimer I was to cought up in the "Man I wonder if my Titan could beat one of those VW's." I hope somewhere in the world that really took place and it was true. Do you "happen" to know anyone that might have really raced a VW in the same fashion that you did and won like that?

[fdiesel]

oh!!! thats just plain wrong doing that kind of speeding in our highways and byways.putting other peoples live in danger.where are the donut eaters when you need them.

[moparmanjames]

Uh ok, do I take thr RED pill or the BLUE pill now?

I think it's a real race but is it or not? Who cares about what the insurance people think as long as your tires and vehicle are safely rated for those speeds and of course, you can drive, and last but not least, you don't get caught.

[EPTITAN]

Originally Posted by moparmanjames

and last but not least, you don't get caught.

I would say that is the most important part!!!!!!!lol

[Vector]

VW has been unable to release the V-10 TDI in the US due to emissions compliance. I am just wondering where you found one on the road. I have only ever seen one at an auto show. VW NA headquarters is about 6 miles from my house and all I have ever seen there are V8 and V6 Touareg.

[titanallover]

Ive seen one or 2 of them around here in Houston. There arent too many of them but ive seen them. You mostly see the V8 model and it moves pretty decent.

[Hatchman]

Originally Posted by Vector

VW has been unable to release the V-10 TDI in the US due to emissions compliance. I am just wondering where you found one on the road. I have only ever seen one at an auto show. VW NA headquarters is about 6 miles from my house and all I have ever seen there are V8 and V6 Touareg.

I read some where that they released 493 of them in the US, could be wrong. That's the only one that I've seen. I think they are releasing lots of them in Canada, so maybe the guy brought it in? I didn't look at the tag.

I had no idea it was a V10 until he pulled along side, surprised me, I didn't even know you could get it in a V10. It definitly ran like one!

[Vector]

I was looking at the V-10 VW at the Detroit Auto Show a year ago and was thinking that would be a nice SUV to buy. I kept watching for them to release it (A) so I could see how much it was going to be, (B) to see what the tow capacity was going to be. Unfortunately when they initially released the Touareg they overstated its tongue weight capabilities and everyone found out that the rear suspension in the thing could only hold a 500lb tongue weight. That Kinda killed the idea of becoming a Touareg owner for me.

I really wanted the V-10 TDI. It just looked Bad A$$. I guess I am a lot happier that I was able to pick my Titan up for the price that I did, it has turned out to be a worthy investment.

Nice kill by the way!

[Hatchman]

Originally Posted by Helinut1970

Do you "happen" to know anyone that might have really raced a VW in the same fashion that you did and won like that?

I might know somebody like that.

Thanks everyone, glad you enjoyed the "story".

[dragonhead08]

Can the Titan take on the Porsche Cheyenne? Not the super twin turbo model, just the reguler version.

[mudfinder]

Originally Posted by dragonhead08

Can the Titan take on the Porsche Cheyenne? Not the super twin turbo model, just the reguler version.

YES. that was the first vehicle i ever took. I drove the titan manually, first, second, third, you get the picture. i had 450miles on her. and i blew that porsche away. some moron who thought he could punk a titan. i ended up punking him come to think of it. too bad i didn't have a exhaust then. he would of really had a taste of that 5.6 V8

[ski_freak]

I lost to a Touareg back in the fall.

Almost the same situation, but he had a greater advantage.
He came up on me about 20 mph faster on I-75 heading into Atlanta. The moment he passed I gave it a try and started catching him, but then he slowly pulled away from me. By that point I started thinking about insurance costs and wimped out. Sorry for letting down the Titan crew.