2018 Volkswagen Touareg
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Volkswagen Touareg
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Year:2018
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Testing on public roads before its official unveiling in 2017
About six years old as of 2017, the second-generation Volkswagen Touareg is being prepared for the history books as the German company is testing a redesigned model. Spotted on the road on many occasions in the first half of 2016, the third-generation Touareg was once again caught in traffic by our paparazzi.
Likely to arrive sometime in 2017 and go on sale in U.S. dealerships for the 2018 model year, the third-gen Touareg will get a serious makeover inside and out. A refreshed engine lineup is also on the table, with both gasoline and diesel powerplants set to receive updates. The big news is obviously the new MLB platform, which will make the SUV lighter than its predecessor and allow for better interior packaging and more luggage space.
Hidden under heavy camouflage, the SUV has very few details to share with us at this point, but we know just enough for a speculative review on what it may bring to the table. Find out more about it below and stay tuned for updates.
Updated 03/23/2018: We know you’ve come here to learn all about the new, third-gen Touareg, so we’re busy updating this review as you read this. Until we’re done, we’ve added a special section below with a new gallery of images and a link back to our featured news on the new Touareg.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg.
Latest Volkswagen Touareg news and reviews:
2020 Volkswagen Touareg R
The 2020 Volkswagen Touareg R is a high-performance version of the familiar midsize SUV. Unveiled in February 2020, ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, the 2020 Touareg R is the first of its kind to boast an "R" badge. It’s also the first R model with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and the first range-topping variant of any Volkswagen nameplate to feature electrification.
The 2020 Touareg R also makes the Touareg the third VW nameplate to offer a hybrid model after the Golf and the Passat. Because Volkswagen no longer offers the Touareg in the United States, where it has been replaced by the Atlas, the Touareg R won’t cross the pond to North America. Let’s find out more about this SUV in the review below.
Volkswagen Wants to Take on AMG and BMW M with a Hybrid 2021 Volkswagen Touareg R
We’re back with more news from Volkswagenland and no, this time, they’re not related to the freshly-unveiled eight-generation Golf. In fact, they concern the Touareg. VW’s largest SUV in Europe is going to get a high-performance R version powered by a hybrid powertrain, as Volkswagen hopes to steal some thunder off the likes of Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.
Is the Volkswagen Touareg Really an Undiscovered Off-Roader?
If you were to choose between a Volkswagen Touareg and a Land Rover Discovery for off-roading – wait, a Land Rover Discovery with all-terrain tires and a lift-kit – which one would you choose? I’m sure a large bunch of you would opt for the latter. However, this video by TFLCar shows that the Touareg should not be underestimated. Even in stock form, it managed to stay on par with the Land Rover Discovery, irrespective of what was thrown at it.
Watch Someone Put the 2019 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line Diesel to the Test
The third-generation Volkswagen Touareg is bigger than ever, but that doesn’t stop it from moving quite swiftly down the highway. With a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel under the hood, the lighter Touraeg reaches 62 mph in under eight seconds so expect a lot more from the beefy V-8 that’s just around the corner. What you won’t see, though, is the Touareg return to U.S. shores.
The new-for-2019 Touareg was unveiled this past March in Beijing, China. It’s both bigger and lighter than ever and, while retaining its mid-size position, it aims to be more luxurious than the previous two generations as Volkswagen’s flagship model. Currently, only an array of V-6 diesel engines are available, but these units seem to keep up alright on the German Autobahn as seen in the POV video below.
The Volkswagen Touareg is Here, and It Puts the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE to Shame
Volkswagen has finally introduced the third-generation Touareg, and it comes to prove a point that Volkswagen isn’t playing around in the premium segment. The exterior gets a healthy restyle that brings it inline with more aggressive offerings on the market while the interior pushes technology to a whole new level. Of course, you can see some Audi and Porsche cues here and there but, for the most part, the Touareg stands on its own four wheels. The new Touareg will initially be offered with two variations of a diesel-drinking V-6 and a V-8. A gasoline V-6 is scheduled for the future while China is set to get a hybrid powertrain.
New Volkswagen Touareg Will Debut On March 23rd
The next-generation Volkswagen Touareg is getting closer to its official debut. For those who don’t know yet, the all-new Touareg will be unveiled at an event in Beijing, China on March 23. That’s literally one week from today. To get the excitement going, the German automaker is going all-out with the teasers, dropping one after another, including a series of teaser videos of the SUV’s long jersey from Bratislava, Slovakia to Beijing, China.
Volkswagen Teases New Touareg; Looks Like a Boxier Porsche Cayenne
After eight years on the market, the second-generation Touareg is being prepared for retirement. The third-gen SUV, spotted testing on public roads multiple times in the past, will make its public debut in Beijing, China, on March 23. Yes, I’m also asking myself why VW isn’t unveiling it at the Geneva Motor Show next month, but the German automaker could have more important plans in Switzerland. What’s more, the Touareg is very popular in China, the world’s biggest vehicle market. Volkswagen also released a teaser sketch of the upcoming Toureg, which looks a lot like the current Porsche Cayenne, but with a slightly boxier design. Or somewhere between the Cayenne and the Audi Q7. Big surprise, huh?
The Departed: 10 Cars That Have Been Discontinued For 2018
2017 has been an eventful year for the auto industry. It’s also been a devastating one for some models, particularly those that were effectively told by their automakers that they’re discontinuing them. Cars come and go in this ever-evolving industry and, this year, a few notable models are, in fact, getting sent to retirement. There’s a chance that we may see them again in the future, but as far as the short-term is concerned, it’s time to say goodbye to them.
