Volkswagen Intros New R-Line Sport Package for Touareg SUV

Volkswagen Touareg shoppers now have one more box to tick on the options list as the German automaker has released the third and final R-Line package for the luxury SUV model, aptly called 'Exterior'. As its name suggests, the new package gives the Touareg a more aggressive appearance on the outside. It includes a bodykit with a front apron, chunky side skirts, a bespoke roof spoiler and a rear apron that incorporates a diffuser in a matte black finish with openings for the chrome tail pipes.

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Volkswagen Brings Some Bling to Qatar with Touareg Gold Edition and Street-Legal Race Touareg Concepts

The Volkswagen Group's Qatar Motor Show rollout continues in full force today, as the German automaker lifted the veil off two all-new SUV concept cars bearing the Touareg nameplate. The Race Touareg 3 Qatar is a street legal version of the racecar that took part in this year’s Dakar competition, while the Touareg Gold Edition is a one-of-kind special decorated with 24-carat gold parts.

So, different cars for different needs, although we’re pretty sure that there are plenty of thrill seeking sheiks with a gold fetish out there interested in buying both, should the concepts ever make it into series production.

Powered by an unspecified 310HP engine, the Race Touareg 3 is a no compromise beast capable to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than six seconds, built with know-how acquired in one of the toughest rally races in the world.

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VW wants to Expand its SUV Line-up, Plans to Triple U.S. Sales by 2018

Volkswagen hasn’t given up on its plans to become the world’s biggest automaker and for that it needs to sell more cars in the U.S. The Germans want to triple their American sales in the next seven years and one solution is to expand their SUV line-up in order to catch up to GM and Toyota.

“We will be looking to really grow, particularly in the compact SUV segment”, VW's U.S. chief Jonathan Browning told Bloomberg news. “Over time, I think there's also scope for growth in terms of a larger SUV within the portfolio”.

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ABT Sportsline Presents Discrete Tuning Package for 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

According to ABT, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should be tuned without diluting its distinct character. As a result, the Bavarian specialist concentrated on increasing the power of the German SUV, while keeping the exterior changes to a minimum.

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Volkswagen Service Personnel make use of Virtual X-Ray Vision Tech

At some point, every child would like to be a superhero with X-ray vision. Adults too, though they would use the ability for very different purposes... Until now, only a select few, like TSA personnel, have had the opportunity to see what’s it like to have superhuman vision.

Volkswagen is changing this by introducing the “Augmented Reality” technology designed to offer its service personnel a virtual X-ray-like view of the car. According to the automaker, employees will make use of this technology to improve their training and knowledge of the cars.

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Volkswagen Expands Touareg Range with Exclusive Edition

To keep up with the Joneses, Volkswagen has added a new trim level to its Touareg range. The Exclusive Edition adds certain upgrades such as two-tone leather combinations and unique alloy wheels for a more individualized touch. These features were previously available as standalone items on the options list.

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Cobra Technology Accessorizes New Volkswagen Touareg

The second generation of Volkswagen's Touareg has only been available in the European market since April, but the SUV has already started attracting a lot of attention from the aftermarket industry. One of the latest tuners to get their hands on the Touareg is Cobra Technology, which has just released a first batch of accessories for the SUV model.

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Want to Learn About VW at the 2010 Dakar Rally ? There's an App For That Too

In anticipation of the 2010 Dakar Rally that leads through Argentina and Chile from 2 to 16 January 2010, Volkswagen has launched a new iPhone application for the event. Named "Volkswagen Rally mobile – 2010 Dakar", the free of charge app will send news, results, videos and background information on the German firm's five factory-prepped and -fielded Race Touaregs directly to the user's iPhone display.

"Volkswagen has always stood for innovations in motorsport," said the German automaker's motorsport director, Kris Nissen.

"The iPhone application for the Volkswagen's involvement in the Dakar is unique in the world of rally racing to date as well and offers users of the cult mobile the chance to stay informed about current Dakar events around the clock."

