2011 Volkswagen Touareg : At last a makeover
Volkswagen, the European automotive giant, has just presented it’s new Touareg SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) equipped with the most important upgrades in it’s history.
Aesthetic aspects
As a start, it is equipped with the typical Volkswagen grille initiated with the Golf VI models, followed by the new Polo models. It’s silhouette has also gone through a makeover, with a more refined and fluid profile that scales down it’s massive voluminous aspect. A new headlight and navigation light design has also been adopted. It’s weight has been decreased by 208 kilos (458.5 lb).
An improved passenger compartment
Seats have been redesigned for better comfort, notably for long travel. Seats can now be moved 160 mm, with adjustable backrests. The completely redesigned dashboard is equipped with a touch screen controlling many multimedia technologies, such as a new navigation system. It’s cargo spaces range from 580 to 1642 litres, according to the model.
More refined mechanics
All versions of the new Volkswagen Touareg benefit from the 4Motion AWD (All Wheel Drive) system with Torson differential. All terrain vehicle mode can even be accessed with the touch of a button.
Of all these new European motorizations it has inherited, one literally stands out because of a new innovative hybrid technology.
In this case the V8 is replaced by a V6 TSI turbo with direct injection which develops 333 HP, power that can be increased to 380 HP, thanks to the electric motor. Maximum torque thus reaches 580 Nm (Nanometer = equal to one billionth of a metre). All this linked to an eight speed automatic transmission. The hybrid Touareg can thus speed up to 50 km/h in full electric mode. According to the manufacturer’s figures, emission of CO2 from this vehicle is only 194 g/km. Other engines offered feature a 280 HP 3,6 litre fuel fed FSI V6. Diesel motors feature a large V10 replaced by a 340 HP 4,2 litre TDI V8. The base model is equipped with a 240 HP 3,0 litre TDI V6.
The new Volkswagen Touareg will appear before the public in Geneva, at the beginning of March, with market intro planned for next summer.