So ahead of their eventual discontinuation, we’re giving them one last moment in the spotlight. Consider it a tribute to these models, some of whom have etched an inscrutable legacy in the auto industry. They may have been popular makes at one point in the past, but with consumer tastes changing, they’ve become expendable in the eyes of their automakers. So say goodbye to these four-wheeled machines; each of them had good runs. But time is unforgiving; it marches on with no conscience of who, or what, it leaves behind. Those who can’t keep up will inevitably become remnants of a time gone by.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
Volkswagen’s New Atlas Makes the Touareg Pointless
To be completely honest, I’ve been pretty critical of VW in recent years. First off, the brand fancies itself as more of a luxury brand with prices for some models to match. Take the VW Touareg, for example. It’s a nice vehicle, but it’s not $50,000 - $60,000 nice. Well, Volkswagen recently introduced the Atlas and announced pricing, and I have to say I’m not sure what VW is thinking. The Atlas is a nice vehicle, and with a starting price of $30,500, it’s priced right for what it is. Of course, it climbs to as much as $48,490 for the range-topping SEL Premium trim, but if you want the 280 horsepower V-6 – which is the same engine in the Touareg – you’ll pay between $31,900 and $33,700. But, it’s not just the Atlas’ price point that renders the Touareg obsolete.
See, the Atlas is bigger, offers seating for seven, and the interior is even similar to that of the Touareg but more upscale. So what gives? VW has been working on a much-needed third-gen model which is expected to hit the market for 2017, but again, I have to ask you why? The Atlas comes in at 198.3-inches long, 77.9-inches wide, and 69.6 inches wide, making it nearly 10-inches longer, 1.5-inches wider, and 2.32-inches taller than its more expensive brother. That should translate to this seven-seater having more interior space to go along with seating for two extra people… or dogs, for that matter.
Keep reading for the rest of the story
2018 Volkswagen Touareg
About six years old as of 2017, the second-generation Volkswagen Touareg is being prepared for the history books as the German company is testing a redesigned model. Spotted on the road on many occasions in the first half of 2016, the third-generation Touareg was once again caught in traffic by our paparazzi.
Likely to arrive sometime in 2017 and go on sale in U.S. dealerships for the 2018 model year, the third-gen Touareg will get a serious makeover inside and out. A refreshed engine lineup is also on the table, with both gasoline and diesel powerplants set to receive updates. The big news is obviously the new MLB platform, which will make the SUV lighter than its predecessor and allow for better interior packaging and more luggage space.
Hidden under heavy camouflage, the SUV has very few details to share with us at this point, but we know just enough for a speculative review on what it may bring to the table. Find out more about it below and stay tuned for updates.
Updated 03/23/2018: We know you’ve come here to learn all about the new, third-gen Touareg, so we’re busy updating this review as you read this. Until we’re done, we’ve added a special section below with a new gallery of images and a link back to our featured news on the new Touareg.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg.
2016 Volkswagen Touareg by ABT Sportsline
ABT Sportsline has been around the tuning game for 25 years (not to be confused with Auto-Abt’s own 120-year history) but its history with SUVs only goes back to 2002. Despite the abbreviated history, the German tuner has evolved into one of the biggest aftermarket tuners in the world, specifically when it comes to Volkswagen models. That fact was on full display recently when ABT presented its latest aftermarket offering for a VW with a tuning program dedicated to the Touareg SUV. There are no mouth-watering spikes in power to speak of with this kit, but the tuner did what it does best, polishing the Touareg’s power and performance numbers by helping add juice to the SUV’s two diesel engines, including a peak output of 385 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque for the Europe-spec 4.2-liter V-8 TDI engine.
In addition to the power upgrades, ABT Sportsline also has a specially developed aerodynamic package that adds both aesthetic and functional appeal to the SUV. New wheels are also part of the kit as they always are in any ABT Sportsline program. There are also chassis and suspension upgrades to help balance out the Touareg’s handling characteristics with the power upgrades in tow.
There’s a lot to like about this new program from ABT. Volkswagen Touareg owners, in particular, should be ecstatic about the opportunity to get some extra muscle out of their luxury SUVs. There aren’t that many tuners that venture into VW SUVs quite like ABT Sportsline so having this program available is a blessing in it of itself. The fact that it comes from one of the industry’s best VW tuners is just icing on the cake.
Continue after the jump to read the full review.
2016 Volkswagen Touareg by Wimmer RS
The second-generation Volkswagen Touareg does not count as a performance vehicle, or even a sports car for that matter. It’s one of Volkswagen’s SUVs that’s admittedly long in-the-tooth after bursting into the market in 2010. But the surging popularity of SUVs continues to this day and it has given cars like the Touareg an added dimension of appeal that doesn’t come from customers, but from aftermarket tuners. Ten years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find a tuner willing to make a kit for an SUV. But now? Everyone’s doing it, including Wimmer Rennsporttechnik, which has just presented an updated version of its Touareg kit, one that helps the SUV’s 3.0-liter TDI V-6 engine improve its output to 310 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.
On the standard level, the 3.0 TDI Touareg is capable of producing 204 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of twist. Those are good numbers, but not great. So Wimmer modified the SUV’s engine control unit, and in doing so, it managed to squeeze out an extra 106 ponies and 111 pound-feet of torque. Those modifications were done in 2015 so naturally, the German tuner went back to the well and added a few more tuning bits on other aspects of the SUV.
The result is this: a 310-horsepower Touareg with a new set of wheels, an improved suspension, and a throatier sound courtesy of a new exhaust system. The tuner didn’t indicate what kind of improvements these new components add to the SUV’s performance capabilities, but rest assured, the Touareg is better in so many aspects with the Wimmer kit than what it would have been without it.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
Tested on public roads for more than a year now, the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg, a mid-life refresh for the second-generation SUV, made its public debut at the Beijing Auto Show in China. As expected, the facelift arrives with updated front and rear fascias, the former sporting a slightly more aggressive design and bi-xenon headlamps standard across the entire lineup. There are also new exterior colors and new wheels.
