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Spy shots: Next-gen Volkswagen Touareg prototype caught in U.S.

Spy shots: Next-gen Volkswagen Touareg prototype caught in U.S.

Alex Kaufmann July 12th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann By Alex Kaufmann Author July 12th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 The Volkswagen Touareg has achieved only modest sales since its launch in 2003, mostly because of its lack of seven-seater capability and premium price tag compared with many of its Japanese rivals. The second-generation model is now in the works and will hopefully address many of the issues of the current version. Due to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model, the new Touareg will be slightly smaller than the current one but will feature a range of more fuel efficient engines and be able to seat up to seven passengers. The new platform will be shared with the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 and will feature increased use of aluminum to keep weight down. It will also be slightly sportier and adopt styling influences from the more recent Tiguan SUV. Previously, test-mules wearing the current Touareg’s sheet metal were spotted, revealing several key changes including a wider rear bumper and misaligned fuel filler cap. The front of the car also featured a different intake system, positioned lower than on the current model. Shots of the interior also revealed several major changes, including an all-new instrument cluster and a similar steering wheel to the unit found in the Mk VI Golf. These latest shots show an actual prototype of the next-generation Touareg for the time, caught while undergoing hot-weather testing in California. As for the powertrains, the new engine lineup for the 2011 Touareg is expected to start with a 280hp (208kW) 3.2L V6 petrol engine and top out with a 345hp (257kW) 4.2L petrol V8. A pair of diesel engines will also be on offer including 2.7L and 3.0L turbodiesels. All the engines will be matted with a six-speed automatic gearbox, though VW’s new seven-speed DSG may also be made available.2011 Volkswagen Touareg test-mule spy shotsNext-generation Volkswagen Touareg preview2011 Volkswagen Touareg spy shots
The new Touareg should feature seating for up to seven adults when it arrives in late 2010

The new Touareg should feature seating for up to seven adults when it arrives in late 2010

Enlarge Photo

The Volkswagen Touareg has achieved only modest sales since its launch in 2003, mostly because of its lack of seven-seater capability and premium price tag compared with many of its Japanese rivals. The second-generation model is now in the works and will hopefully address many of the issues of the current version. Due to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model, the new Touareg will be slightly smaller than the current one but will feature a range of more fuel efficient engines and be able to seat up to seven passengers.

The new platform will be shared with the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 and will feature increased use of aluminum to keep weight down. It will also be slightly sportier and adopt styling influences from the more recent Tiguan SUV.

Previously, test-mules wearing the current Touareg’s sheet metal were spotted, revealing several key changes including a wider rear bumper and misaligned fuel filler cap. The front of the car also featured a different intake system, positioned lower than on the current model. Shots of the interior also revealed several major changes, including an all-new instrument cluster and a similar steering wheel to the unit found in the Mk VI Golf.

These latest shots show an actual prototype of the next-generation Touareg for the time, caught while undergoing hot-weather testing in California.

As for the powertrains, the new engine lineup for the 2011 Touareg is expected to start with a 280hp (208kW) 3.2L V6 petrol engine and top out with a 345hp (257kW) 4.2L petrol V8. A pair of diesel engines will also be on offer including 2.7L and 3.0L turbodiesels. All the engines will be matted with a six-speed automatic gearbox, though VW’s new seven-speed DSG may also be made available.
2011 Volkswagen Touareg test-mule spy shots
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  • 2010 volkswagen touarge facelift spy shots july 001
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Next-generation Volkswagen Touareg preview
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2011 Volkswagen Touareg spy shots
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Tags: Spy Shots, VW

Posted in: 2008, Volkswagen, Spy Shots, SUVs, Touareg


Comments (7 total)

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  1. By Matt #1, Posted: 7/14/2008

    I highly doubt that this is the next-generation Touareg. I think it's just a test mule for the (finally US-bound) V6TDI undergoing hot weather towing testing. That is a small trailer, but is likely very heavy since it has dual axles. This leads me to believe it's doing some heavy-hauling emissions testing or powertrain/PCM calibration to make it ready for US consumption.

    The front end may be just an evolution of the '08 US facelift, which has been available elsewhere since 2007. I think the stretched rear bumper you're seeing is nothing more than a cover for the retractable hitch that is in use on this vehicle, which is availabe outside the US. As for the fuel filler bump, maybe there's some emissions test equipment in there, otherwise I really don't know. But, I think that when the truly new platform comes around for testing, none of the current unibody's sheetmetal is going to fit it, and it will simply be masked. There's way too much of the current 7L Touareg platform in this vehicle to make me believe it's the redesigned version.

    Matt
    Toaureg owner since 2005, enthusiast since first sight

  2. By NaBUru38 #2, Posted: 7/14/2008

    Wasn't it that the Cayenne was to use the Q5 platform?

  3. ma_Michael D avatar by Michael D #3, Posted: 5/6/2009

    I don't know how it would get "slightly smaller" if it's going to seat seven, and the caption under the main photo states "slightly wider than the current model".

    I also notice that the wheels are pushed closer to the front and rear ends in relation to the mule's current Touareg's body panel, this indicates to me that the wheelbase will be longer, at least, with perhaps the next-generation having greater length to accomodate a third-row of seats.

  4. ma_NC2010 avatar by NC2010 #4, Posted: 5/6/2009

    "Toaureg owner since 2005, enthusiast since first sight"


    The Touareg has always been the best looking, inside and out, in the SUV market. I have always felt embarrassed for Porsche for the mess they made to the same chassis.

  5. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #5, Posted: 5/6/2009

    Awesome, a new diesel, I miss the V10 diesel though that thing was a beast

  6. ma_HECTOR avatar by HECTOR #6, Posted: 5/6/2009

    VW has done a tremendous job with the Touareg, which is everything the Cayenne is not.

    This is a man's vehicle and the last thing VW should do is take *styling cues* from that girly-mobile, the Tiguan.

  7. ma_NC2010 avatar by NC2010 #7, Posted: 7/12/2009

    "There's way too much of the current 7L Touareg platform in this vehicle to make me believe it's the redesigned version"

    Why would VW have retooled new surface contoured door skins for a test mule of a new powertrain for the current chassis?

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