Volkswagen Touareg (2011)

The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The engine (V6 versions) automatically shuts off at traffic lights and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal (Stop-Start system). As an option, the tailgate can be opened and closed by a RF remote control unit integrated in the car key. The largest panoramic sunroof of all SUVs provides for light even on overcast days. The innovative "Area View" utilises four cameras to detect the Volkswagen Touareg's surroundings and this enhances safety. Also offering protection are up to nine airbags. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated Front Assist can brake to a stop in an emergency and tension the seatbelts as a precautionary measure. Bi-Xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist perceive oncoming traffic and adjust the light beam to eliminate unwanted glare, and adaptive roll compensation ensures that the Volkswagen Touareg sits solidly on the street. For the first time, there will be special features on the new Touareg under the new "Exclusive" badge from Volkswagen Individual. Options that can be ordered include 19-inch alloy wheels ("Girona" type), fine wood inserts ("Olive Ash") and a leather interior ("Nappa") in the two-colour combinations "Dark Burgundy / Titan Black" or "Pepper Beige / Titan Black".

Body Styling

The new Volkswagen Touareg has made dynamics strides - not just with regard to its engines, but also in its looks. The latter are of course attributable to its new styling and - associated with this - an even sportier layout of proportions. The team led by Volkswagen design head Klaus Bischoff set out to give the Volkswagen Touareg a significantly more elegant appearance based on the new Volkswagen Design DNA. This applies as much to the new horizontally aligned front end with its distinctive headlights as it does to the rear section typical of the VW Touareg and its unmistakable night-time rear light design and leaner, athletic body. This has resulted in an SUV that has a sustainable visual effect, timeless styling that makes a qualitative statement, showing dynamic proportions and presence, yet remaining reserved in its elegance and stylish.

Specifically, the designers created an absolutely clear and superior car that is distinctive from every perspective and takes an independent stance, a typical Volkswagen and equally a typical Volkswagen Touareg that practically every car driver immediately recognises as such. This is hardly sometime to be taken for granted in today's world - because never before in the history of the automobile have there been anywhere near as many vehicles or segments on the global automotive market. The new VW Touareg, more elegant and visually equipped with a portion of reserve - a visual tribute to the theme of sustainability - stands out from the crowd as an appealing and unmistakable design statement. And this applies as much to the horizontally aligned Volkswagen face of the present as it does to the leaner and more extended car body.

Front end

With the debut of today's Scirocco, Volkswagen introduced its new Design DNA and at the same time a new concept for the "face" of the models in a wide variety of vehicle classes. Common to all - as a sort of hereditary code of the Volkswagen family - is a clear horizontal structure and orientation. Key elements here are the black, high-gloss trim of the upper radiator grille with its continuous chrome trim strips, the headlights that are always visually integrated in these lines, the middle level of the bumper painted in car colour, and a U-shaped and lower air inlet framed nearly entirely in chrome trim as a third level. Every model and every class, however, displays its own unique visual character - unmistakably. And that applies to the Volkswagen Touareg as well.

Depending on the segment, all of the named details show clear differentiations, especially with regard to the interplay of proportions, the styling of the bonnet and fenders and the form of the headlights that come together to create an entirely unique "face". In the front-end styling of the Volkswagen Touareg, designers implemented the new Volkswagen face for the first time in a luxury class vehicle.

The modulation of the V-shaped bonnet and the dominant shoulder line underscore the rugged, powerful appearance of the VW Touareg, while the clarity of its surfaces emphasise in parallel, the elegance of the new SUV.

The horizontal band - consisting of the relatively flat grille, the VW logo integrated there and the trapezoidal headlights - defines the superior character of the Touareg and is at the same time a key element of the vehicle's Design DNA. The styling of the lower of the two chrome inserts that are worked into the radiator grille is continued into the headlights that narrow toward the grille.

These dual headlights with their complex, technically styled inner lives are both visual and technical highlights. They are available in three versions: as halogen headlights, bi-xenon headlights and for the first time in the world as bi-xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist (continuous main beam).

Beneath the middle section of the bumper that is painted in body colour are the lower air intakes. In the case of the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid and Touareg V8 TDI, the middle intake is styled with chrome fins and another U-shaped frame. Located in the bumper's lowermost segment are the front fog lights and the radar sensors of the optional adaptive cruise control system (ACC plus Front Assist).

Side profile

Thanks to the lower body height, short overhangs, a dynamic line of side windows and the clear sculpting of its surfaces, in contrast to other SUVs this car's side profile does not in the least have a massive appearance. Just the opposite is the case: Just like on a sports car, the car body tapers slightly in the area of the doors. This results in a partial channelling between the A and C pillars, which captures light and lends a muscular, athletic image to the entire side section.