Interior upgrades are less extensive, but Volkswagen has spiced things up with a new button/control configuration, while adding more leather and wood trim options. Although horsepower and torque updates were also rumored, the 2015 Touareg will hit U.S. showrooms with the same engine lineup as the 2014 model. However, the minor aerodynamic improvements and the optimized eight-speed automatic have enabled Volkswagen to enhance the fuel efficiency of the SUV by up to six percent.
Updated 08/06/2015: Volkswagen announced a series of updates for the 2016 Touareg, starting with a price reduction of about $2,000 across the lineup, meaning it is now priced from $42,700. For the new model year, minor changes were made, while the Hybrid version was dropped.
Click past the jump to read more about Volkswagen Touareg.
The Volkswagen Touareg is one of the most underrated off-road vehicles of all time. VW has big piles of trophies from running it at Dakar, Baja and Pikes Peak; but without the boxy, utilitarian looks of the Wrangler or the Defender, VW’s marketing people need to constantly remind the public of what the SUV can do. This latest effort to do just that comes from Volkswagen Russia, and it shows a Touareg driving on a frozen lake. But this isn’t some quick jaunt, the Touareg is driven a total of 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) across the frozen surface of the lake. Possibly making the consistent thickness of the ice the most impressive part of the stunt.
The video obviously doesn’t show the entire trip, but it does show that the occupants of the Touareg were driving overnight, and they should be commended for the bravery required to drive over a frozen lake all night long. These men were racing driver Andrei Leontiev and Alexander Burmeyster, and the SUV recorded the fastest ever average speed over 1,000 km on ice. All this with a totally stock 2015 Touareg on regular street tires.
The Volkswgen Touareg is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and while a lot of folks in Europe have enjoyed the full-sized SUV for as long as it’s been around, people here in the US haven’t had that long of a love affair with the vehicle.
The German automaker hopes to change all that after announcing that a special-edition Touareg, dubbed the Touareg X, is coming to America.
The "X" designation on the SUV is a reference to its 10th year anniversary and as one can expect with a limited-run set, the Touareg X has its fair share of custom goodies, befitting of its stature as a special edition.
The SUV itself is based on the Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel Lux and has been revised to include a number of new features, including a Moonlight Blue Pearl exterior, a new set of 19-inch, Moab-style alloy wheels, and an interior that’s been dressed to the nines.
One look at the cabin and you immediately know that this Touareg is dressed to impress. There are Vienna leather seats, a black headliner and engineered ebony wood trim. In addition to all of that, the Touareg X’s cabin also got piano black accents, illuminated sill plates and faux aluminum pedal covers.
Power wasn’t modified, and yet we don’t think anybody will have problems with the Touareg X’s 3.0-liter, turbodiesel V-6 engine, developing 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
Like we said, the Touareg X is a limited run vehicle with only 1,000 units earmarked to come Stateside. Pricing begins at $56,170.
Click past the jump to read about the Volkswagen Touareg
On the eve of a new 2014 Touareg launch from Volkswagen later this year, here is a look back at the model’s mechanical and style evolution during its 9-year run in the U.S. from 2004 through 2013 – between 2002 and 2004, it was available in other markets. No fewer than seven unique engines have powered this PL71-platform VW behemoth in production form. Even including its stable-mates the Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q7, no other SUV in the history of the automobile has packed more mechanical variations over a relatively short run.
From basic I-5 diesels to V-6s up to the monster V-10 TDI and W-12 gasoline engines and even a hybrid in the mix, the Touareg has been a true jack-of-all-trades and a phenomenal global success for the Volkswagen group. It is worth remembering that the platform development and manufacturing partnership between VW and Porsche had long been dead until this SUV project brought it back to life in 1999.
The first Porsche-VW baby of the new era was born a healthy, slightly pudgy infant with the Volkswagen Touareg. A name only a mother could pronounce, it is said as both “twa-reg” and/or “toar-reg.” If you don’t already know, the Toureg – the real ones, not the car – are a North African group of people that speak Berber.
Ostensibly a response to the success of the Mercedes-Benz ML series launched in 1998, the Touareg’s mission was to be all things to all buyers. The goal was complex: Range Rover comfort, BMW 5-series road-going abilities and G-Wagen strength when all paved roads turn to dirt.
Click past the jump to read about the evolution of the Volkswagen Touareg.
Just about 10 years ago, VW introduced an all-new SUV bearing a name that only those with the most talented tongues could pronounce: the Touareg. It was such an odd name that VW actually made a commercial poking fun at the fact that no one really knew how to pronounce it, much like the Merkur tongue twister in the mid-1980s.
In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, VW is releasing a special edition Touareg Edition X. On the outside, you have a standard Touareg – one of the more stylish crossover SUVs available – but it features a set of 19-inch “Moab” wheels, silver anodized roof rails, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime runners, and smoked taillights. You also get the “Chrome & Style” package, tinted windows, and “Touareg X” logos.
On the inside, your hind side is supported by luxurious Amber Brown Nappa leather in a braid embossed style. You get real ebony inlays on the door panels and on the instrument panel to add a little elegance to the package. The front door sills boast illuminated “Touareg X” decals and you also get color-coordinated stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter, and the floor mats.
