World Premiere 2nd gen Touareg & Touareg Hybrid

[phaeton]

To the Point: World Premiere:
New Touareg takes the SUV idea into the future

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/4347248072_de31fe4fb9_b-1.jpg

Touareg debuts with hybrid drive and high-tech range of engines
Volkswagen SUV is 208 kilograms lighter and 20 percent more fuel efficient

Wolfsburg/Munich, 10 February 2010 - 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 – thanks to a range of engines that are nearly 20 percent more fuel efficient and a large variety of new assistance and safety systems. 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 too. It sets standards among fully off-road capable SUVs with petrol engines that have a fuel consumption value of just 8.2 litres fuel per 100 kilometres. The Touareg Hybrid can be driven up to 50 km/h in purely electric mode - emissions-free. Among the diesel engines, the Touareg V6 TDI with 7.4 litre combined fuel consumption now posts the best value in the segment of genuine SUVs. Both versions, the Touareg Hybrid and V6 TDI, are the most fuel efficient petrol and diesel SUVs ever built in Europe in this large vehicle class.

New era SUV – lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient
As has already been accomplished on the globally successful, smaller Tiguan, Volkswagen is systematically striving for sustainability on the new Touareg too. The first precondition was met: The SUV was lightened by 208 kilograms in the base version! A quantum leap. Yet, the body has five percent greater torsional rigidity, which makes it the leader in its competitive class. A second precondition was met as well: Designers attained a significantly improved Cd value. Along with aerodynamic refinement efforts, another factor at work here is that this Touareg is built lower to the ground than the previous model. Together with front end styling based on the new Volkswagen design DNA, this results in a smaller frontal area. The third precondition: All engines, now offered with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission – a first in this market segment – demonstrate significant fuel economy advantages over the previous model; in some cases the advantage is far greater than two litres per 100 kilometres.

SUV for all trails – All-wheel drive in two versions
Also modified in pursuit of reduced fuel consumption was the standard all-wheel drive. In the base version ("4Motion"), all new generation Touaregs have all-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differential (4MOTION; climbing ability: 31 degrees). Like the Tiguan Track & Field, the Touareg also has an "Off-road driving programme", which - at the press of a button - tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-road duty, activates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the automatic gearshift points.
Instead of a Torsen differential, the V6 TDI can be ordered with an optional "Terrain Tech Packet" that has an even more rugged transfer case designed for off-road duty. It includes reduction gearing and centre and rear differentials, each with up to 100 percent locking (4XMOTION; climbing ability: 45 degrees). Similar to the first Touareg generation, this version also has a rotary switch the driver now uses to adapt the car to specific duty conditions over five levels: 1. "On-Road"; 2. "Off-Road" (like "Off-road driving programme" plus automatic control of the mechanical locks); 3. Low (like "Off-road" plus activation of reduced gearing, higher shift points, no automatic upshift in manual mode); 4. Addition of centre differential lock; 5. Addition of rear differential lock. Equipped like this, the Touareg can conquer any terrain on Earth.

SUV for everyday driving – more space, more innovations
Volkswagen has not only made the new Touareg lighter, more fuel efficient and an agile performer; it has also made it into an even more versatile, all-round vehicle. The new interior was made more functional, the seats more comfortable and leg room in the rear is larger. Now the rear bench seat has 160 millimetres in longitudinal adjustment, and the backrest angle can be adjusted. Electrically unlatched at the press of a button as an option, it folds down in seconds and frees up 1,642 litres of cargo space. Already standard equipment in the base version is a radio-CD and info system, which is intuitively controlled over a 6.5-inch touch-screen.
The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The engine (V6 versions) automatically shuts off at traffic lights and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal (Stop-Start system). As an option, the tailgate can be opened and closed by a RF remote control unit integrated in the car key. The largest panoramic sunroof of all SUVs provides for light even on overcast days. The innovative "Area View" utilises four cameras to detect the Touareg’s surroundings and this enhances safety. Also offering protection are up to nine airbags. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated Front Assist can brake to a stop in an emergency and tension the seatbelts as a precautionary measure. Bi-Xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist perceive oncoming traffic and adjust the light beam to eliminate unwanted glare, and adaptive roll compensation ensures that the Touareg sits solidly on the street. For the first time, there will be special features on the new Touareg under the new "Exclusive" badge from Volkswagen Individual. Options that can be ordered include 19-inch alloy wheels ("Girona" type), fine wood inserts ("Olive Ash") and a leather interior ("Nappa") in the two-colour combinations "Dark Burgundy / Titan Black" or "Pepper Beige / Titan Black".

Touareg – the best of two worlds About 500,000 car drivers chose to buy the first generation of the SUV. It is a luxury sport utility vehicle that offers a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avant-garde styling, excellent quality and unlimited expedition capabilities – essentially the best of the passenger car and off-road worlds unified in one concept. This is now being followed up by the new Touareg – a high-end and versatile all-round vehicle that brings these two worlds together even more perfectly. The Touareg will already be available at dealers in April.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/4347250608_172e8b0e76_b-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/4347252758_ce4ba13196_b-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/4346510921_d60fccf2c6_b-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/02/4347259688_aaea5d99b9_b-1.jpg

[Spook]

Looks good! Australia will be getting the new model in 2011, and the Hybrid version won't be coming.

Local media writeups:
GoAuto (http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/818E27DB1CB3CCACCA2576C6007DB323)
Carsales (http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2010/medium-4x4/volkswagen/touareg/new-volkswagen-touareg-unveiled-18259)
Drive (http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/hybrid-touareg-too-thirsty-for-oz-says-vw-20100211-ntb4.html)

[Sharkie]

I like it .... does it come with 7 seats ? (as an option)

engines?

[noone]

Not convinced about the looks.

