Major upgrade for Volkswagen Touareg

The new Touareg is instantly identified by an entirely new front end, with no part left untouched right up to the engine hood. And while less obvious, Volkswagen say that there are more than 2,300 newly developed parts that include a modified front end with insignia grille in chrome and distinctive head lights as well as new wheels and colours. In addition the interior has been refined by two seating systems. The second identifying feature of the new Touareg generation is the new shaped headlamp housing (either halogen or bi-xenon with curve and turn lighting). Similar to today's Volkswagens like the Eos, the lower areas of the housings exhibit a round curvature.

A look at the headlamps and the insignia radiator grille confirms that the front bumper has also been completely redesigned. The V10 TDI sees a chrome cross strut in the exterior air inlets of the bumper. There are also round, deeply set integrated fog lamps (optional on 5 and 6 cylinder models). The outside mirrors were also redesigned and are now more aerodynamic. Modifications were also made at the rear end, where a new roof edge spoiler improves aerodynamics. Tail and brake lights were modified and now have a new LED visual effect. In profile there are new alloy wheels and the more aerodynamic mirrors that identify the Touareg.

Body
The luxury 4WD is 4,754 mm long, 1,928 mm width, 1,726 mm height and has a wheelbase of 2,855 mm. It is lower to the ground than other large 4x4 wagons. At the rear there is a large tailgate (with optional electric actuation) and separately opening rear window guaranteeing optimal access. There is a two part tailgate, with the hatch unlatched electro mechanically, and as an option it can be closed with an electric pull down assist. Touareg has short front and rear overhangs, reinforcing its off road credentials.

Engines
As one of the leading producers of diesel engines in the world, Volkswagen also offers innovative TDI engines for the new Touareg. All TDIs of the SUV are combined with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard equipment. The three diesel engines offer power levels of 128 kW (R5 TDI), 165 kW (V6 TDI) and 230 kW (V10 TDI). There is also one petrol engine, the V6 FSI offering 206kW..

V6 FSI (206 kW).
The direct-injection petrol engine offered on the new Touareg is a V6 FSI. Displacement is 3,580cc with a maximum torque of 360 Nm at 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. The powerful 206 kW 24-valve six cylinder engine (max. power at 6,200 rpm) accelerates the Touareg to 100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds. The Touareg V6 FSI, topping out at 227 km/h with optional air suspension, is shifted by a standard six-speed automatic transmission (top speed with steel suspension is 218 km/h). Average fuel consumption is 13.6 litres per 100 kms.

R5 TDI (128 kW).
Even this "small" direct-injection diesel engine delivers extremely agile driving performance. The new Touareg R5 TDI completes its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11.6 seconds. The in line five-cylinder engine develops maximum torque of 400 Nm at 2,250 rpm. Consumption is 10.4 litres per 100 kms.

V6 TDI (165 kW).
Direct injection diesel technology with third generation common rail technology characterises the Touareg's 24-valve six cylinder engine. Its injection pressures reach up to 1,600 bar thanks to piezo injectors. Its maximum torque of 500 Nm kicks in at 1,500 rpm. The Touareg V6 TDI sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 9.2 seconds. Its top speed is 202 km/h (steel suspension). Equipped with the optional air suspension it can go 209 km/h, with an average fuel consumption of 10.7 litre/100 km.

V10 TDI (230 kW)
The flagship V10 TDI delivers awesome driving performance, thanks to its impressive torque of 750 Nm available at a low 2,000 rpm. Top speed is an incredible 231 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h achieved from standstill in 7.4 seconds. Like all other Touareg TDIs with standard diesel particulate filter, the direct-injection engine equipped with pump nozzle has a factory installed six-speed automatic transmission and air suspension. Fuel consumption is 12.6 lt/100kms.

4XMOTION all-wheel drive
Power from the Touareg engines is transferred to the wheels via the permanent 4XMotion all-wheel drive. This all-wheel drive system not only enables impressive off road properties, but a high level of safety and dynamic potential on the road.
Power distribution to the car's wheels is achieved via a transfer case equipped with standard off-road gearing via a front axle differential, centre differential and rear axle differential. The centre differential has standard locking. The variable control multi-plate clutch of the centre lock differential is automatically controlled by the chassis electronics.

Depending on conditions up to 100 percent of the driving force may be transferred to one of the two axles (the differential lock is controlled primarily based on detected engine torque and secondarily by detected slip). A control knob on the centre console lets the driver manually activate the differential lock up to 100 percent; this temporarily deactivates automatic control of the differential lock. A standard 4-wheel EDL supports fine distribution of the propulsive power.

On-road.
The Touareg's 4XMotion all-wheel drive offers enormous advantages even on paved roads. Under normal situations - dry street, uniform grip and constant engine power - the all-wheel drive is characterised by symmetrical power distribution of 50:50 to the front and rear axles. As soon as one wheel exhibits slip, e.g. due to aquaplaning or a roadway that is wet on one side, the flow of power (up to 100 percent) is increased to the axle with more grip via the multi-plate, limited-slip central differential.

This modified power distribution is additionally supported by a 4-wheel EDL (EDL = Electronic Differential Lock by brake intervention). As a result the all-wheel drive has a uniformally positive effect on driving dynamics as well as on active safety. The Touareg exhibits the handling characteristics of a luxury sedan; its driving behavior is extremely safe and controlled; stability in curves is excellent even under unfavorable road conditions.