You have a wide array of engine and drivetrain options in the Touareg Edition X, as there are five different options available, including a hybrid drivetrain. The only option that VW offers us any details on it the 150 kW (201-horsepower) 3.0-liter V-6 TDI engine. This model with the 8-speed automatic transmission runs €61,025 ($79,363 at the current exchange rates). That’s a ridiculous €10,500 premium over the base SE model for minimal additions. According to the press release, the Touareg Edition X is available now, but there is no mention of its U.S. availability.
Once VW releases all of the official standard features we can better assess it. For now, it just seems way overpriced.
Volkswagen is making it their personal goal to compete with just about every single auto manufacturer in the world, be it from acquiring the Porsche brand or making their own car to compete with someone. The latest rumor afloat in the automotive realm is the BMW X6 Competitor, the Volkswagen Touareg CC.
The information on this new crossover SUV is very scarce, but based on our knowledge, we were able to come up with a rendering of what we think the Touareg CC will look like. One thing that we are fairly certain of is that the Touareg CC will be modeled after the Cross Coupe Concept we saw in Geneva, boasting an aggressive-looking front end with an array of sharp body lines and a stylish chrome grille up front. On the rear, you’ll get exaggerated rear fender wells and arches, semi-oval taillights, and a raked rear hatch. You also get a pair of oval exhaust exits directly under the rear bumper.
Down the side of the Touareg CC, you have a profile that looks more like a coupe, almost like the profile that Nissan gave to the Juke. Unlike the Juke, however, you will have an exposed rear door handle, giving away its status as a 4-door model.
Click past the jump to read more.
Even if the new generation Volkswagen Touareg is four centimeters longer than its predecessor, the German tuner Je Design is offering a tuning package that makes it even wider. The new body kit is available for every Touareg version, including theR-Line one.
The kit includes: a new sports grille, front spoiler, front and rear wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, and a tailgate panel that make it look much more aggressive. There us also a new dual exhaust system with oval stainless steel tailpipes on either side and a new set of 10x22 inch aluminium wheels wrapped in ultra high-performance tyres of the size 295/30. For the interior, the entire dashboard, door panels, and the extensive roof liner are covered in the finest Alcantara..
The tuner will be also offering an optimised engine management system that will increase the 4.2 l TDI engine’s output to a total of 410 HP (up from 340 HP) and the peak torque from 590 lbs-ft to 685 lbs-ft. The 3.0 liter TDI engine’s output has also been creased from 240 to 285 HP.
German tuner, Je Design, is out to prove that even hybrid models can be cool when given the appropriate upgrades, and one of their favorite models - the Volkswagen Touareg - seems like a good place to start. Their latest package is for the Touareg Hybrid and includes both exterior and engine updates.
The aerodynamic kit includes a new sports radiator grill, front spoiler, front and back wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, roof spoiler, and rear hatch. Rounding off the package is a new set of 10x12 inch aluminum wheels, back and front. The wheels are available in three different finishes: shadow silver with a polished front surface, matte black with a matte silver front surface, and matte graphite silver with polished rim.
For the engine update, the tuner is offering dual exhaust pipes and optimized engine management for the supercharged V6 TSI engine. The electric motor was left untouched, but the other upgrades leave the Touareg with a total output of 440 HP and a peak torque of 464 lbs-ft. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now made in 5.9 seconds, while top speed has been increased to 158 mph.
The Qatar Motor Show gave Volkswagen the opportunity to present two impressive Touareg concepts - the Touareg Gold Edition Study and the Race Touareg 3 Qatar</b - and although the concepts were attractive in their own way, VW is now offering a package that will actually be available. It is called the R-Line Package and will improve the Touareg’s look. The new package is available only on the European market.
The Touareg R-Line package includes new features that compliment the sporty look of the Touareg: there is a textured diffuser in matte black, oval exhaust tips, a redesigned front apron, body colored side sills, a rear roof spoiler, chrome door trim parts, and, of course, the R-Line badge on the side panels. The entire exterior look is finished by a new set of 20-inch light-alloy wheels in the "Mallory" design, combined with sportier chassis tuning.
For the interior, the R-Line package adds a leather multifunction steering wheel with decorative inserts in "black shiny", stainless steel pedals, a leather selector lever, sports seats, and some aluminum inlays across the dashboard.
Strip the Volkswagen Touareg Gold Edition Study of most of its gold elements, add a few racing elements, and you’ll have Volkswagen’s second model to be introduced at the Qatar Motor Show. Dubbed the Race Touareg 3 Qatar, this vehicle is a genuine Rally motorsport vehicle similar to the vehicle used in the Dakar Rally except for the fact that it is entirely street-legal.
Made to push the limits with a 0-60mph sprint time of less than six seconds, the Race Touareg 3 Qatar is painted in the same "Magic Morning" white exterior paint as found in the Gold Edition Study, but this paint job also has a gold shimmer in it. The gold continues on with the gold 18-inch wheels from BBS and the gold "Race Touareg" signature placed along the side of the car, but that is where it ends.
Inside the SUV, Volkswagen has opted for the "Stealth look" inspired by the aircraft of the same name. To create this look, VW designers installed Recaro racing buckets and a roll cage in "Serpentino Grey Metallic," while the seat side supports and the door trim panels were covered in "Black" and "Pure Grey" Nubuk leather. The center seat panels were then treated to perforated Nappa leather in "Titan Black." The final touch for the interior of the Touareg is the Dakar victories listed on the aluminum center console, right next to the "Race Touareg" signature.
The Qatar Motor Show doesn’t exactly have many followers in the auto world, at least compared to some of the much bigger shows opening their doors in January, but this year’s show actually featured a lot of cool cars worthy of some attention. One of those models is the Volkswagen Touareg Gold Edition, which as you may have guessed, carries with it a 24-carat gold upgrade for many of its components.
