It sounds like it could have started in a schoolyard under the monkey-bars just as easily as at the engineering office of Volkswagen. One engineer bet another that the next generation V10 TDI powered Touareg couldn't tow a Boeing 747 jet. He was wrong.
But before you go trying to perform strongman feats with your VeeDub, keep in mind that the 155 ton weight of the 747 exceeds the maximum towing capacity on the Touareg by a pound or two, and modifications are required. The SUV was modified in the name of weight distribution to make it possible to pull the Boeing, though it rode on factory suspension, frame components and Michelin tires.
Initial calculations suggest that the Touareg V10 TDI has the capability to put around 200 tonnes into motion. With the aid of a specially designed "trailer" mechanism the Touareg got the Boeing moving with more ease than some had expected.
The driver, Technician Uwe Krieghoff, selected the four wheel drive low range from the console and summoned up second gear from the selectable automatic transmission. Initial throttle application had no effect, though with the throttle depressed about halfway both the Touareg and 747 began to move.
The trip lasted only 150 metres and reached a terminal velocity of 8 kilometres per hour.
Towing a jet is impressive enough, though the Touareg was inspected after its quick voyage, and no signs of damage were reported. Everything was still in good working order!
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| (Photo: Volkswagen) |
Initial calculations suggest that the Touareg V10 TDI has the capability to put around 200 tonnes into motion. With the aid of a specially designed "trailer" mechanism the Touareg got the Boeing moving with more ease than some had expected.
The driver, Technician Uwe Krieghoff, selected the four wheel drive low range from the console and summoned up second gear from the selectable automatic transmission. Initial throttle application had no effect, though with the throttle depressed about halfway both the Touareg and 747 began to move.
 |
| (Photo: Volkswagen) |
Towing a jet is impressive enough, though the Touareg was inspected after its quick voyage, and no signs of damage were reported. Everything was still in good working order!
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