This character is reinforced by the precise edges of the wheel arches and the rear side section. The side window look that narrows toward the rear corresponds to the rear shoulder section that is prominently sculpted. Also serving as clear SUV characteristics are the rugged wheel arches with their black trim extending toward the wheel wells. Here the core properties of this vehicle class - power and durability - are highlighted by the visual emphasis of the large wheels (standard 7.5J x 7 on the V6 TDI and V6 FSI, 8J x 18 on the Hybrid and V8 TDI).

Just as beautiful in form as they are practical are the outside mirrors with integrated indicator lights and the door handles that open in the pulling direction and are therefore crash optimised. In their side profiles, the two top Volkswagen Touareg versions - the Hybrid and the V8 TDI - exhibit, along with their independent 18-inch alloy wheels, a chrome frame around the side windows and a chrome trim strip above the side skirts. Roof railings in black or chrome are available as an option on all versions.

Rear

Even from the rear, the new VW Touareg is immediately recognisable, even without its signature. The reason: Designers took the look of the first Volkswagen Touareg and intentionally developed it further without ignoring the previous model. In this process, Volkswagen styling avoids short-lived effects and is based on a continuous evolution. A strategy, which for example has accompanied the sensational success of the Golf right up to today and makes it simply "inimitable". It also gives a Volkswagen longer life and more stable value retention than many other cars.

Like the front end, the rear of the new VW Touareg is also marked by horizontal lines. At the top, the tailgate has a spoiler that was styled to aerodynamic criteria, which simultaneously extends the roof section visually. The large rear window extends into the D pillars; the tailgate can be automatically opened by an electric motor as an option.

Parts of the tail lights were integrated in the tailgate. These inboard segments each exhibit a second tail light as well as the reversing light. The outboard segments house the functions tail light, brake light and indicator lights. Distinctive visual details of the dual tail lights: four elements designed in the form of an "L" (mirror image on right side), which distinctively frame the four pupil-like central elements. This creates an absolutely unmistakable night look. Once again located centrally between the lights is the VW logo. The load sill guard on the Hybrid and V8 TDI Touareg versions is a standard chrome step area on the load sill of the bumper. Worked as narrow strips into the lowermost segment of the bumper that is painted in body colour are the rear fog lights. Only the middle section with the tailpipes of the exhaust system integrated on its left and right ends is treated in black. While the V6 FSI and V6 TDI Volkswagen Touareg versions have round tailpipes, the two top versions can be recognised by their chrome rectangular pipes.

Significantly lower weight

The VW Touareg's kerb weight was reduced by between 203 and 222 kilograms, depending on the version - a result of targeted body modifications, material selection and a lighter weight powertrain. For the first time in this vehicle class, body-related measures include the use of what are referred to as multi-layer insulating materials to insulate against noise. They weigh much less than conventional insulating materials yet are more effective. The kerb weight of the Volkswagen Touareg V6 FSI was reduced to 2,035 kilograms. The turbodiesel versions weigh 2,099 (V6 TDI) and 2,222 kilograms (V8 TDI); the VW Touareg Hybrid comes in at a weight of 2,240 kilograms. The weight of the body-in-white was reduced by five percent to 398 kilograms.

V6 FSI with 280 PS

The entry-level engine in the petrol area, the optimised V6 FSI, continues to output 206 kW / 280 PS. At 9.9 l/100 km it consumes an incredible 2.5 litres less than the previous version. This combined fuel consumption is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 236 g/km - 60 g/km less than before.

The smooth six-cylinder unit develops a maximum torque of 360 Newton-metres, which is constantly available between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm and guarantees superior high-torque performance. The power of the 24-valve engine peaks at 6,200 rpm.

Compared to the V6 FSI of the previous model, the updated engine is equipped with a new engine controller (MED 17.1.6), which among other things integrates the new thermal management system, Stop-Start system and regenerative braking. Other modifications: The conversion to a new, more precise machining process for the cylinder crankcase, modified piston rings and weight-optimised forged pistons produce lower friction values with immediate fuel consumption reduction.

Changes were also made in the air intake system to modify the charge changing process.

Another innovation in the area of emissions control: Here two ceramic main catalytic converters near the engine are used instead of the previous pre-converter and main catalytic converter system to assure conformance to the Euro-5 emissions standard. In addition, a newly positioned lambda probe makes a contribution toward impressively fulfilling the ULEV-2 emissions standard in the USA. The Volkswagen Touareg V6 FSI is 228 km/h fast and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds.