Those of you interested can download the application directly from Apple's online store at www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/dakar_iPhone

Wobbly Roof Spoiler Prompts Recall of 14,000+ VW Touareg SUVs

Volkswagen's U.S. division has issued a recall notice on 14,416 Touareg SUVs from the 2007-2009 model year. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, on these particular models, the fastening struts on the roof spoiler may crack, causing the spoiler to become loose and quite possibly, fall off from the vehicle without any warning at all. The German automaker said that its dealers will install reinforcement wedges to the roof edge spoiler on the affected models free of charge.

VW Releases 'Greener' Touareg BlueMotion with 225HP V6 Diesel

Blue is Volkswagen's way of saying green with the automaker applying its ecological brand to the most efficient and economical models in each range. The latest BlueMotion model is based on the Touareg SUV and is equipped with a more efficient but less powerful version of the standard car's 3.0-litre V6 TDI common rail diesel engine which develops 225HP and 550Nm (405-lbs/ft) of torque, and drives through a six-speed automatic tiptronic gearbox.

Like all BlueMotion models in the Volkswagen range, the Touareg features a number of modifications to improve fuel efficiency including revised aerodynamics, an optimized engine with a more efficient alternator, low rolling resistance tires and a 25mm lower ride height to reduce drag.

Altogether, these revisions help the Touareg BlueMotion boost fuel economy from 30.4mpg UK (23.3mpg US or 9.2lt/100km) to 34.0mpg UK (28.3mpg US or 8.3lt/100km) while cutting down CO2 emissions from 244 g/km to 219 g/km.

improved fuel efficiency and, well below the tax threshold of less than 225 g/km. Prices for the most efficient version of Volkswagen's luxury off-road vehicle start at £34,150 on the road RRP for the entry level model and rise to £37,545 for the SE.

Performance-wise, the Touareg BlueMotion is a tad slower than its standard 3.0 TDI counterpart with a 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 126mph or 203km/h (vs 8.0 sec and 207km/h respectively).

Prices for the BlueMotion version of Volkswagen's luxury off-roader start in the UK at £34,150 for the entry level model and rise to £37,545 for the SE. The first examples are scheduled to arrive in showrooms in September.

VW Touareg Supercharged V6 Hybrid 374HP with 26mpg - Production Starts in 2010

Volkswagen has published the first photos and details of the Touareg Hybrid prototype that previews a production version that will be unveiled in 2010. Unlike the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid that featured a normally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 FSI, the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid makes use of VW's new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 TSI petrol unit that produces 333HP and is combined with a 38 kW / 52HP electric motor that is installed between the V6 TSI and a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission.

The electric motor is powered by nickel metal-hydride battery that is charged through regenerative braking and is located under the luggage compartment. The vehicle can operate on the electric motor alone at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph). In this case the V6 TSI is turned off, and it is disconnected from the transmission by a disengagement clutch allowing the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid to operate with zero emissions.

When the driver requires maximum torque and power, the V6 TSI engine and the electric motor operate together (by kickdown or gearshift selector in "S" position) for a combined output of 374HP and a maximum torque of 550 Nm. In this case, the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid prototype accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. In terms of towing capacity, the hybrid version of the Touareg can haul up to 3.5 metric tons or 7,000 pounds.

Volkswagen states that the hybrid system of the Touareg was not designed to deliver pure sports car performance but to offer low emissions and fuel consumption values. According to the firm's preliminary figures, the Touareg Hybrid achieves an average fuel consumption of less than 9.0 lt / 100 km (+26.1 mpg US) with CO2 emissions less than 210 g/km.

The German carmaker claims that compared to a conventional SUV of the same size, the hybrid concept yields fuel savings of more than 25 percent in city driving and 17 percent in combined city, highway and freeway driving.

Detroit Show: VW Touareg Lux Limited Edition

In parallel to the U.S. debut of the Touareg V6 TDI, Volkswagen also introduced a new special edition model of its high-end SUV at the Detroit Show that will only be available in the States. Offered with the new 225HP V6 TDI and two gasoline engines, the 280HP V6 FSI and the 350HP V8 FSI, the "Lux Limited" gets a styling package that includes side skirts and customized front and rear aprons complemented by a set of 20-inch alloy wheels.

