The year was 2004. The Recession and Dieselgate were still years away, so the bosses at VW had plenty of runway to put their zaniest ideas into production. Soon, we’d get the Audi R8, the Bugatti Veyron and the arguably nuttier V10 Touareg.
Powered by a twin-turbo diesel engine, this super-SUV boasted an eye-watering 553 lb-ft of torque – 178 more than the Lamborghini Gallardo – and more than enough to tow a Boeing 747.
Unfortunately, the V10 Touareg garnered a reputation as one of the least reliable vehicles ever – which is why owning one today is the mark of a truly dedicated gearhead.
– Chris Butsch, The Arizona 100