Front looks like the new Golf or something

Rear looks like the new (not yet released) Polo (esp the lights)

Could look really good in the flesh.

------------------------------------

Drivers seat looks like a cockpit with all the dials and gadgets. Mmmmm, woodgrain...

[team_v]

Love it!

Looks like they took design cues from the Chinese tiguan for the front and stole the headlights from an Amarok.

Very nice, and more standout than the previous model.

[Transporter]

.... and also less capable (in standard form) than previous model. :( I can only imagine that optional diff locks will cost a lot. But hey wait until it arrives. :)

[Coaster]

Wow, that looks really nice, much nicer than the current gen. And the brand styling is a good thing!

The headlights have an Audi hint to them. Very snazzy.

It's a pitty they have to plaster 'HYBRID' all over the vehicle. Why do you need it written 4 times?

[Treza360]

Good stuff. Shame about the hybrid garbage. Good thing it won't come here. The rest of the truck looks fab though. :)

[Sharkie]

Got some info from overseas on the engines in the pipeline for the new Treg ....

3.0 V6 TDI = 177kw/550NM
3.6 FSI = TBC
4.2 V8 TDI = 250kw/800NM
4.2 V8 FSI = TBC
3.2 V6 Supercharged with the hybrid electrical motor = 280kw/580NM

Pity about the 7 seats not being available ... Q7 it may have to be then ...

[Daftwullie]

Time to start saving some peso's :banana:

[Spook]

A video (http://www.carsales.com.au/videos/2010/large-4x4/volkswagen/touareg/new-touareg-set-to-takeoff-18728) of the new Touareg in action on Carsales

[phaeton]

Yeah just a mish mash of promo film not an actual test drive :(

[Transporter]

IMHO, it's looking good with the 7.4L/100km but it lost some off road abilities.:cool:

[Dirty R50]

It's beautiful but has now become just another 4x4 "capable" station wagon. Front and rear overhangs are enormous and for that reason alone I didn't consider buying a Q7. 4x4 is an option (Shall be extremely expensive), and in my humble opinion, defeats the whole object of the car. I'll keep my old model until VW once again builds a 4x4 where it isn't optional, or get an Amarok.

[Transporter]

I feel exactly the same. will be interesting to see what will VW use in Dakar race.

[phaeton]

I feel exactly the same. will be interesting to see what will VW use in Dakar race.

If they do the Dakar in 2011 ;)

[Transporter]

Yeah, the speculations... :duh:
http://www.marathonrally.com/news/dakar_2011_volkswagen_blackmailing_dakar_organisat ion_aso_for_2011.14927.0.html

[Dirty R50]

Personally I don't see the point of doing the Dakar. I thought the point was to establish the Touareg as a serious 4x4. If they do, I'll bet that they'll keep the current race Touareg configuration. I hope they listen to the few here that agrees with us and returns the Touareg to a 4x4 in future. My car proves that you can have a good looking, good driving, capable 4x4 that mum can use for the school runs. Now it is school runs exclusively. I'm rather disappointed in that.

[Moonan]

I haven's lost hope yet...
Let's wait for the new tranny specs, and look at the gear ratios as well as the torque at various speeds.
For example, in the existing touareg, Low Range 1 & 2 are the only gears lower than High 1. Low 3 is exactly the ratio of High 1. And of course, the V10 has a higher diff ratio (due to its greater torque) and so effectively misses out on Low 1. V10 Low 1 = others Low 2. V10 Low 2 = Others High 1. In other words, to put it crudely, a current V10 has only got 1 crawler gear lower than a V6's High Range Gearbox.
Theoretically, if you could get enough torque to climb the steepest gradient at 1000RPM instead of 2000RPM you wouldn't need such low gears. My old 1976 2-stroke suzuki 4x4 could climb a hill as steep as a Touareg can, but it's little 3-cylinder motor was screaming at 5000RPM in Low first to do it!!
So, before we abandon the new Touareg completely, let's see if first gear in the 8-speed is any lower than the current first. If so, we may not lose too much.

And yes I did these same sums before buying the Q5, and it's first gear is way too high - but I bought it anyway. So now I just have to do those steep trails way faster than I want to! :)

[Transporter]

I think that the biggest drawback will be reduced ground clearance and more money to pay for the extra off road features.

[Dirty R50]

To me the issues aren't with the ratios but the overhangs and ground clearance. In the bush it is not always possible to approach an incline at an angle and from the photos I think the approach angle won't be much more than 10 degrees if at all. That doesn't compare with any other 4x4 and would catch you out on some driveways. If I was going to buy a AWD wagon without 4x4 capability, I would have bought the R36, not be forced to spend a few grand on air suspension and 4xMotion. I won't buy the new model for that reason alone and stick with my current car. I'll never abandon VW, but my next car might be a Golf R while I hang on to the current Touareg for the weekends.

[apom]

why they fell need to make the same corporate faces on cars I cannot fathom! Why should the front of the new treg have to resemble the latest golf, polo and every other model they release. Someone should tell the bean counters and designers its actually OK to make a unique looking vehicle.

All it does is instantly date the new car because we are used to the look. By the time the treg gets here the same looking golf will have been here well over 12 month and it will e familiar with something we have already gotten used to. Someone should tell these guys to wake up!

[idaho]

I posted as below in another thread but it would be more appropriate here.


... I will update next year with the new model I will 4.2 V8 TDI for sure...


.. But reading between the lines (so to speak) it appears the V8 TDI will be available soon-ish after release. Might we also assume that the available specs will be similar to overseas and that the Terrain Tech pack (dual range transfer + diff locks + larger tank) will be available with the V6 TDI?

I quite like the looks of the new model. The current model looks nice also but the steering wheel, woodgrain and parking brake put me off.