Our spy photographers have been shooting cobbled together mules and pre-production prototypes for the next-gen Touareg for almost a year now, but our wait for the finished product appears to be nearly over. According to the latest reports, the 2011 VW Touareg will make its world debut at January’s Detroit Auto Show.
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. Despite its later arrival, the hybrid Touareg will likely surface in VW showrooms around the same time as the standard rig.
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
11/12, 5:30 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
It would make sense to ‘economize’ this car. At the end of the day they will need to move units, and it being a few pounds lighter will help its fuel economy and the price overall.
Having a stronger elegant look would help in its perception of luxury even though there will probably be less of it in there!
11/12, 5:45 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
looks like multiple manufacturers are catching on to the weight reduction trend…it may have started because of pressure from gas prices and the need for greener cars…but the end result is we get better handling too…win, win…
11/12, 5:55 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
cool. Hope it looks good!
11/12, 7:16 PM
posted by:
Borat
I think Touareg has a very difficult task of competing with its stable mates: Audi and Porsche. Same vehicle with nearly identical running gear with a lower price then top dogs in the family and lower status perception. Same can be stated about Hihglander/RX350 or Pilot/MDX, except MDX & RX cost less or equal to VW.
11/12, 8:20 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
I’m guessing the actual sheetmetal won’t look a whole lot different than the current model.. but the squared-off wheelwells of the Tiguan will probably migrate here too.
11/12, 9:27 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
Lets try to make this a bit more fuel efficient than the current thirsty behemoth you’re selling now.
11/12, 9:57 PM
posted by:
56oval
I’ve got a current generation Touareg V8 (2007), andthough the first couple years had disastrous reliability, mine has been a fabulous car. Handles like a car, has plenty of pull for boat. I’ve decided the next SUV needs a third row, and suppsedly this is going to offer one. But this new model doesn’t look larger at all. Disappointing.
11/12, 10:29 PM
posted by:
nickkop
keep the V6 TDI in there….
11/13, 2:02 AM
posted by:
jzcarguy
This thing sounds pretty decent… Could or would this be the first 3rd row vehicle to come realistically close to the 30 mpg highway mark? That would be impressive…
I still wish they would put the 4cyl turbo-diesel in the Tiguan – that would easily make the 30 mpg mark which would be impressive for a 4×4 small suv.
11/13, 9:09 AM
posted by:
nickkop
jzcarguy +++
i have also anticipated that since it first came out !!!
11/13, 9:10 AM
posted by:
nickkop
- tiguan*
11/13, 1:39 PM
posted by:
jzcarguy
yeah – wouldnt that be awesome! I know 140hp is low for a 3600lb car, but 236ft/lb should not only make this thing capable for daily driving, but it should also be a pretty descent little hauler. I think that thing would sell extremely well if it undercut the escape hybrid by 7 grand or so. It would cost about as much as the new equinox, but I would still much rather have the VW.