Mark Miller Qualifies With Fastest Time in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb High Performance Showroom Stock Division

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc.'s three V10 TDI Touaregs qualified this morning to run in the High Performance Showroom Stock Class at the 2007 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), scheduled for July 21. Volkswagen team factory driver Mark Miller was the fastest qualifier with a time of 5:47:738.

Qualifying behind Miller was Ryan Arciero, with a time of 5:47:830 and Chris Blais, posting a time of 6:14:365. Today's qualifying times showed performance gains from the Touaregs versus the 2006 PPIHC race.

Much of the success can be credited to the OGT (Off-road German Technology) applied to the V10 TDI Touareg. The performance enhancements made to the already off-road-impressive stock Touareg transformed the vehicle into a more race ready Touareg, specifically engineered for Pikes Peak. The enhancements include new prototype twin-turbo chargers, new injectors, and an upgraded Electronic Control Module (ECM) which combine to increase fuel injection flow and raise boost pressures. The modifications boost its performance figures to 410 HP at 3,750 RPM and 700 ft.-lbs of torque at 2,000 RPM, a nearly 100 HP and 150 ft.-lbs of torque increase over the stock V10 TDI. The Gearbox Control Module was also optimized to reduce shift times and take full advantage of the increased overall power output. Additional performance gains will be realized from a 640 lb. weight reduction from stock. Even with the performance enhanced engineering, the exhaust particulate filter system is still 100 percent functional.

"I can really feel the difference this year after the performance enhancements," said Mark Miller, Volkswagen factory driver and returning division champion. "The vehicle felt great last year, but the modified version launches hard off the start and really grips the corners."

In addition to the vehicle modifications, the track has taken on a new feel as well, replacing almost two miles of dirt and gravel with fresh pavement.

"With more paved track this year, we have been able to reduce our lap times," said Ryan Arciero. "We also added custom grooved Nitto tires and adjusted the transfer case to put more power in the rear, allowing us to really attack the switchback portions of the track."

Miller and Arciero competed in the 2006 PPIHC, earning a first and second place finish in the Luxury SUV division and are looking to add top finishes this year in the High Performance Showroom Stock division. The two drivers are joined this year by factory Red Bull KTM off-road motorcycle racer, Chris Blais.

"This is my first-ever race on four wheels and they have given me the keys to an absolutely powerful diesel machine," said Blais. "There are some major differences between the racing styles, but I am adapting and reducing my times and becoming more comfortable behind the wheel with each run."

Practice will continue on Thursday morning followed by Volkswagen Fan Fest in downtown Colorado Springs on Thursday evening. The 85th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place Saturday, July 21.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.