Contrary to the Dakar name, the 2010 race (like the 2009 event) will cover 5625 miles in South America, running from Buenos Aires to Chile and back. The course reaches altitudes of more than 15,000 feet above sea level, and the field is often largely comprised of amateurs.
A "Touareg" (we use the term "Touareg" like NASCAR uses the phrase "stock cars") managed to win the 2009 Dakar trophy, making it the first diesel-powered vehicle to ever capture the title. Seeing as five of these vehicles are taking to the sands, we wouldn't be surprised if we saw a VW in the winner's circle once again.