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  • 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid Preview

    2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid Preview October 7th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 7th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid Preview

    An all-new Touareg is due from Volkswagen next year as a 2011 model. Following later in 2011 as a 2012 model, VW is planning a hybrid version of the SUV to take its place alongside the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and Audi Q7 Hybrid which will share the same basic platform and battery technology.

    Unlike many of the latest hybrids, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid uses a nickel-metal hydride pack instead of a lithium-ion pack. The electric motor delivers 52 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque at peak, and sits between the engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Providing the combustion portion of the powertrain is a supercharged...

    An all-new Touareg is due from Volkswagen next year as a 2011 model. Following later in 2011 as a 2012 model, VW is planning a hybrid version of the SUV to take its place alongside the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and Audi Q7 Hybrid which will share the same basic platform and battery technology. Unlike many of the latest hybrids, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid uses a nickel-metal hydride pack instead of a lithium-ion pack. The electric motor delivers 52 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque at peak, and sits between the engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Providing the combustion portion of the powertrain is a supercharged V-6 engine rated at 333 horsepower, ensuring robust performance. Testing an early development mule built on the current Touareg at VW's test track, our Executive Editor Marty Padgett found the vehicle pulled strongly despite some remaining kinks to be worked out of the transmission's shifts. Tackling the problem of how to tell if a hybrid in electric-only mode is running, the Touareg Hybrid briefly kicks on the gasoline engine whenever a door is opened to remind the driver to shut it off if leaving the vehicle. Despite the unique abilities of the VW hybrid system, it's actually less complex than either the BMW/Chrysler/Mercedes-Benz/GM Two-Mode Hybrid system and Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. While that means reduced costs and easier engineering, it also means it can either run on electric power alone or recharge the battery pack, but can't do both at once. So how much more efficient is the Touareg Hybrid supposed to be? About 7-10% better than the standard V-6 Touareg, says VW. For more details on the Touareg Hybrid and VW's future EV and hybrid plans, check out the full story at Green Car Reports. Read More

  • Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

    Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg October 2nd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 2nd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

    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 sometime next year 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 SUV’s new platform will be shared with the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 and will feature...

    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 sometime next year 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 SUV’s 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, possibly shedding as much as 400-pounds compared with the current model. 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 end 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 MkVI Golf. As for the powertrains, the engine lineup for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is expected to start with a 280-horsepower 3.2-liter V-6 gasoline engine and top out with a 345-horsepower 4.2-liter gasoline V-8. A pair of turbodiesel engines will also be on offer including 2.7-liter and 3.0-liter units. All the engines will be matched with a six-speed automatic gearbox, though Volkswagen’s new seven-speed DSG may also be made available. About a year after the initial launch, a gasoline-electric hybrid model will be added to the lineup. The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is expected to make its world debut at January’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Read More

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

    Spy shots: Next-gen Volkswagen Touareg prototype caught in U.S. July 12th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 12th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 7 Comments

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

  • 2010 Dakar Rally set to return to South America

    2010 Dakar Rally set to return to South America June 4th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 4th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 4 Comments

    2010 Dakar Rally set to return to South America Earlier this year the Dakar Rally was held in South America rather than its traditional North African setting due to terrorism threats against the event. For 2010, this trend will continue, with organizers of the Dakar Rally confirming that South America will once again replace Africa as the site for the rally.

    Beginning on New Year's Day next year, the rally will last a little over two weeks. During this time, participants from almost 50 nations will start in Beunos Aires, then travel across Argentina and Chile before returning to the Argentinean capital to finish the race.

    In total, the Dakar Rally will take competitors on an 8,600km... Earlier this year the Dakar Rally was held in South America rather than its traditional North African setting due to terrorism threats against the event. For 2010, this trend will continue, with organizers of the Dakar Rally confirming that South America will once again replace Africa as the site for the rally. Beginning on New Year's Day next year, the rally will last a little over two weeks. During this time, participants from almost 50 nations will start in Beunos Aires, then travel across Argentina and Chile before returning to the Argentinean capital to finish the race. In total, the Dakar Rally will take competitors on an 8,600km loop around South America, including such milestones as crossing the Andes, traversing the Atacama Desert with five sand stages, and a journey to the city of Iquique. Around three million people in South America will watch the event live, and over one-third of the world's population is expected to view it on TV. This year, the winner of the South-American based Dakar Rally was Volkswagen, which competed with its Race Touareg 2 TDI - the first diesel car to ever win the event. Now, however, changes to the rally's regulations have been made to put diesel and petrol technology on a more even playing field, and the 2010 rally may well be anyone's event. Read More

  • Volkswagen launches new 28mpg Touareg TDI BlueMotion SUV

    Volkswagen launches new 28mpg Touareg TDI BlueMotion SUV May 22nd, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, May 22nd, 2009 Jeremy Weber 1 Comment

    Volkswagen launches new 28mpg Touareg TDI BlueMotion SUV Next year Volkswagen will launch a new petrol-electric hybrid version of its Touareg in its BlueMotion range but before that another version of the handsome SUV will get the environmentally conscientious banner. Just launched in Europe is the new Touareg TDI BlueMotion, which comes with a 225hp (168kW) V6 TDI turbodiesel engine.

