Volkswagen Touareg Achieves World Altitude Record

Volkswagen's Touareg has accomplished new heightsspotlights fitted to the roof rack, which also
in the realm of off-road capability. It has set a newaccommodates spare wheels and rescue equipment.
world altitude record for a motor vehicle of 6,080Because at 5,000 metres the air becomes thinner, the
metres. Accomplished by a standard-engined Touaregcrew was given additional oxygen by altitude specialist
3.2 litre V8, this record has been officially recognizedDr. Rainald Fischer, to prevent potentially life-threatening
by the Guinness World Records (TM) Book.altitude sickness.
This feat was achieved on January 29 in the slopes ofThe route of the expedition was selected with the help
the world's highest volcano. The expedition teamof the Institute of Cartography at the University of
battled against icy winds and lack of oxygen toDresden following a four-week survey of the summit
achieve this record. The altimeter and GPS systemregion for the purpose of making new maps. In return,
displayed the result of 6,080 metres. Currently, this isthe knowledge gained in the expedition will help the
the highest point on the earth's surface that a vehiclecartographers verify their work.
can reach and safely return from. By reaching thisThe Institute for Cartography at the University of
altitude, the Touareg proves its abilities in extremeDresden helped to select the route to the summit
conditions and surpassed the performance of all otherfollowing a recent four-week survey of the summit
off-road vehicles.region for the purpose of making new maps. The
Headed by Rainer Zietlow, the team of eight first wentknowledge gained by the expedition will help the
through the Atacama Desert, the world's driest area.cartographers verify their work. But the most
The base camp is located above the salt lake Lagunaimportant scientific aspect of the expedition was the
Santa Rosa, famous for its pink flamingoes, 4,400installation of a seismographic station, managed by the
metres above sea level. From here the trail continuesGeological Research Centre in Potsdam in this region
over stones and pebbles with an 80 per cent gradient,endangered by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
snow fields and soft volcanic sand. Driving theWith this achievement, the Volkswagen Touareg
Touareg was Ronald Bormann, previous winner of theestablishes its reputation as a tough off-roader
European Truck Trail competition.capable of meeting challenges such as extreme
In some sections of the mountainous terrain, hugeweather conditions and rocky terrain. Volkswagen's
rocks blocked the path. A winch, fitted as standardrenowned excellence in automotive design is
accessory to the Touareg Expedition, a special editionmanifested in the Touareg, along with other models
version, helped the team on its way. There were alsoincluding the Golf, Jetta, and the new Beetle.