2002 Volkswagen Tarek Concept by Italdesign

The 2002 Volkswagen Tarek Concept by Italdesign marks the beginning of a new era, as it debuted at the Essen Motor Show in Germany. During a press conference at Volkswagen's show stand, Rudolf-Helmut Strozyk, head of Volkswagen Racing, and works-driver Jutta Kleinschmidt unveiled the competition car intended for the 2003 Dakar Rally. Other drivers nominated for the race included Fabrizia Pons, Stephane Henrard, Bobby Willis, Dieter Depping, and Walter Bachhuber.

Developed in collaboration with the renowned Italdesign-Giugiaro group from Italy, the prototype boasts a robust design tailored for Volkswagen's venture into cross-country rallying. The tubular chassis construction, complemented by carbon-fibre bodywork, houses a potent 1.9-liter four-cylinder Volkswagen TDi engine generating 160 kW (218 hp).

The Volkswagen Tarek, a prototype rally buggy, made its debut at the Essen Auto Show, where unconventional and distinctive vehicles are traditionally showcased. Head of Volkswagen Racing Rudolf-Helmut Strozyk and future pilot Jutta Kleinschmidt presented the car, which was set to participate in the 2003 Paris-Dakar rally raid.

Crafted by Volkswagen specialists in collaboration with Italdesign-Guigiaro, the Tarek is based on the new VW Touareg SUV platform. The buggy's body, fashioned from carbon materials, is mounted on a sturdy tubular frame. With a length of 3.06 meters and a weight of 1160 kilograms, the Tarek embodies an agile and robust design.

Powering the rally car is a new 1.9-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 218 horsepower. While specific dynamic parameters remain undisclosed, the Tarek's lightweight construction suggests impressive performance capabilities.

Source & Images: Volkswagen AG