The Pan-American Highway is a modern marvel that connects one part of the Americas to the other. Linking Argentina to Alaska, it is the longest road in the world at nearly 16,000 miles and traveling through 14 countries. despite the daunting length of the road, Volkswagen wants to prove the apocalyptic durability of the Touareg SUV by attempting to travel the entire distance in one trip.
Headed by renowned adventurer and off road driver Rainer Zietlow, a team of German drivers including Carlos Fernandez and Marius Biela will be making the journey to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the highway. Their goal is to drive the entire length of the road in 14 days while behind the wheel of a 2011 Touareg TDI Clean Diesel. “We want to celebrate the important role the Pan-American Highway has played in bringing commerce and unity to countries along the route, while demonstrating the power and durability of a clean diesel vehicle. The 75th Anniversary of the Pan-American Highway provides us with a great opportunity to do both,” said Rainer Zietlow.
Driving non stop for two weeks, the team will take five hour driving shifts and travel through massively alternating terrain. The Touareg itself will be mostly factory, using Volkswagen’s 225 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque turbo diesel V6. Zietlow will also donate 10 Euro cents for every kilometer driven to the Plan International charity organization.