VW offers the Touareg "Lux Limited" in five exterior colors: "Biscay blue", "Black magic pearl effect", "Campanella white", "Galapagos gray" and the "Biscay blue" color which is new to the product lineup. Inside, the special edition model features a two-tone leather interior combined with special interior accents based on the particular color variant.

LA Show: VW Race Touareg V12 TDI Trophy Truck

This dune monster is the VW Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck and it will run the 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race in the SCORE Trophy Truck class. As you may have already guessed, the race buggy doesn't share anything in common with the VW's luxury SUV other than its name and a small resemblance in appearance. The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck is powered by a 5.5 liter V-12 clean diesel engine that produces 550 horsepower and 625 lbs.-ft. of torque.

According to the folks over at VW, the desert-bound Touareg features a wheelbase of 125 inches, overall length of 213 inches, width of 92 inches, an overall height of 78 inches and weighs 5650 pounds. It is fitted with a double A-Arm front suspension that allows 25 inches of wheel travel, and a 4-link rear suspension that allows 30 inches of wheel travel, combined with Fox Racing Shocks, Eibach Coils and BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17 off-road tires.

VW To Unveil Touareg V12 TDI Race Truck at L.A. Show

Volkswagen's LA Auto Show Touareg racer has as much in common with the firm's production SUV as a typewriter has with a laptop but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Touareg TDI Trophy Truck is a purpose-built racer or to put it simple, the ultimate dune buggy and it will compete in the 634-mile long 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race. VW's professional dune buggy is powered by a 5.5 liter V12 clean turbo diesel engine that produces 550 horsepower and 625 lbs.-ft. of torque and is mated to an Xtrac 6 Speed Sequential transmission.

The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck features a wheelbase of 125 inches, overall length of 213 inches, width of 92 inches, an overall height of 78 inches and weighs in at a hefty 5,650 pounds or 2,562 kg for those that prefer the metric system.

The vehicle sports a double A-Arm front suspension that allows 25 inches of wheel travel, and a 4-link rear suspension that allows 30 inches of wheel travel, combined with Fox Racing Shocks and Eibach Coils while sitting on BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17 off-road tires

Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI

Specifications

  Powertrain

•   Engine             5.5 Liter, 90 degree V-12 TDI Twin Turbo Diesel
  

•   Valve train        4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
  

•   Induction          Dual Garrett TR 30 R with dual 43.5mm air-restrictors, 2.94 bar (absolute) pressure
  

•   Emissions          Dow Automotive Diesel Particle Filters (2)
  

•   Horsepower         550 HP (405kW)
  

•   Torque             625 ft-lb (850Nm)
  

•   Layout             Mid-engine, rear wheel drive
  

•   Transmission       Xtrac 6 Speed Sequential
  

•   Rear Axle          Custom Built solid 9" Rear Axle
  

  Suspension

•   Front              Double A-Arm Suspension - 25" wheel travel  (63 cm)
  

•   Rear               4-Link Rear Suspension - 30" wheel travel  (76 cm)
  

•   Front Shocks       Fox Racing Shocks - 3.0 Coil-over with 3.0,  Bypass/Multi-adjustable Dampener
  

•   Rear Shocks        Fox Racing Shocks - 3.0 Coil-over with 3.0, Bypass/Multi-adjustable Dampener
  

•   Springs            Eibach Coils
  

•   Wheels             KMC 17" Custom Forged Beadlock
  

•   Tires              BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17
  

  General

•   Owner              Volkswagen of America Inc.
  

