Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid
The VW Touareg Hybrid will be the first to combine two of the hottest fuel-saving technologies: a direct injection and hybrid.
Volkswagen is finally making its first foray into the hybrid market—and it’s starting with the Touareg SUV. Volkswagen unveiled a lighter leaner Touareg design, including a hybrid variant, at a press conference in Munich, ahead of the vehicle’s official showing at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Aiming at efficiency, as well as performance, Volkswagen claims combined fuel economy in the low-20-mpg range, while allowing zero-to-60 times of 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Towing capacity will be more than 7,700 pounds.
The Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid powerplant marries an Audi-built, supercharged 3-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic with a disc-shaped electric motor mounted internally. Electric energy is stored in 155 pounds worth of nickel metal hydride battery pack stored under the rear cargo floor.
The 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid is a full hybrid, capable of traveling up to one mile—and at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour—in all-electric drive mode. Total output will be a 380 horsepower and a maximum 428 pound-feet of torque. The Touareg’s Hybrid setup also features a coasting capability that disengages the engine from the transmission when the driver releases the gas pedal when traveling at high speeds.
VW’s engineers and marketers are proud of the vehicle’s technical achievements and expect those features to attract new buyers. "For Volkswagen’s Touareg Hybrid, we combine the electric drive with a direct gasoline injection engine in our new 3.0 V6 TSI,” said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, research and development board member. “Therefore the Touareg Hybrid profits from two top technologies. This combination is unique and can't be found among competitors."
Hybrid purists might not be impressed with real-world mileage, probably in the low-20s, but keep in mind that Touareg has definitely gone on a diet. The hybrid drive replaces the previous V8 gasoline engines in Europe and America. And the V10 TDI and W12 engine versions of the previous model were discontinued.
Place in the Market
The Touareg Hybrid will not be the first hybrid SUV on the US market—not by a long shot. (The Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced in 2004.) However, the Touareg will be the first and only off-roader in Europe by a German carmaker offered with a hybrid version. The Touareg’s combination of style, size and solid off-road capability is something the other smaller hybrid SUVs can’t claim.
The new Volkswagen Touareg line, to be offered in a range of conventional gasoline and diesel options (including the hybrid), will be lighter and more efficient Touareg for 2011. Most, if not all, of the models will be offered with a stop-start system, to shut down the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop.
The Touareg Hybrid will be positioned as a slightly more expensive—yet more capable and powerful—alternative to the Lexus RX450h luxury hybrid SUV. Maybe that’s not a bad move for VW, because the RX Hybrid was been the best-selling SUV hybrid for most of 2009. Pricing for the Touareg Hybrid has not yet been announced, but it should fall in line just above the Lexus RX450h, but well below the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and BMW X6 ActiveHybrid.
The primary target for the vehicle appears to be Europe. VW can boast that the Touareg Hybrid and the V6 TDI Touareg are the most fuel-efficient gas and diesel SUVs ever built in Europe in this large vehicle class.
Other signs of high-tech vehicle electrification include a parking brake that is now activated by push-button, and a tailgate that, as an option, can be opened and closed by remote control unit integrated in the car key. The innovative "Area View" utilizes four cameras to detect the Touareg’s surroundings and this enhances safety. Protection is delivered by 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. You’ll also find adaptive cruise control, 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.
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20 / 24 MPG 11.76 / 9.8 L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
SUV
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TECHNOLOGY:
Hybrid
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BASE MSRP:
$61,000
1 year ago
Yet another hybrid not marketed to environmentalists.
1 year ago
I don't understand your comment, Charles. Perhaps you think that environmentalists don't have families, or friends, or luggage?
I'm perfectly happy to drive to work every day in a little econobox. But I also like to take my family camping. The econobox is not suitable for that.
Having a more fuel-efficient option in every class of car helps those of us who care about the environment, but also care about other things as well.
1 year ago
No more diesel V10? That makes me sad, that was one hell of a stump-pulling engine! Had Ferdinand Piech written all over it.
1 year ago
Low 20's hybrid eh?
An alternative to the Lexus RX450h?
Volkswagen needs to change their name to:
Reicheleutewagen
I miss my '84 GTI. Simple, affordable and fun.
1 year ago
A VW hybrid? Why do I think a diesel Jetta owner's head just exploded?
1 year ago
Where's the diesel hybrid? C'mon, falling off a log can't be that hard.
1 year ago
VW is also improving the MPG of its 2011 Touraeg diesel by about 6.5 MPG overall. I understand a part of this is because the new version is 460 lbs lighter than the old version.
Right now, the VW Touraeg diesel is neck-and-neck with several Merc. diesel SUVs and the BMW X5 diesel in terms of MPG. With the new version, they will definitely be ahead of the pack.
It is good all around to see better efficiency options both on a new year of the same model, and in the diesel SUV segment overall!