V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology with 240 PS

Based on engine power level, entry into the world of the Volkswagen Touareg among the diesels begins with an advanced offshoot of the successful V6 TDI that still outputs 176 kW / 240 PS (at 4,000); it will be available right at market launch. Like all VW Touareg versions, it also satisfies the Euro-5 emissions standard. In North America, a version tailored for the USA market will be launched.

The European version of the common rail turbodiesel (injection pressure: 1,800 bar) with 2,967 cm3 displacement develops a strong 550 Newton-metres torque from 2,000 rpm and consumes a pioneering low 7.4 l/100 km (equivalent to 195 g/km CO2); this is 1.9 litres less than on the previous 240-PS version. CO2 emissions were also reduced: by 49 g/km compared to the previous Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI and a respectable 24 g/km compared to the already very good predecessor with BlueMotion Technology and 168 kW / 225 PS. The new generation of the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology reaches a top speed of 218 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in a sporty 7.8 seconds.

New V8 TDI with 340 PS

Entirely new to the Volkswagen Touareg programme is the V8 TDI with 4,134 cm3 displacement and 250 kW / 340 PS (at 4,000 rpm). The new V8 TDI, like the V6 TDI, has common rail direct injection. In this case, the injection pressure reaches 2,000 bar. At 9.1 l/100 km (equivalent to 239 g/km CO2), its combined fuel consumption is extremely good considering its enormous power and incredible maximum torque of 800 Newton-metres (between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm). By comparison: The retired previous version, a V10 TDI with 230 kW / 313 PS, had a combined fuel consumption of 11.9 litres - 2.8 litres more. In parallel, CO2 emissions are reduced by about 25 percent. This engine also has a specific thermal management system with switched water pump to shorten the warm-up phase.

The VW Touareg V8 TDI reaches a top speed of 242 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in only 5.8 seconds - like a sports car.

Stop-Start system in detail

A look at the functionality of the intuitively operated Stop-Start system for the V6 models is interesting: The driver approaches a red light with the Touareg and brakes it to a stop. At this moment the engine is automatically stopped. The text "Stop Start" now appears in the multifunction display. As soon as the light turns green, the driver releases the brake, the engine starts, the "Stop Start" indicator disappears, and the driver resumes driving.

Regenerative braking in detail

Regenerative braking helps to utilise the energy used in driving as ideally as possible. During coasting and braking phases - i.e. whenever the driver simply releases the accelerator pedal or decides to brake - the system elevates the voltage of the alternator (generator), and it is used to intensively charge the vehicle's battery.

Thanks to this alternator control as a function of engine load, and the optimally charged battery that results, the voltage of the alternator can be reduced when this is desirable - e.g. when accelerating or constantly maintaining a desired speed. The alternator may even be shut off entirely. This relieves the engine, which in turn reduces fuel consumption. Regenerative braking requires a special software for energy management and modified engine controller software.

Transmission - 8-speed automatic

In all Volkswagen Touareg versions, a new 8-speed automatic transmission is being used - an advanced development of the previous 6-speed automatic transmission. That makes this Volkswagen the first SUV in the world with this type of transmission. The automatic is designed for engine torques of up to 850 Newton-metres. Due to the two additional gear levels, a 20 percent larger gearing spread can be attained between 1st and 8th gears. This accomplishes two objectives: First, thanks to this larger spread, the engines operate with even greater efficiency over all speed ranges, making them both more fuel efficient and responsive. Second, it was possible to lay out the 7th and 8th gears as speed-reducing gears (20 percent reduction) - fuel-saving overdrive gears.

On the transmission of the previous model, 6th gear handled this job. On the new 8-speed automatic, on the other hand, the car's top speed is reached in 6th gear. The lower engine rpms attained in this way have a positive effect on noise levels as well. If the engine speed required to reach top speed in 6th gear is considered 100 percent, this means that in 8th gear engine speed is reduced by 34 percent. An example: At 130 km/h cruising speed, the Volkswagen Touareg's V6 TSI only turns at about 2,200 rpm. To optimally isolate the drivetrain from vibration generated by engine torque, further improvements to the torsional damping provided by the torque converter have been made.

In the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, the 8-speed automatic - which shifts faster than the gearbox on the previous model - is coupled to a transfer case with Torsen differential. This results in a 40:60 distribution of the propulsive force between the front and rear axles. The Torsen differential is already being used in a similar form within the Volkswagen Group, but it was further refined for the Touareg to improve its weight and efficiency.