•   Chassis Design     Arciero Miller Racing
  

•   Body Design        Volkswagen Design Center California
  

  Dimensions

•   Wheelbase          125 in. (317 cm)
  

•   Overall Length     213 in. (541 cm)
  

•   Track Width        92 in.  (233 cm)
  

•   Overall Height     78 in. (198 cm)
  

•   Weight             5650 lbs. (2562 kg)
  

•   Brakes             Brembo 6 Piston Calipers
  

•   Steering           Lee Manufacturing
  

•   Interior
  

•   GPS                Lowrance 9200 system
  

•   Seats              Sparco Carbon Fiber Racing seats
  

•   Fuel Cell          65 Gallon (240 Liter) Capacity, designed by Harmon Fuel Cells
  

•   Sponsors           Sponsored by Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC Wheels, Fox Shocks.

Ahoy! VW Touareg “North Sails” Study

Just in time for summer, VW has unveiled a one-off study inspired from the world of sailing boats. Created in cooperation with North Sails, the Touareg study will be shown to the public for the first time at the “Travemünder Woche” which is the second largest annual sailboat race in Germany. “North Sails” decals aside, the one-off Touareg is distinguished on the outside by the sea-blue colored turning lights and reflectors, the 19-inch alloy wheels and the pin stripes on the lower part of the doors. -Continued

Inside, the Touareg North Sails study boasts illuminated teak wood flooring, white leather seats and door inserts with aqua color stitching, a special bike (don't ask why) and a set of binoculars in case you get carried away in sea. Fortunately, VW has no intention of putting the Touareg study into production.

VW Touareg R50: V10 Diesel Powered Sport Version To Debut In Sydney

VW will further broaden its product line of “R” models which consist of the Golf R32 and Passat R36 with the presentation of the Touareg R50 at the Sydney International Auto Show on October 11, 2007. The German carmaker has yet to announce detailed specifications, but they did reveal that R50 will feature a revised version of the Touareg V10 TDi’s 5.0-liter V10 diesel engine that delivers in stock form, 313 Hp and a monstrous 750 Nm or 553.2-lbs/ft of maximum torque. Just to get an idea, the Touareg V10 TDi boasts a top speed of 231 km/h – 143 mph while it accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7,4 sec. Engine apart, the R50 will also get chunkier wheels and rims, a tweaked suspension, a bodykit and sporty details in the interior. -Press release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

WORLD PREMIERE: VOLKSWAGEN GIVES TOUAREG THE R

In another world premiere for the Australian International Motor Show, Volkswagen has announced it will unveil its new Touareg R50 in Sydney next week (11 October).

Developed by a team of specialists at Volkswagen Individual GmbH, the Touareg R50 is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world.

While Volkswagen has yet to announce detailed specifications, it promises the R50 boasts "generous" increases on the 230kW of power and 750Nm of torque produced by the current V10 TDi model on which it is based. Bigger wheels and tyres and tweaked suspension complete the high-performance package.

Volkswagen Individual GmbH has also designed new exterior and interior features to reflect the R philosophy. The R50 is the third model to appear under Volkswagen's sporty R label, following in the footsteps of the Golf R32 and the new Passat R36 - which was launched last month at the Frankfurt motor show. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive to guarantee optimal traction.

The Touareg R50's world premiere further boosts a new model launch list at the Sydney show that also features the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, Toyota LandCruiser 200 and Lotus Exige Sport 240. The Australian International Motor Show will also see the Asia-Pacific motor show premieres of the new-generation Audi A4, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Peugeot 308 and new-generation Mazda6.

The new models will be unveiled on the opening day of the motor show, Thursday 11 October, beginning at 8am. The Australian International Motor Show runs until 21 October.

2008 Volkswagen Touareg By Cobra

German tuner Cobra has released a new line of accessories for the recently updated 2008 VW Touareg. Cobra’s most prominent accessory is of course the stainless-steel front bull bar which attempts to give a “Texas Ranger” look to the luxury German SUV. The exterior of the Touareg can be further refined –if that’s what you dig we mean, with a stainless-steel grille for the aperture in the front bumper, chrome-design mirror housings and two different styled rocker panels. Finally Cobra also offers custom-tailored light-alloy wheels with diameters of 20 and 22 inches for all versions of the VW Touareg. The largest version features Cobra Sahara 10Jx22 multi-spoke wheels mounted with tires in size 295/30 R 22 front and back. -One more picture after the jump