The Touareg Gold Edition study is painted in "Magic Morning" white combined with splashes of gold found in the 22" wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips, and window frames. Other elements given the golden touch are the mirror caps, parts of the air intake frame, the "Touareg V8" signature, and boot sill trim.
The interior of the Volkswagen also combines a "Luna" trim color with differed 24-carat gold insertions. The seats are covered in Nappa leather and the roof liner in Alcantara, while the dashboard is trimmed in a natural brown leather with contrasting seams in a "Magnolia" color. Natural brown with leather inserts in "Luna" adorn the floor mats. Automotive craftsmanship at its finest is reflected in the Walnut Burr accents with genuine gold marquetry – also crafted into an ornamental pattern.
ABT Sportsline has had great success with their tuning kits for the Volkswagen Touareg since the SUV debuted in 2002. Hesitant, at first, to take on the job of tuning the SUV, ABT took their chances and turned out some great products. Now the German tuning firm is unveiling a package for the new generation Touareg that they hope will have the success of their previous projects. The new kit features both exterior and interior modifications, as well as an impressive engine update.
For the exterior, ABT is offering a new set of alloy wheels available in different sizes, a sporty front grille and rear wing, a rear apron, and a 4-pipe exhaust unit.
For the engine,ABT Sportsline is providing the SUV’s 3.0 TDI version with an ABT Power system that increases the output to a total of 282 HP. With the Power S system, the output goes up to 310 HP, while the V8 turbo diesel engine gets an output of 385 HP and 870 Nm of torque.
Press release after the jump.
The new generation Touareg made its world debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and next to the usual petrol and diesel versions, Volkswagen is also offering a new hybrid version. The Touareg Hybrid is on sale at a price of $61,385, that’s almost $15k more than a standard Touareg which is priced at $45,270.
We won’t talk much about the new design language since it mimics the design of the standard version Touareg, but we will focus on talking about the SUV’s hybrid drive system. This system combines a 333 HP supercharged V6 TSI engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission customized for hybrid, and a Hybrid Module integrated between the internal combustion engine and automatic transmission. The hybrid module includes a 46 HP E-motor and a disengagement clutch. The E-motor gets its power from a Nickel Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH) battery and allows the Touareg to drive in pure electric mode at speeds up to 50 km/h. The hybrid drive system helps improving the fuel consumption by up to 25% in city driving. These engine specification allow the Touareg to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 150 mph.
When it comes to hybrid SUVs, there aren’t too many choices on the market. So the decision you’re left with is why you want an SUV and what your expectations are. If you opt for luxury, then the Mercedes and Lexus SUVs are no doubt the right choice for you. However, the Touareg is offering you more power with a hybrid system that has a combined output of almost 400 HP. This makes it faster than any other hybrid SUV on the market, so the choice is really about ultimate luxury or environmentally friendly speed. So, which is it?
More details in the press release after the jump.
In addition to the very comfortable Touareg Exclusive, VW has launched a luxurious package for the German SUV. This is definitely a Touareg for the discerning buyer.
The new options include opulent two tone Nappa leather in a Pepper Beige and Dark Burgundy combination with a Titan Black trim. Apart from the luxurious feel and softness, the leather is also treated with a space-age chemical that doesn’t allow the leather to become uncomfortably hot when exposed to direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time. The supportive throne-like seats are also heated and feature electro-pneumatic adjustment in no less than 12 different ways, ensuring you find the perfect seating position for every eventuality. The leather grandeur continues on the door inserts and headliner, only being broken tastefully by the use of stainless steel on the door sills, in just the right quantity.
The wood trim is, wait for it… real wood! Although telling the plastic stuff from the original is becoming more and more difficult. A sharp eye will be able to differentiate the luxury model from the “ordinary” Touareg by the “Chrome & Style” package which includes anodised silver roof rails. To round off the lavish upgrade are a choice of either 19 or 20 inch wheels – We would like the 20” Tarragona offered in “Sterling Silver”, please. The Volkswagen Touareg Exclusive starts at € 58,150 (V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology) and is available for order with all engine variants.
With apreview at the end of August that summed up the details surrounding the speedier SUV, the Touareg R-Line is now ready for its closeup. Volkswagen’s new R-Line package for the new generation Touareg is setting its sights on the BMW M-Series and the Mercedes AMG Series, and it’s doing so with 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a dynamic design, a sportier chassis, R line logos on the outer side panels and front stainless steel door sill, a 3-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and lever selector, and aluminum inserts.
Volkswagen is also offering a R-Line "Plus" package that includes 20-inch alloy wheels, heated front sports seats, two-tone leather, R-Line logo, R-line specific inlays on the instrument panel, door trim, and center console.
Under the hood, Volkswagen will place a turbocharged V8 engine with an output of 450 HP borrowed from the Audi Q7. It is rumored that the Touareg might also be getting a hybrid version that combines the same 500 HP turbo V8 engine with the electric motor found in the Touareg Hybrid.
The R-Line package is priced at 2760 euro and the R-Line "Plus" package at 3355 euro.
Have some cash to blow, but the wife, and/or husband, won’t let you buy a Porsche? Well, as bad as that might be, mid-range crossovers won’t solve that pain. Instead, they’ll provide a luxury driving experience with the fun factor of getting stabbed.
Okay, so maybe it’s not that bad. As much as we don’t like crossovers, we do think they’re better than massive SUVs. Some can even be fun to drive now and again. For these tests we will be looking at style, image, standard equipment, interior space, and driving dynamics. Price will also be considered, but not as much as the other areas.
