In 1980, Volkswagen entered four official Iltis in the Paris-Dakar. These were simpler four-wheel drive vehicles than Range Rovers, but with 750kg less and four independent wheels. Thanks to these characteristics, the Iltis easily passed over the roughest terrain. They were powered by an Audi 5-cylinder 150 horsepower engine that allowed them a top speed of around 160 km / h. At the wheel were experienced pilots such as Ragnotti and Kottulinski, Zaniroli and Gumbert. Volkswagen had also organized rapid assistance with a MAN 6x6 also entered in the race, capable of a speed of over 100 km / h.