Volkswagen is unveiling the completely redeveloped Touareg as a world premiere. It is the most technically innovative “VW” since the brand has been in existence. This Touareg is reinterpreting the fascinating multipurpose SUV idea in a contemporary way. The Touareg will also be the first and only off-roader in Europe by a German car maker to be available in a hybrid version.
BODY CONCEPT
Touareg is designed longer, lower, more spacious and distinctly more dynamic, and it results in a more than 200 kilograms (10% gain) lighter body with a static rigidity of 24,800 Nm/º (5% gain). In terms of engineering, reducing 10% of the weight is a quantum leap, and it is the most technically advanced body in its segment. The goal of the designers, led by Volkswagen Head of Design Klaus Bischoff, was to give the Touareg an even more elegant image based on the new Volkswagen “design DNA”.
Another new design feature in the Touareg is the optional (standard on the Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI) electrically opening and closing tailgate, which can be operated by RF remote control.
INTERIOR CONCEPT
Touareg has much more space and longitudinal adjustment of rear bench. The high-end cockpit bridges gap between luxury class and SUV demands. Touareg’s interior now exhibits a variability that equals the qualities of a large estate car. In the maximum case, Touareg’s cargo capacity ranges from 580 to 1,642 litres. Another new development is a seven-inch multi-functional color display with a 15:9 aspect ratio which is standard equipment on Touareg Hybrid and the V8 engines. Touareg V6 FSI and V6 TDI versions are equipped with a five-inch display that is also new.
ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
The new Touareg monitors its surroundings with its new and further advanced assistance systems and new ACC with Pre-Crash function and Area View. The camera-based Area View detects the Touareg’s surroundings. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path. Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) can brake the vehicle to a stop in an emergency and at the same time the seat belts are tensioned. Bi-Xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist “see” oncoming traffic and adjust the high beam lights to eliminate unwanted glare. Adaptive roll compensation – a feature of the further advanced air suspension – ensures that the Touareg impressively tracks through curves like a sports car.
DRIVE CONCEPTS
Volkswagen has chosen a parallel hybrid drive configuration for the Touareg. In contrast to other potential hybrid systems, it assures excellent off-road performance and unlimited continuous climbing ability. Moreover, the parallel hybrid is more efficient than alternative hybrid concepts on long-distance and freeway journeys. Touareg Hybrid attains a maximum speed of 240 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, and it can be driven up to 50 km/h in purely electric mode – emissions-free.
Compared to a conventional SUV of the same size and power, the hybrid concept delivers over 25 percent fuel savings in city driving. And in combined mode driving (city, highway and freeway drives) development engineers calculate an average savings of 17 percent.
This fuel efficiency on the Touareg Hybrid is achieved with four parameters:
- E-Motor: Electric, emission-free driving (up to 50 km/h) reduces petrol consumption.
- Coasting: As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the V6 TSI is disengaged from the transmission.
- Regenerative Braking: During braking, the E-Motor – now operating as a generator – recovers kinetic energy, which is then stored in the high-voltage battery (NiMH battery).
- Stop-Start System: The Stop-Start system integrated in the powertrain improves fuel economy, especially in urban areas and stop-and-go traffic.
EFFICIENCY DATA
The V6 FSI, a direct injection petrol engine with 206 kW / 280 PS: At 9.9 l/100 km, the 3.6-litre engine with 360 Newton-meter torque now consumes an incredible 2.5 litres. This combined fuel consumption is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 236 g/km, and that is precisely 60 g/km less than before.
The V6 TDI, with the 550 Newton-meter strong turbo-diesel consumes a ground-breaking low 7.4 l/100 km (analogous to 195 g/km CO2), which is 1.9 litres less than before. CO2 emissions are reduced by 49 g/km compared to the previous Touareg V6 TDI.
The V8 TDI, with 4.2 litre displacement and 250 kW / 340 PS. Considering its power and fabulous maximum torque of 800 Newton-meter, the combined fuel consumption of 9.1 l/100 km (equivalent to 239 g/km CO2) is extremely good. This TDI is not offered in the USA. In some cases, the engine range will be country-specific in terms of the diesel and petrol engines offered.
FEATURES
Touareg V6 FSI and V6 TDI, the factory installed standard features equipment include electrically folding and adjustable wing mirrors, rain sensor, load sill guard in trim colour, multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel plus cruise control, centre armrests, front and rear, four 12-Volt appliance plugs, alternative RF remote actuation of electric window lifts, automatically opening cargo cover, automatic climate control (individually adjustable, left and right), modular rear seating system, multi-function display, “RCD 550? radio system with touch-screen control and integrated 6-disc CD changer, speed-dependent Servotronic, 17-inch alloy wheels (“Sonora” with seven spokes) with size 235 tyres, Stop/Start system and regenerative braking as well as ambient lighting for the door handles.
And for safety, Touareg is featured with electronic stabilization program (ESP), trailer stabilization, Hill Start and Hill Descent Assist, an effective network of airbags, front fog lights including static cornering lights, daytime running lights, adaptive brake lights (automatic hazard flasher at full braking), automatic door locking when vehicle is in motion (deactivatable), self-dimming rear-view mirror and illuminated entry at all doors (including tailgate).
Touareg Hybrid and Touareg V8 TDI, which represent the two new top versions, have even more exclusive exterior and interior features. At the exterior, the standard features include a chrome pack (side window frames, lower cooling air inlet, load sill guard, tread plate, door sill trim and exhaust pipe ends), Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, Coming Home and Leaving Home lighting feature, self-dimming outside mirror on the driver’s side, electrically opening and closing cargo area tailgate as well as the “Keyless Access” locking and engine starting system.
Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI also leave the factory on 18-inch alloy wheels and size 255 tires. On the V8 TDI, “Tacora” type wheels (ten spokes) are used, and the Hybrid has customized “Yukon” wheels with five sets of dual spokes. Visually, the Hybrid can also be recognized by its Hybrid logos on the chrome side trim at the front and rear and on the interior trim of the centre console.
Moreover, the interior of the Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI is customized by details such as leather upholstery (“Cricket” pattern) with comfort seats, including electric 12-way seat adjustment in front, pedal caps in stainless steel look, footwell illumination, multi-function display with large color display, storage compartments under the front seats, decorative inserts in the fine wood “Walnut Root” and tread plates with stainless steel accents. Last but not least, an anti-theft warning system is included. So this vehicle is genuinely “fully equipped”!
The Touareg will already be available at dealers in April.