1 year ago
I think that most environmentalists would pick a vehicle that meets their needs most of the time. When you need/want to tow a boat, or take a family vacation, rent a larger vehicle. For the 97% of the time when all you need is a seat per person with some cargo space buy a vehicle that fits the everyday need. Get twice the MPG in a Prius and 50% better in a Fusion Hybrid. According to VW's web site the Touareg has 99 cubic feet of passenger volume. The EPA lists the Fusion at 101 and the Prius at 94. So with the Fusion you should no have to worry about passenger space. If you drive 15000 miles a year and gas is $3.00/gallon, the Fusion would cost you about $1154/year, the Touareg about $1800. I can rent a standard SUV for about $450 a week or a minivan for about $480. So buying the Fusion save me money, keeps CO2 out of the environment and lets me pick the best vehicle for those special needs that come up one in a while.
1 year ago
Mid 20s??? Really? I get that with my V6 Honda Odyssey thanks to its ability to turn off 3 cylinders. Come on VW get wake up! I have a Prius to get to the office and a minivan for when the whole family heads out.
I also agree with you Charles. I will never understand why people buy a car/truck/SUV based on 3% of their needs. If you need a work vehicle that makes sense. If you by a gas guzzler for that yearly mulch trip but also continue with your 15 MPG every day to the office well you are just plain (add favorite term here).
Now if VW can get this thing up to the mid 30s I would be interested. I think it is pretty good looking.
1 year ago
JUST GIVE ME A DIESEL TOURAEG BY 2012, WHEN MY 2009 PASSAT KOMFORT LEASE IS UP, AND I WILL BE HAPPY. MAKE SURE IT GETS WITHIN 15% OF MILEAGE OF THE JETTA DIESEL OR I'LL LOOK ELSEWHERE BEFORE GETTING MY 15th VW.
1 year ago
Why is anyone mad about a new Audi designed hybrid-drive system...???? If you need a 0 emissions vehicle today, ride a bicycle... If you need a platform with 380 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque that can operate in full electric or hybrid mode, VW and Porsche are providing that in a Cayenne or Touareg now. Congrats to Bosch and Audi for great leaps in R&D!!!
Poco a Poco:-)
1 year ago
This is fantastic. My parents are looking for something they can tow the boat with, throw bikes inside and carry, haul all their stuff on trips, and also is reliable and gets good mileage. I guess we'll see about how reliable recent Volkswagons are, but this is very promising.
I wonder if Toyota will actually come out with a hybrid RAV4 like they said they would?
It's cute to say that someone can just rent something to tow their boat, but have you ever tried renting something? You can't even specify which vehicle you'll get - you want something that will fit 4 people and tow a boat, and you show up to find you can only get a pickup truck or something without the towing capacity or a hitch.
1 year ago
VW has announced a Hybrid version of the Touareg, and even though I obviously prefer the V8 Diesel, I’m sure the VW engineers will do great in turning this Hybrid into something agile and fun-to-drive.
1 year ago
I agree with Charles. And you don't need an SUV just to drive your kids around. Unless you have a ton of kids, a large sedan is usually enough. If you have more than 3 kids, then get a van. An SUV is supposed to be used for off-roading and towing--things which require more horsepower. You don't need that if you're a suburban soccer mom.
Likewise, it's actually a lot cheaper to rent an SUV for the occasional camping trip than to drive one around everyday.
1 year ago
I'm certainly looking for a Hybrid SUV. Like the parents above, we want to tow a larger boat. I drive 40K per year, mostly business. I could always get a pickup truck on the side, but if (when) we have a long trip towing, the Touareg would sure be more pleasant to drive. I have the TDI Jetta Sport wagon now, and the thought of getting a Honda Pilot to get 23 mpg, just does not move me. I have been told that the mileage is 30MPG+ for the Hybrid. That is certainly higher than what is discussed above). We will see. If it is only in the 20's I'll be content to get the new Touareg TDI with 30 MPG highway if it gets that. If not and it stays at the 25 MPG range, I might have to look at the Pilot with lower gas vs diesel prices….. or get a used pickup truck for vehicle number thee.
50 weeks ago
I'm particularly fond of these new hybrid SUV's.
They're practical, economical, and efficient.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming development of these vehicles.
50 weeks ago
I'm particularly fond of these new hybrid SUV's.
They're practical, economical, and efficient.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming development of these vehicles.
33 weeks ago
Today, this brand of the machine is ideal for me! I am here going to make a map of the desires and put there some Volkswagen_Touareg_(2010)_Wallpapers . Of course this is not the only thing that I'm going to do to implement their dreams, but it will be the beginning!
33 weeks ago
Thanks for sharing the great information of the car. I am searching the details of this car which i found through your thread.
22 weeks ago
gotta change with the times... but a $61,000 VW? Out of my and the average person's reach. Does it really cost that more to make a hybrid or do all manufacturers just charge more because they can?
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