Off-road.
On unpaved surfaces all-wheel drive with its basic configuration of front and rear axle differentials and transfer case flanged onto the back of the transmission with central differential provides for confident propulsion. Also standard equipment on the Touareg is a central lock differential and a gear reduction stage. Equipped like this the Touareg can conquer the steepest slopes with its 100 percent (45 degree) climbing capability. To electrically activate the gear reduction stage the car driver simply turns the "Auto Diff" switch located in the lower area of the center console from the "High" street mode toward the right to "Low".In case of traction loss at one axle, the central differential lock is continuously applied.

The lock can also be activated manually by a rotary knob (up to 100 percent), and automatic control of the differential lock is temporarily deactivated. As an option, and standard on the Touareg V10 TDI, Volkswagen also offers the SUV with air suspension including automatic ride height control and electronic damping control. In this case maximum ground clearance increases to 300 mm. The air suspension guarantees an exceptionally high level of comfort when driving on paved roads - by automatic, speed-dependent, two stage chassis lowering - with the dynamic properties of a very sporty automobile. Off-road the air suspension once again improves off road characteristics with extraordinarily good ride comfort too, because of its variable chassis height.

Interior story
Inside the cabin, changes are minimal, with new options and minor changes to instrumentation.Two different seating systems are available on the Touareg - the ‘normal' seats and optional, or model dependent, ‘comfort' seats. They offer improved ergonomics and lateral support. In addition, two leather versions, "Cricket" and "Napa", are offered on the Touareg. "Cricket leather" and refined "Napa leather" are available on the comfort seats. The R5 TDI comes with seat covers in the high-grade "Trail" fabric. Furthermore, the rear bench seat has been modified in all versions. It now weighs less and is easier to operate. A new colour called "Sioux" is offered for interiors of Touareg versions with comfort seats.
The design of the interior of the Touareg reflects clear design parameters, providing a high level of comfort and roominess. Interior materials are robust and appropriate to a high end luxury SUV.

The attention to detail conveys an impression of high quality and an ideal balance between function and aesthetics. One example is the comparatively large control knobs of the Climatronic, drivetrain and chassis controls. Ergonomically they are easy to operate, and their gripping surfaces are made of premium, durable metal. This applies to the use of all materials. Even the plastics give the impression of natural materials due to their refined high tech surfaces. Standard on V6 and V10, and otherwise available as a special option, decorative wood trim can be selected to upgrade the instrument panel, centre console, door trim and steering wheel. A new, larger instrument cluster incorporating the multi-functional display, navigation and provides detailed and now multi-colour representation of information. The display is laid out very clearly and now shows navigation pictograms in 3D representation too. The instrumentation itself is conveniently arranged and its operation is both functional and intuitive.

The Touareg offers excellent leg and head room for all passengers and a decent cargo area to boot. The large transmission tunnel is a little intrusive with the gear selector located quite higher than you'd expect. Standard equipment levels are high with air conditioning featuring climate control on all models. Two automatic climate control systems are available: the 2-zone Climatronic (standard with all models except V10) and the optional 4-zone Climatronic (standard with V10). Driver and front passenger airbags and side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags are standard. Other features include front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and trip computer. Optional gear includes air suspension, 600W premium audio system, auto opening tailgate, power glass sun roof, rear seat DVD entertainment system and satellite navigation.

Specifications: 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
Engines
Types: 3.6 V6 FSI, 2.5 R5 TDI, 3.0 V6 TDI and 5.0 V10 TDI
Displacements: 3580, 2460. 2967, 4921cc
Compression ratios: 12:1, 19.5:1, 17.5:1, 18.5:1
Max. Power: 206kW @ 6200 rpm; 128kW @ 3500rpm; 165kW @ 4000rpm; 230kW @ 3750 rpm.
Max Torque: 360Nm @ 2500 rpm; 400Nm @ 2250 rpm; 500Nm @ 1500-1800rpm; 750Nm @ 2000rpm

Transmission
Type: 4XMotion permanent four-wheel drive. 6-speed tiptronic auto with Dynamic Selection Program.

Suspension
Front: Double wishbones, aluminium upper control arms and steel triangulated lower wishbone. Anti-roll bar.
Rear: Double wishbones with two split forged aluminium upper control arms steel triangulated lower wishbones. Anti roll bar.
Air suspension: Three damper settings: Automatic, Sport and Comfort

Steering
Type: Hydraulic power assisted rack and pinion.
Turning circle: 11.6 metres

Brakes:?4 wheel disc brakes with ABS with Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution, Brake Assist and Electronic Stabilisation Program.

Safety equipment
Dual front and side airbags, curtain airbags front and reaar. ABS with EBD, traction control, anti slip regulation, ESP, EBC, hill descent and hill holding assistance, rollover sensors, 4XMotion permanent 4WD.

Dimensions & capacities
LxWxH: 4754 x 1928 x 1703mm
Wheelbase: 2855mm
Ground clearance: 237 mm, 160 -300mm with air suspension.
Track, front/rear: 1645/1657mm
Angle of approach/departure: 28.4/28.1°
Ramp angle: 22 degrees
Fording depth: 500 mm, 580mm with air suspension
Climbing ability: 45°/100%
Towing: braked/unbraked: 3500/750kg
Tow bar limit: 350kg
Fuel tank: 100 litres
Pricing:
• 3.6 V6 FSI - $64,990
• 2.5 R5 TDI - $64,990
• 3.0 V6 TDI - $74,990
• 5.0 V10 TDI - $121,990