We will have to get a price cap to keep things in the mid-level, so we’ll set it at $45,000. That should be more than enough to get the lower end luxury models from Cadillac plus the German and Japanese car companies.
Hit the jump to see the list.
It seems Je Design has a little of a crush on Volkswagen as they are constantly tuning models from the German marque. And since we have a new generation Touareg, it would only make sense that the German tuner would follow right behind with a new tuning package for it.
Making the Touareg even sportier than the SUV already is, Je Design has added a new sports radiator grill, front spoiler, front and back wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, roof spoiler, and rear hatch blend, all made in Polyurethane.
And like the excellent tuners they are, Je Design didn’t stop at the exterior modifications. After fiddling around with the engine using optimized engine management, the tuner was able to boost the performance of the 4.2-liter TDI-engine to 410 HP and 930 NM of torque. This increase provides the Volkswagen Touareg with a 0-60mph sprint time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 167mph.
Along with the engine modifications, Je Design has also provided the SUV with a pneumatic electronic suspension lowering module that can lower the SUV’s ride by 35 millimeters, dual exhaust pipes, and, of course, a new set of wheels.
Press release after the jump.
The Volkswagen R GmbH division is busy at work again, and this time they have taken on the Touareg in their attempt to reel in the profits that are being seen in BMW’s M-series and Mercedes’ AMG series. They have already created R (radical) versions of the Passat, the Golf, and the Scirocco, but they still have more being kept under wraps. Not only will Volkswagen be creating a speedier version of the Touareg, but there is also a possibility for a hybrid version for that same future R version. We can expect the official debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.
The future Touareg R will feature enlarged air intakes with the R logo, an integrated front spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, a roof edge spoiler, a striking shining black diffuser, the chrome tailpipes on the dual exhaust system, and larger alloy wheels. Under the hood, Volkswagen will place a turbocharged V8 engine with an output of 450 HP borrowed from the Audi Q7.
As for the hybrid version, it will combine the same 500 HP turbo V8 engine with the electric motor found in the Touareg Hybrid. However, for the R version, Volkswagen will drop the older limitation of 47 HP in order to move a giant 2.2 tonnes.
More details to be revealed in the near future.
With a crummy teaser photo displayed for us last month, now is the time to finally get to see the new Race Touareg 3! Following successes in the Dakar Rally in both 2009 and 2010, the Touareg 3 promises to be faster and more efficient than its successor. Its official debut will be made at the 2011 Dakar Rally.
The new Volkswagen Touareg 3 comes with a new carbon fiber and Kevlar bodywork that allows the Touareg to achieve maximum performance in any and all terrain the Rally may throw at it. The exterior of the rally car will also get a fresh look consisting of new LED lights, a new grille, window line, rear clamshell, and wheels.
Under the hood there is a revised twin-turbocharged 2.5-liter TDI engine mated to an upgraded five-speed sequential gearbox and a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch. This combination produces 300 HP and 442 lbs ft of torque. The result is a sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 117 mph.
Press release after the jump.
Volkswagen is looking at making an impression at the 2011 Dakar Rally and they’re kicking off their campaign by releasing a teaser photo of the Race Touareg 3, the specially built SUV that’s expected to carry the VW banner at the annual dirt race.
After having won the previous two Dakar Rally races, VW is looking to make it three in a row as it follows in the success laid out by 2009 winner Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz and again in 2010 by Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz.
With a race-ready Touareg to be used as the peg, Volkswagen is looking at completely overhauling the current version’s aerodynamics to make it as Dakar-ready as possible while also keeping the SUV’s already powerful 300-horsepower TDI engine.
The company plans to radically improve the aerodynamics of the current race-ready Touareg, while keeping the inspiration of the current mass production vehicle.
As for what we’re looking at with this teaser image, it doesn’t really show a whole lot apart from the brush guard bars that surrounds the Touareg’s grille. That being said, we expect to see more teaser photos – or maybe even the racing prototype’s public unveiling – as soon as more testing is done on the SUV, which we expect to happen anytime in the near future.
Press Release after the jump.
When Volkswagen revealed the design for the new Volkswagen Touareg, they claimed it to be more elegant and athletic compared to the previous model. Well, apparently the folks over at Je Design had a sportier look in mind. so they developed their new tuning package for the Touareg. All of the details have not been revealed yet, but it is safe to assume there will be more details when the package is completed.
One thing is for sure; this new package is based upon making the Volkswagen Touareg wider. To do this, Je Design have added a new front spoiler, rear apron, and roof edge spoiler. They have also added a tailgate attachment for the lower tailgate area to make the Touareg appear even sportier. Helping out with the widening of this SUV are the special wheel arch extension which can be coupled with the optional wheel spacers. The fattening look is completed with a set of 22" wheels.
Overall, we are not really impressed with this package, but we can only guess that there will be people out there looking for a sportier Touareg. We just hope they don’t mind the cluster of business at the front of the car as shown in this preview.
Press release after the jump.
Volkswagen has launched a new FREE app for the iPhone that highlights the Volkswagen Touareg and its capabilities on the road. The “Volkswagen Touareg Challenge” offers a choice of two Touareg models: the Touareg V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology and the Touareg Hybrid. These two models can be taken on six different tracks, road or terrain. Take the Touareg over soil, mud, gravel, or snow to see if you can beat the timed trials or succeed in the rally mode. The Touareg of choice can also be customized with a new paint job and rims. The further the gamer gets on the road, the more choices can be unlocked for customizing pleasure. Additional options provided by Volkswagen makes it easy to find a dealer in your area, give feedback to VW, get a brochure emailed to you, or even schedule a test drive.
The rally starts off at La Marina de Chile where the player must beat the preset time in order to advance to the next rally. The next rallies are set in Vina del Mar in Chile, La Cruz in Venezuela, and Calera in Peru, among others.
