Diesel powertrains have been in the news constantly lately. From the advent of low-sulfur fuel in the U.S. to the Audi R10's astounding dominance at Le Mans, talk of oil burning has moved to the front…. err… burner. And parent company Volkswagen's planned assault on Pikes Peak's 14,100-foot summit in a trio of 2006 Touareg V10 TDis this weekend is only likely to add to the derv fervor.

On July 1, professional hot shoes Mark Miller (VW Dakar Rally driver), Danny Sullivan (yes, that one), and Ryan Arciero (Baja champ) will ascend the 12.4 mile, 156-turn course in the 84th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The team of V10 Touaregs will compete in the Luxury SUV class, and be the first to use ultra-low sulfur diesel in to Race to the Clouds.