This year’s Baja 1000 desert race starts on the 20th November and Volkswagen is competing again this year in a brand new 550bhp V12 turbodiesel VW Touareg off-roader that was shown at the 2008 Los Angeles show for the first time.

The V12 twin-turbo diesel engine sits low down in the bespoke chassis, with power travelling forward to a gearbox that sits between the driver and co-driver. This then transmits power to the rear axle via a transfer box sitting in the nose of the vehicle.

Wheel travel is a massive 750cm and the car weighs close to 2 tons all up. Volkswagen is hoping to be fighting it out for one of the top positions in this year’s event and evo will be bringing you updates as this non-stop race unfolds.

LA Show video highlights