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Volkswagen launches new 28mpg Touareg TDI BlueMotion SUV

 
2 5,202 views May 22, 2009

Low rolling resistance tires, a lower ride height, and less friction in the engine is key to the SUV’s fuel economy improvements

Low rolling resistance tires, a lower ride height, and less friction in the engine is key to the SUV’s fuel economy improvements

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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.



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Comments (2)

  1. ma_justinhk2000 avatar justinhk2000 Posted: 5/23/2009 8:23pm PDT

    Why would you buy a hybrid suv when a diesel wagon will get better mpg and has about the same space?
     
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  2. By  rick Posted: 1/23/2010 10:26am PST

    One and only reason...to tow our trailer. Already have the wagon...great car but just not capable of heavy towing.
     
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