    This is the same engine found in the regular Touareg TDI clean diesel model that was launched recently in the U.S., but thanks to a number of fuel saving modifications the BlueMotion model is up to 10% more fuel-efficient than the already frugal standard model.

    According to its maker, the new Touareg TDI... Next year Volkswagen will launch a new petrol-electric hybrid version of its Touareg in its BlueMotion range but before that another version of the handsome SUV will get the environmentally conscientious banner. Just launched in Europe is the new Touareg TDI BlueMotion, which comes with a 225hp (168kW) V6 TDI turbodiesel engine. This is the same engine found in the regular Touareg TDI clean diesel model that was launched recently in the U.S., but thanks to a number of fuel saving modifications the BlueMotion model is up to 10% more fuel-efficient than the already frugal standard model. According to its maker, the new Touareg TDI BlueMotion has a fuel economy of just 28mpg (8.3L/100km). What’s more impressive is that this is more fuel-efficient than even the hybrid version due next year, which in prototype form is averaging around 26mpg (9L/100km). To enhance fuel economy, engineers have installed low rolling resistance tires, installed new engine components to reduce friction, and lowered the vehicle by 25mm to reduce drag. Pricing for the new model starts at €50,450 (approximately $70,500) and no word on a U.S. launch has been given. Read More

  • Touareg Hybrid set to join Volkswagen BlueMotion range next year

    Touareg Hybrid set to join Volkswagen BlueMotion range next year February 2nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, February 2nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Touareg Hybrid set to join Volkswagen BlueMotion range next year Volkswagen, looking to improve the efficiency of its fleets, has released today details about a number of new and upcoming technologies that it has grouped under its BlueMotion environmental tag. These technologies include engine start-stop systems, regenerative braking, electric propulsion, hybrid systems, and dual-fuel powertrains.

    Most of the technologies have already been launched in several VW BlueMotion models over the past couple of years, but one new area for the German carmaker is the introduction of hybrid vehicles. Using the Touareg as its entry platform for the technology, VW has mated an electric powertrain with its V6 TSI... Volkswagen, looking to improve the efficiency of its fleets, has released today details about a number of new and upcoming technologies that it has grouped under its BlueMotion environmental tag. These technologies include engine start-stop systems, regenerative braking, electric propulsion, hybrid systems, and dual-fuel powertrains. Most of the technologies have already been launched in several VW BlueMotion models over the past couple of years, but one new area for the German carmaker is the introduction of hybrid vehicles. Using the Touareg as its entry platform for the technology, VW has mated an electric powertrain with its V6 TSI petrol engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission to provide the SUV with a 333hp (248kW) output and 26mpg (9L/100km) fuel-economy. The Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid is scheduled to go into production next year and is tipped to be the world’s first hybrid to have a 3.5 metric ton towing capacity. The parallel hybrid system’s electric motor is rated at 52hp (38kW) and will enable the vehicle to travel up to 50km/h on electric power alone. In boosting mode – where maximum torque and power are required, the V6 TSI engine and the electric motor operate together (by kickdown or gearshift selector in "S" position). Under these conditions, a temporary maximum power of 374hp (275kW) is available with a maximum torque of 406lb-ft (550Nm). Next year will also see the launch of three ultra-clean Passat models. The first of these is a dual-fuel TSI EcoFuel model that is designed to run on either natural gas or petrol or a combination of both, and able to deliver fuel-economy of up to 52mpg (4.5L/100km) from its 148hp (110kW) engine. Second is the BlueTDI, which sports a 141hp (105kW) common-rail turbodiesel engine that delivers a fuel-economy of 45mpg (5.2L/100km). Rounding out the trio is the Passat BlueMotion , which gets several fuel saving technologies such as an engine start-stop system, regenerative brakes, and an ultra-clean catalytic converter. More details on its efficiency are expected to be revealed closer to its launch next year.VW Passat EcoFuel ConceptVolkswagen Touareg Hybrid V6 TSI concept Read More

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