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New 3.0L V6 VW Touareg TDI set for L.A auto show

New 3.0L V6 VW Touareg TDI set for L.A auto show

Nelson Ireson September 10th, 2008 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author September 10th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Diesels are quickly joining hybrids and plug-in electrics as the new show-car theme. The reasons are simple: efficiency, both in terms of fuel and finance, is driving carmakers and consumers to give diesel-fueled vehicles another chance. In keeping with this, the new Volkswagen Touareg TDI will feature a smaller V6 engine in addition to the meaty and expensive V10 TDI (pictured) already available. The new 3.0L V6 is actually a common engine throughout VW's lineup, but its application in the U.S. Touareg is the new feature. Like its Audi cousin, the Q7 TDI, which uses the same basic engine in some configurations, the new unit turns out 240hp (179kW) and 406lb-ft (550Nm) of torque. That's good for 8.0-second 0-60mph runs and a top speed of 133mph in European versions. U.S. specs will likely be saved for the Los Angeles Auto Show launch in November. All the hoopla about diesel engines in the U.S. is old hat for Europeans, where the oily fuel and the engines that burn it are commonplace. In fact, 80% of the Touareg's sales in its homeland come from the diesel version. Pricing for the States is not yet known, but expect it to start significantly below its €50,000 ($77,000) European price, since that's about the price of the V10 TDI Touareg in the U.S.
New 3.0L V6 VW Touareg TDI set for L.A auto show

New 3.0L V6 VW Touareg TDI set for L.A auto show

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Diesels are quickly joining hybrids and plug-in electrics as the new show-car theme. The reasons are simple: efficiency, both in terms of fuel and finance, is driving carmakers and consumers to give diesel-fueled vehicles another chance. In keeping with this, the new Volkswagen Touareg TDI will feature a smaller V6 engine in addition to the meaty and expensive V10 TDI (pictured) already available.

The new 3.0L V6 is actually a common engine throughout VW's lineup, but its application in the U.S. Touareg is the new feature. Like its Audi cousin, the Q7 TDI, which uses the same basic engine in some configurations, the new unit turns out 240hp (179kW) and 406lb-ft (550Nm) of torque. That's good for 8.0-second 0-60mph runs and a top speed of 133mph in European versions. U.S. specs will likely be saved for the Los Angeles Auto Show launch in November.

All the hoopla about diesel engines in the U.S. is old hat for Europeans, where the oily fuel and the engines that burn it are commonplace. In fact, 80% of the Touareg's sales in its homeland come from the diesel version. Pricing for the States is not yet known, but expect it to start significantly below its €50,000 ($77,000) European price, since that's about the price of the V10 TDI Touareg in the U.S.

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Posted in: 2008, Volkswagen, News, SUVs, Touareg


Comments (10 total)

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  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 9/10/2008

    In southern California today, regular unleaded $3.69, Diesel $4.99.

    Tough sell here...

  2. By NoNameDenton #2, Posted: 9/10/2008

    It is at an AUTO SHOW, not exclusively being sold there if and when it comes here. Hey VW, how about put this in the Passat with awd.

  3. By zamafir #3, Posted: 9/10/2008

    Who cares about the passat. Bring over the A5 TDI and it will sell like hot cakes.

  4. By Swoosh #4, Posted: 9/11/2008

    I really don't understand what Gus is getting at. The Touareg with a Diesel engine will be more economical than a petrol V8. This is a no brainer! In the UK diesel is more expensive than petrol but a diesel Touareg is an obvious choice. Perhaps the price difference is not as much but the difference is soon realised.

  5. By JSH #5, Posted: 9/11/2008

    Gus,

    California though very nice is not the center of the universe. Your quoted spread though maybe real at one station in CA is not typical of the US as a whole. Last week the US average for 87 octane was $3.68 vs $4.12 for #2 Diesel. That is a difference of 12%. Considering that diesels in general get 25% to 40 % better mileage than gasoline vehicles the choice is obvious to anyone that can do math.

    In a side note, is that station that is selling diesel for $4.99 have the best price for diesel in your area? At the 8 stations with diesel within a 5 mile radius of my house the price for diesel ranges from $3.89 to $4.49.

  6. By Craig S #6, Posted: 9/11/2008

    Ahhhhhh JSH, someone is thinking. I totally agree with you. In the long run the diesel is better than a hybrid, in my opinion.

  7. By NoNameDenton #7, Posted: 9/11/2008

    zamafir, I agree and A5 TDI would be great, and the TT TDI, all that low end torque.

  8. By LML #8, Posted: 9/12/2008

    When people compare gas and diesel prices, they usually compare the 87 or 89 octane gas price to that of diesel.

    If I'm considering a gas or diesel powered VAG product, I'm comparing premium gas pricing versus diesel, and the spread is that much smaller.

  9. By Camarones #9, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Gus should shop around... "southern california" is a big place, but between San Diego and Orange County I can recall offhand at least 3 stations around $4.10 for Diesel #2 and these aren't even Arco's. I'm talking Exxon and 76. Then there's the price gougers (like that Chevron near John Wayne Airport which was still $4.75 yesterday).

  10. By Dalton #10, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Gus also quoted regular unleaded. I am not sure what petrol VW group engine actually can run on that gunk...my current autos (V70, A3) require premium. My (ordered and waiting for delivery) Q7 TDi requires diesel. Dino-Diesel comes in basically two flavors and both are premium fuels...there is no such thing as regular diesel since it is all premium since the coming of the ULSD.

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