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Preview: Next-generation Volkswagen Touareg SUV

 
6 28,636 views Jan 14, 2009
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2011 volkswagen touareg test mule spy shots may 008

2011 volkswagen touareg rendering 001

2011 volkswagen touareg rendering 001

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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 model. Due to be launched in late 2010, the new Touareg will be similar in size to the current model 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 recently launched Tiguan SUV.

Recent spy shots of a test-mule wearing the current Touareg’s sheet metal with several modifications showed a wider rear bumper and misaligned fuel filler cap. The front of the car also featured a different intake system, which was also positioned lower than on the current version. This suggests that the next Touareg will be wider and lower, making it sportier and more car-like. This latest computer generated rendering gives us a good indication as to what the new model will look like.

The new engine lineup will 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.
2011 Volkswagen Touareg test-mule spy shots
Next-generation Volkswagen Touareg preview

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 volkswagen touareg test mule spy shots may 008

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 volkswagen touareg rendering 001




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Comments (6)

  1. ma_HECTOR avatar HECTOR Posted: 1/14/2009 4:35pm PST

    The first gen Touareg was beautifully understated, everything the Cayenne was not.

    The second gen (or was that just a facelift) wasn't as nice looking, IMHO.

    This looks like crap.
     
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  2. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/14/2009 4:40pm PST

    Both were overweight, and ugly, the only good thing was the diesel V10
     
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  3. ma_Michael D avatar Michael D Posted: 1/14/2009 6:00pm PST

    Lookin' good and sportier as well as smooth.
    I would think that it would be larger to accommodate a third row of seats - the Q7 is a good foot longer than the current Touareg and Cayenne.
     
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  4. ma_NaBUru38 avatar NaBUru38 Posted: 1/15/2009 6:51am PST

    In Europe, 4.50m-long minivans and off-roaders are available with seven seats. At 4.80m, the Touareg can surely offer them too.
     
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  5. By  buy dsi r4 Posted: 1/27/2010 3:24am PST

    Color me in love. That car looks fabulous now with the front facia, wheels, quad exhaust. And the hitch reveals that it can do much, much more. Now it can really tow my dream Airstream trailer in style and with efficiency.
     
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  6. By  Ehab Posted: 3/13/2010 11:50am PST

    I have a Touareg its nice a hda some remarks about its front look with this edition it looks great and sporty .I have some remarks about the electrical computarized system i hope they reached a solution for such little problems
     
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