Our spy photographers have been shooting cobbled together mules for the next-gen Touareg for almost a year now, and just two months ago we had the very first photos of an actual prototype testing somewhere in Europe. Now, for the first time, our spies caught the new Touareg testing here in the United States.
The biggest news we hear is that the 2011 Touareg will go on a crash diet and be 500-600 pounds lighter! This should certainly help the Touareg’s less-than-stellar fuel economy and improve handling. Along with it’s weight loss, we’re also hearing the chassis has in fact been lengthened by a few inches for a more roomy interior and an optional 3rd row of seats. Though we expect the third row will probably amount to jump seats that fold flat.
Styling-wise, the Touareg will be somewhat more sporty and less utilitarian this time around. The most significant changes will appear in the front fascia, grille, headlights, rear fascia and taillights. A moderate update to the interior is likely in store as well.
The VW SUV will continue to share a chassis with the next generation Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Powertains should include updated versions of the 3.6L V6 and 4.2L V8 gasoline motors along with one, or two, turbo diesel offerings. VW also hinted at a Hybrid Touareg at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The Hybrid Touareg should sport a 3.0L supercharged V6 along with an electric motor that will sit between the transmission and the V6. The supercharged V6 is the same motor found in Audi’s new S4 and A6.
Our sources tell us the Touareg will be cheaper this time around. This probably means VW will strip out some of the luxury items and options from the lower end trims. Watch for the new Touareg to start production sometime in the second half of 2010 as a 2011 model year vehicle
07/14, 12:04 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I know the current one is very overweight, but it’s till my favorite SUV on the road. That thing has the best looking interior and exterior for an SUV in the business IMO.
07/14, 12:17 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
500-600lbs less is always a good thing!
07/14, 12:22 PM
posted by:
Borat
guys, you circumcise 500-600 lbs from it and it becomes Passat all wheel drive. I like it, but our buying public has to have hefty CUV. Even Volvo wagons are not selling since XC90 came out. I dunno what t is, but buying public likes them big and heavy. Perhaps we need to go on the diet ourselves first
07/14, 12:33 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
hahahhaaaaaaaa
07/14, 12:52 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
I’ll take it over non turbo Cayennes and definetely over any other SUV. I dunno how good and reliable it is but I doubt it’s bad. And I think more than only me think it’s gorgeous in n’ out.
07/14, 1:45 PM
posted by:
aggie531
did the spoiler fall off this one?
It probably did because there are none on either of the cars
07/14, 2:06 PM
posted by:
junior is awesome
The lines of the car look great, I hope the give the vehicle some nice rims to give it more cirb appeal
07/14, 2:10 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
Losing weight is a move to thr right direction. Apart from that the front looks too agressive.
07/14, 2:41 PM
posted by:
betterthanyou
lets hope it comes out leaner and meaner.. right now its a big WUSS compared to the concept.
07/14, 4:28 PM
posted by:
The Tuga
Despite this being a slightly less stupid cayanne, i will always loath and hate this car. Everything about it makes my stomach hurt.
07/14, 5:36 PM
posted by:
A.J.
Golf face on a big SUV…
I wonder how this will turn out…
07/14, 6:02 PM
posted by:
Borat
@The Tuga, I went to Portuguese restoraunt yesterday and cabalau gave me the same reactions. Thanks god for pepto!
07/15, 12:17 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Every Volkswagen product I see is either on the breakdown lane of the highway or the back of a flatbed wrecker. It’s German, this is where they live.
Be American. Buy American. Buy GM