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.
Reader Comments
Wed Sep 10 2008 6:28 PM
Gus says
In southern California today, regular unleaded $3.69, Diesel $4.99.
Tough sell here...
Wed Sep 10 2008 7:33 PM
NoNameDenton says
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.
Wed Sep 10 2008 7:51 PM
zamafir says
Who cares about the passat. Bring over the A5 TDI and it will sell like hot cakes.
Thu Sep 11 2008 5:13 AM
Swoosh says
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.
Thu Sep 11 2008 8:19 AM
JSH says
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.
Thu Sep 11 2008 11:48 AM
Craig S says
Ahhhhhh JSH, someone is thinking. I totally agree with you. In the long run the diesel is better than a hybrid, in my opinion.
Thu Sep 11 2008 3:09 PM
NoNameDenton says
zamafir, I agree and A5 TDI would be great, and the TT TDI, all that low end torque.
Fri Sep 12 2008 8:40 AM
LML says
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.
Fri Sep 12 2008 6:05 PM
Camarones says
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).
Fri Sep 12 2008 9:43 PM
Dalton says
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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