In a flagrant but impressive publicity stunt, a Touareg V10 TDi dragged a 155-tonne Boeing 747-200 jumbo jet along the same runway that the Stig normally uses to demonstrate his unearthly skills.
It's a neat trick and one we're kicking ourselves for not thinking of first, but VW did cheat just a smidgen by adding 4.3 tonnes of metal weights to the car to give it a bit more traction.The firm changed the axle ratio to give the turbodiesel V10-engined SUV more of a chance to overcome the static friction caused by the plane's tyres compressing under its enormous weight.
VW also swapped some body panels on the Touareg to dress it up like the 2007 facelfifted model, but the engine, gearbox and tyres were all standard.
As for the aircraft, 20 tonnes of fuel were replaced with water, and the four jet engines were replaced with dummies for safety.
Driver Uwe Krieghoff reported that the car had no trouble hauling the jet and said: "I was a bit disappointed we couldn't find something heavier to tow as it was too easy. If anyone could lend us a heavier aircraft then please let us know."
So if the cargo plane in your garage is just gathering dust, you know who to call.
© Source: original article on topgear