We did spend some time playing this game and it was actually some good old fashioned fun. The background music was catchy and we discovered that it was provided by three artists from the VW Sound Foundation: Tonbandgerat, jona:S, and Jupiter Jones. We thought that was pretty cool.
The only tip we feel we should give the player is this; if you are going to speed through the instructions like we did and happen to get stuck in a corner, make sure you notice the little pedal in the lower left hand corner. That allows you to reverse. It came in handy…a lot.
Talk about a delayed reaction! Its true, Volkswagen has just unveiled the new generation Touareg, but the German tuner CoverEFX has just now prepared a new tuning package for the old versions. Either they really love the old version or they are not quick on the draw. Called the W12 Sport Edition, their tuning package will be limited to only 500 units and will be priced at €140,500 (car included).
The W12 Touareg is covered in CFC film in "gun-metal mat/black gloss" while all the other hang-on parts, like air inlets, front grille, and mirrors, as well as chrome molding, are also lacquered in black. The car sits on 22" RS-L light alloy rims from Kahn with black powder coating and red pinstripes to further demonstrate the car’s new sporty look.
Also, thanks to a software optimization system, which includes removal of the speed limiter, a sports air filter, and a high-grade steel Cargraphic exhaust silencer, the engine has been tuned to deliver an impressive 500 hp. The body has been electronically lowered to maintain stability for the power upgrade.
Press release after the jump.
Over in Europe, customers can already order their new Volkswagen Touareg, and if you happen to be one of the first to avail of VW’s new SUV, you’ll get the opportunity to opt for select options of the Volkswagen Exclusive product brand.
Among the features included in the interior Touareg package includes an interior option for seat covers in a two-tone leather combination in "Nappa" Cool Leather: a Pepper Beige – Titan Black combination or a Dark Burgundy – Titan Black option. What’s more: customers can also get heated front seats with electric 12-way adjustment, electro-pneumatically adjustable lateral seat supports and head restraints with longitudinal and height adjustment, leather door inserts, elegant tread plates and a black roofliner. The package is finished by machine-polished 19-inch "Girona" alloy wheels.
Press release after the jump.
The second generation of Volkswagen’s full sized SUV, the VW Touareg has made its first appearance on the internet, before we actually see the new car in flesh this March at the Geneva Motor Show. Aside from the revised exterior styling, the new Touareg will be the first and only off road capable vehicle in Europe built by a German car maker to be offered as a hybrid when it goes on sale this April.
The new Touareg is a much more elegant SUV thanks to the addition Volkswagen’s new "design DNA" that includes touches like a leaner more athletic body featuring more horizontal lines on the front end as well as distinctive headlights that give the new Touareg an unmistakable appearance at night; and will be offered with a choice of FSI V6, TDI V6 and V8 as well as a hybrid version that replaces the old gas burning V8 mill for most markets. The hybrid versions combines a high voltage electric motor with a direct injected gas burning supercharged TSI V6 cranking out 333 HP, like in the S4, and an 8 speed automatic transmission that gets nearly 29 MPG and is able to operate under battery power alone as a Zero Emissions Vehicle up to 31 MPH.
Press release after he jump.
While the other day the future Renault Twingo CC was revealed as a die cast version, today the same thing happened with the next generation Volkswagen Touareg that is set to be revealed on March 2nd.
The second generation Touareg will feature a new front fascia, with a wide horizontal grill that connects the headlights. The car will be much lighter than its predecessor, allowing it to reduce fuel consumption and C02 emissions.
Volkswagen will offer the standard six and eight cylinder engines, both burning petrol or diesel, but a hybrid version is also in the works.
The tuning shop Hofele Design has revealed a special edition of Volkswagen’s full size SUV called the Touareg Dakar.20.10. Named after the infamous Dakar Rally, a 31 year old transcontinental off road race being run across the Pampas of Argentine, across the Atacama Desert and over the Andes Mountains pushing both man and machine to their ultimate limits of concentration and endurance. Simply put, the Dakar makes Baja look like they are playing in a sandbox.
It just so happens that the people’s car maker is heavily invested in the Dakar with their own series of race prepped Touaregs. Something that this special edition "Dakar 20.10" body kit from Hofele Design hopes to imitate with items like its "Range-Look" front grill, stainless steel skid plate to protect the under body, stainless steel side steps as well as the appropriate "Dakar.20.10" and "Hofele" graphics. However the Pièce de résistance are the "Prado" designer style alloys sized 9x20 inches in diameter and finished in silver with a stainless steel lip. Perfect for tackling the the Atacama.
Hofele has revealed a wide-body kit for the Volkswagen Touareg. The new kit can be adapted for any Touareg model, except the R50.
The kit includes: front bumper, four additional lights - 2x LED day driving light and 2x fog lamps, rear apron with integrated tailpipes, tailpipe adapters, rear roof spoiler, rear door panel, bonnet / hood scoop "Power Dome", "Royster" wide body that includes side skirts and wheel arch extensions for front & rear axle and wheel spacers "Wide-Body Royster".
The wheel spacers "Royster" are made for the use of the extension kit in combination with wheels in the size 9Jx20" and 10Jx22".
Full details in the press release after the jump.
When a small car like Tesla Roadster is put face to face to a huge Volkswagen Touareg, you can pretty much imagine that the Roadster has small chances to survive. And here’s the proof! This accident happened somewhere in Denmark.
According to Tesla spokeswoman Rachel Konrad who commented the crash, the Roadster was stopped at a red light behind a truck and was hit from behind by a Volkswagen Touareg driving at 80km/hour at the time of impact. The Roadster driver walked away with minor bruises.
