In 2005, Spiess pushes the cooperation with VW and enters the Dakar Rally. In cooperation with VW Motorsport, Spiess develops and produces the first diesel engine for long-distance rally events.

In 2006, VW and Spiess miss the victory, which is followed by the championship win in the Central Europe Rally in 2008. From 2008 onwards, the development of the engine takes place at VW Motorsport and Spiess carries out the parts production. The first Dakar Championship title for VW and Spiess follows in 2009 with Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz. In 2010 as well as in 2011, Spiess and VW manage to win a sensational triple victory, after that VW decides to end its participation in the Dakar Rally.

Dr. Donatus Wichelhaus, former head of engine development at VW, emphasizes that Spiess "was always the extended arm of VW, especially in the junior categories." Of course, the cooperation between VW and Spiess goes beyond the Dakar Rally and stretches over several series (Formula 3, ATS Cup, etc.).

This cooperation is remembered positively. Dr. Wichelhaus goes on to say that he found the Jour Fixe, which always took place on Mondays at Spiess during the Dakar Rally cooperation, very pleasant. Here, he emphasizes the close cooperation with Siegfried Spiess Motorenbau GmbH, which is characterized by "reliability, speed, quick reaction time and enormous flexibility"; everything that is of utmost importance in motorsports.

For Siegfried Spiess Motorenbau GmbH, not only the diesel technology is a first, but also the location of the race support, where the desert left a deep impression. Our colleagues remember supervising the highest technology and at the same time sleeping in a tent next to an animal skeleton. An unforgettable experience!