---

VW unveiled what it is calling the most technically innovative VW in the brand’s existence. VW attributes this claim to the new range of more fuel efficient engines, as well as its lower weight and a myriad of new occupant assistance and safety systems.

The outgoing VW Touareg was often referred to as a hulking brute because of its sheer size and (some would say) excessive weight. Coupled with the outgoing model’s V10, the Touareg was everything a hulking brute of an SUV could be.

Lighter, more aerodynamic and more fuel efficient

For 2011 VW had a different vision for the off-road capable SUV – VW envisioned a more modern vehicle that made use of lighter weight, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient design. To achieve this, VW shaved 208 kilograms off of the base version, while increasing torsional rigidity by 5 percent – maintaining its spot as a class leader. To achieve the fuel economy numbers customers are demanding, VW put them gave special attention to the Cd value of the vehicle, and reduced its aerodynamic drag. VW also lowered the stance slightly, which also improves fuel economy and road handling. The final step was to make an eight-speed automatic transmission standard with all engines – a market segment first.

The base engine for the new Touareg will be a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel resulting in 238 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the new eight-speed automatic transmission, VW says this will achieve a very respectable 38.1 mpg on the European cycle (Imperial gallons).

Next in line is a 4.2-liter V8 TDi with a healthy 337 hp and a whopping 590 lb-ft of torque – still achieving 31 mpg on the combined cycle. This engine replaces the now discontinued V10 that previously was the range-topping engine. Although no V10, this V8 is no slouch either – reporting a zero-to-62 sprint in just six seconds flat, and capable of 155 mph computer-governed top speed.

VW will also be offering a hybrid offering that makes use of a supercharged 3.3-liter V6 that produces 329 hp, mated to a 46 hp electric motor. Peak output is 375 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, with zero-to-62 in just 6.5 seconds while still offering 34.4 mpg. VW says this SUV will be capable of accelerating to 30 mph without any gasoline in pure EV mode.

VW keeps off-roaders in mind

With the switch to fuel efficient eight-speed transmissions and a lower stance, off-road enthusiasts may be feeling left out. To address this concern, VW is offering a “Terrain Tech Packet” which swaps the eight-speed for a lower geared six-speed automatic mated to a 3.0-liter TDi. This model, known as the “Escape,” has a more rugged transfer case designed for off-roading, and front and rear 100 percent locking differentials known as 4XMOTION. Driver’s retain a rotary control to switch between “On-Road,” “Off-Road,” and “Low” settings depending on the terrain being conquered.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Next in line is a 4.2-liter V8 TDi with a healthy 337 hp and a whopping 590 lb-ft of torque – still achieving 31 mpg on the combined cycle.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---