Another theory say that the third car involved in the accident, a Toyota Prius, hit the Roadster, pushing it under the Touareg. As you can see from the pictures there is indeed a a piece of the Roadster jammed under the rear bumper of the Touareg.
The aftermarket tuning firm Hofele has revealed a special edition Volkswagen Touareg which will be used at the Silk Way Rally 2009. The tuners have added a few off road specialty items like a front ram and stainless steel side steps as well as some stylish "Reverso" wheels. Aside from the body modifications, Hofele has added an electronic lowering module and bumped the output up to 380 HP for the 4.2 Liter V8 powered Touareg.
Press release after the jump.
The next generation of the poeple’s SUV, the Volkswagen Touareg will make its official debut sometime next spring for the European market and will follow in the U.S. sometime in early 2011. The goal of the Volkswagen engineers is to focus on a more efficient power train to move a vehicle that is lighter overall than its predecessor. This means that traditional werar items like brake pads and tires will also see less stress and trips to your local mechanic will be fewer and further between.
The design of the next generation Touareg is inspired by the new Golf VI, with a front end distinctly characterized by a large grill sitting between a pair of oblong headlamps. However the biggest change comes under the hood, just like it’s Audi cousins, the V8 engine will be replaced by a supercharged 3.0 Liter V6 that makes a potent 290 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque. Expect a Blue version as well as a hybrid to be available when the new full size SUV becomes available for purchase.
Volkswagen UK added to its line-up the most fuel efficient Tuareg in its line-up: a BlueMotion version powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TDI common rail diesel engine which develops 225 PS and 550 Nm of torque.
The Touareg BlueMotion has a fuel economy of 34.0 mpg on the combined cycle (down from 30.4 mpg), and CO2 emissions are cut to just 219 g/km, down from 244 g/km. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 126 mph.
Prices start from £34,150 on the road RRP for the entry level model and rise to £37,545 for the SE.
Press release after the jump.
Volkswagen is preparing its next technology: the hybrid one. It will not only be applied to small cars, the Touareg will also use it. A near-production prototype was released today, and if the production version will have the same performance will be pretty impressive: a 9,0 liters/100 km and a CO2 emission of 210 g/km for a SUV is pretty good, no?
Volkswagen will be implementing a parallel hybrid drive on the future Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid. This version of the SUV will have a high-performance, full-time all-wheel drive too. The V6 engine develops 328 hp at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 440 NM at 3000 rpm.
V6 TSI plus E-motor drives fuel consumption below 9.0 liters The E-motor integrated between the V6 TSI and the 8-speed automatic transmission adds power of 50hp and up to 300 Newton-meters torque.
In so-called boosting – where requests for maximum power and torque (by kickdown or gearshift selector in “S” position) are supported by the engagement of both V6 TSI and electric drive systems – the powertrain briefly supplies a power of 368 hp and the maximum available torque increases to 550 Newton-meters. In this case, the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid prototype accelerates to 100 km/h in (62 mph) just 6.8 seconds.
Press release after the jump.
The special edition Touareg Lux Limited made its debut today at the Detroit Auto Show. It is limited to 1940 units and will be the first edition on the most economical and cleanest SUVs to the US market: the new Touareg V6 TDI.
It will be offered with the new V6 TDi engine, buth also with two gasoline engines: a V6 FSI 280 hp and a V8 FSI 350 PS. It comes with 20" alloy wheels, a styling package with special side skirts and customized front and rear aprons and a color lineup customized for the limited edition.
The Touareg Lux Limited may be ordered in the exterior colors “Biscay blue”, “Black magic pearl effect”, “Campanella white” and “Galapagos gray” – the “Biscay blue” color new to the product lineup.
Press release after the jump.
Even the Germans know the best was to go 100+ mph over rough desert terrain is with a big honkin’ truck. Volkswagen unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show the Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck that will run the 41st Baja 1000 desert race in the SCORE Trophy Truck class. The racer is powered by a 5.5 liter V-12 clean diesel engine that produces 550 hp and 625 lbs.-ft. of torque.
The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck features a wheelbase of 125 inches, overall length of 213 inches, width of 92 inches, an overall height of 78 inches and weighs 5650 pounds. This is a specialty race car, with an entirely unique suspension set-up. VW did not just pluck a Touareg off the assembly line and put it to use at Baja. The dimensions for the Trophy Truck are 16 inches wider, 10 inches taller, and 26 inches longer (13 inches more in the wheelbase) than the standard Touareg 2 SUV.
Press release after the jump.
Volkswagen will continue the US diesel offensive with the launch of the Touareg TDI model in early 2009 (it will be available in all 50 states).
The Touareg V6 TDI clean diesel is powered by a 3.0L, turbocharged six cylinder engine capable of producing 221 hp and an impressive 407 lbs-ft. of torque. The fuel economony is: fuel economy of 18 mpg (City) and 25 mpg highway.
The Touareg V6 TDI – shifted by a six-speed automatic – accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.5 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.
One of the most important technologies in the new Touareg is the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter. This system converts nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
Volkswagen revealed the first details on the Race Touareg 2, that will be used in the ‘Dakar’ Rally 2009. The race will begin in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on January 3rd, marking the first time the race takes place across the South American continent.
The racers, powered by a 2.5-liter TDI diesel engine producing 280 hp, are currently under construction at Volkswagen Motorsport in Hanover, Germany. From there, working to a tight deadline of November 15, the support and service trucks plus parts and equipment needed to compete in the world’s toughest motorsport event will be transported to Le Havre, France, for scrutineering which takes place on November 26, before being shipped out to South America.
Press release after the jump.