First our spies caught the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg testing here in the States, and now, for the very first time – we caught the hybrid version (as implied on the “power down” door stickers). VW had previously hinted that a hybrid version of the Touareg was in the cards.
The new Touareg will continue to share a chassis with the next generation Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, and powertrains for the standard models. The powertrain lineup should include updated versions of the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 gasoline motors, along with one or two turbo diesel offerings.
But the prototypes we’ve manage to shoot were powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, good for 333 horsepower by itself, combined with an electric motor that generates 52 horsepower, that will sit between the transmission and the V6 engine. Combined output will be an impressive 385 hp.
The supercharged six-cylinder, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, should bring the average fuel economy to an estimated 26 miles per gallon for this full-time all-wheel drive hybrid. VW also says the hybrid will be capable of traveling up to 30 mph with electric power alone, and will include a switch to lock the vehicle in electric-only mode.
The Touareg will also make used of nickel metal-hydride batteries and regenerative braking in addition to a start-stop function to reduce city fuel consumption.
We’re expecting the hybrid Touareg to debut for the 2012 model year.
08/12, 1:13 PM
posted by:
A4
Will it be sporting a lighter curb weight? Cause these puppies are hefty.
08/12, 2:18 PM
posted by:
Tabzilla
Hybrids usually weigh several hundred pounds more due to their batteries..
08/12, 3:08 PM
posted by:
A4
Yes I’m aware of that, I meant the Touareg platform as a whole.
08/12, 5:07 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I hope they do not think about going the 3-row seating route with this one. What a waste of space and added weight for little benefit.