Touareg Tows Boeing 747
Nov. 28, 2006

The Touareg tows a jumbo jet into the record books. Click on image for larger view.
Please don't try this at home! Of course, not many of us have a Boeing 747 at home.
On a quiet British airfield last week, the Touareg pulled off an amazing test of might — by towing a 155-ton Boeing 747.
The Touareg was equipped with its top engine, a V10 TDI diesel with 310 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
Usually rated to tow 3.5 tons, the SUV was modified to tow the jumbo jet. An incredible 9,600 pounds of steel balls and plates were added, in order to apply enough traction on the ground.
Other modifications were minimal: a shorter transmission, increased tire pressure, and a limited maximum speed to protect the tires. Everything else, including the engine, four-wheel-drive system and suspension, was kept the same.
A special device was used to hook up the Touareg to the 747 and then they were off. The four-wheel drive's low setting was selected, as well as the transmission's second gear, and with the accelerator pushed down halfway, the Touareg began to pull the airplane. They proceeded for 492 feet at five MPH.
A mechanical check-up of the Touareg afterwards showed no sign of damage.





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