Caught testing yesterday in the California desert, this 2011 Volkswagen Touareg test mule reveals which direction the company is going with its redesigned SUV. It appears as though the same basic shape will be kept intact with some minor nips and tucks here and there.
Given the relative success of the Touareg, Volkswagen isn't likely to play with the formula too much. Most of the changes will likely come under the hood as this vehicle's lifespan could easily reach into the 2015-2016 time frame that will usher in stricter U.S. fuel economy standards. We wouldn't be surprised to see the V8 left out completely in favor of V6s, both gas and diesel, and maybe even a four-cylinder version on the bottom end.
depot84 says:
10:29 AM, 07/14/09
I have driven the touareg with the V6 and V8 and let me say that I have absolutely no interest in a V6 version. I drove it through town and the tach was constantly redlining trying to keep that mass up with traffic.
beermagazine says:
04:14 PM, 07/14/09
No thinks for any V6 in that without it being diesel. We had a 04 V8 and drove the V6, it felt underpowered and you're constantly using more fuel trying to make it move. I think real world numbers would show that the V8 was better suited.
audirs4 says:
02:21 PM, 07/15/09
the TDI is the way to go.
No reason to get 12/19 MPG on a V8.
The 405 lb ft of torque is all you need with the TDI. It's better than the V8.
Both in the Audi Q7 & T reg as well