Volkswagen launched a redesigned Touareg SUV for the 2007 model year in Europe. The car was later introduced to the American market for the 2008 model year. Sporting a new face, revised rear styling, updated interior and seats, as well as the Dynaudio sound system as an option, the new crossover is referred to by VW as the "Touareg 2."

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At the front, the Touareg 2 features a new grille, bonnet, front wings and bumper, plus new headlights and mirrors. The rear lights, spoiler, bumper and exhaust pipes have also been modified to freshen the 4Ã-4's appearance.

The Touareg 2 also features new and revised technology, including "ABSPlus" braking and additional ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program) features. The new brake system shortens the stopping distance by up to 20 percent on loose driving surfaces. The new features added to ESP include Active Rollover Protection (ARP), rain brake support, fading brake support and understeer control logic, which improves the turning behaviour in the event of understeer.

The Touareg 2 boasts three engine variations- with both the VR6 FSI and V8 FSI recently upgraded. The Touareg's 3.2-liter VR6 has been replaced with a more powerful 3.6-liter VR6 FSI, which has an additional 40 horsepower, now at 280 hp. The FSI technology has considerably improved the driving performance of the Touareg 2. The performance upgrade is accompanied by increased torque with an optimized torque curve.

The recently upgraded 4.2-liter V8 FSI is the first eight-cylinder Volkswagen engine with unleaded fuel direct injection, generating 350 horsepower -- 40 more than the previous V8 -- and 325 pound-feet of torque. The Touareg 2's 5.0-liter V10 TDI Twin Turbo offering delivers 310 horsepower and a massive 553 pound-feet of torque. All three Touareg 2's offer 7,716 pounds of towing capacity.

A permanent four-wheel drive system -- 4XMOTION -- provides improved traction on many surfaces. Hill Roll Back Assist and Hill Descent Assist features stabilize the Touareg 2 during off-road trips. Standard independent suspension and improved axle pitching further allow the vehicle to navigate uneven terrain. The Touareg 2 boasts 33-degree approach and departure angles, 45-degree climbing capability, 35-degree lateral inclination, adjustable air suspension and up to 23-inch fording depth with the optional air suspension.

Additional standard features include Sirius Satellite Radio, park distance control, power liftgate, new instrument cluster with larger display, and a new silver metallic trim standard on the VR6 FSI.

Touareg 2 is available with all-new Lux, Lux Plus and Technologie option packages. These packages further enhance the Touareg 2 with additional upgrades including a ten speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, keyless access with a start/stop button, and Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS II, which help improve night time visibility and enhances the driver's ability to negotiate turns by allowing them to 'see' into the curve.