Back to the automatic: By using a low-friction transmission fluid (Automatic Transmission Fluid / ATF) and a newly developed heat exchanger, additional fuel economy gains were achieved by lowering friction losses - especially in the cold running phase of the automatic transmission. The so-called plate heat exchanger has been mounted on the back of the transmission, and both coolant from the engine cooling system and ATF circulate through it. The heat exchanger serves two purposes: As soon as the ATF exceeds a predefined temperature, the heat exchanger is used to cool the oil. If there is further need to cool, an auxiliary ATF-Air heat exchanger in the front end is also activated. This assures that optimal temperatures are maintained in the automatic even under extreme conditions, which are not all that rare in an SUV.

To implement the VW Touareg's smoothly transitioning Stop-Start function in every driving phase, the transmission must be provided with sufficient oil pressure to ensure slip-free power transfer within the gear elements. Conventional gearboxes only accomplish this once the engine has attained a specific idling speed, so that the mechanically driven transmission oil pump can build up sufficient oil pressure and oil flow. This is different on the Volkswagen Touareg's 8-speed automatic: Here the system is supplemented by an electrically driven pump, which is able to maintain a stable oil pressure level within the hydraulic system during the engine's stopped phase.

4MOTION

New generation Volkswagen Touaregs with the base version 4MOTION system have an all-wheel drive system with limited-slip Torsen differential (climbing gradient 31 degrees) and electronic differential locks (EDS) at all four wheels. Like the Tiguan Track & Field, the Volkswagen Touareg also has an "Off-road driving programme", which - at the press of a button - tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-road duty, activates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the automatic gearshift points.

4XMOTION

Nonetheless, there is still a worldwide clientele that uses the SUV under the most extreme conditions. As before, these customers can obtain the 4XMOTION drive (climbing gradient 45 degrees) with the VW Touareg V6 TDI. This option is offered as a "Terrain Tech" package. Like its predecessor, it consists of a locking centre differential with electrically controlled multi-plate differential and reduction gearing (2.69:1), increased ground clearance (10 millimetres in front, 15 in rear) and a fuel tank with 100 litres instead of 85. In normal operation, a slip-dependent and variable distribution of propulsive forces occurs between the front and rear axles (40:60). Moreover, the centre differential can also be locked for a rigid power distribution.

The reduction gear level can be electrically engaged via the switch on the centre console. It permits maximum utilisation of propulsive force at low speeds. This is how the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI attains the noted climbing gradient of 45 degrees - a 100 percent grade. As an option, a rear differential with transverse lock and 100 percent locking effect can be ordered. The driver initiates activation of the differential lock (100 percent). To improve traction and dynamic performance, the transverse lock is automatically activated and metered according to the driving situation.

To operate the different functions, the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI with "Terrain Tech" package has a rotary switch - similar to the one on the first generation VW Touareg - which the driver uses to adapt the car to driving conditions over five levels: 1. "On-Road"; 2. "Off-Road" (like "Off-road driving programme" plus automatic control of the mechanical locks); 3. Low (like "Off-road" plus activation of reduced gearing, higher shift points, no automatic upshift in manual mode); 4. Addition of centre differential lock; 5. Addition of rear differential lock.

On both the 4MOTION and 4XMOTION drive systems, it is possible to manually deactivate the Stop-Start system in off-road driving. With the 4XMOTION system, it is also possible to deactivate ESP. On vehicles with air suspension, the "Lock" switch can also prevent unwanted lowering of the vehicle from the Off-Road level to the Normal level by locking the system at 70 km/h.

Running gear

Volkswagen has further developed the Volkswagen Touareg's high-performance running gear with independent suspensions at all four wheels on the second generation of the successful SUV. The basic layout is still characterised by two double wishbone suspension at the front with upper aluminium suspension links and lower steel links. At the rear, the double wishbone suspension has forged aluminium upper links and lower wishbones made of steel. The increased track widths compared to the previous model are 1,656 millimetres in front and 1,676 millimetres in the rear. Like the first VW Touareg, the new version will also offer a standard steel suspension and optional air suspension system.

Chassis modifications on the new Touareg

Design changes and more intensive use of aluminium has reduced the weight of the running gear by a considerable 47 kilograms. To also attain greater responsiveness and even more precise steering, the elasto-kinetics were also optimised, and the rigidity of the suspension joint was increased at the rear suspension. In summary, the Volkswagen Touareg's optimised running gear offers very good vibration control and ride comfort, a low roll angle, responsive handling, excellent dynamic stability and of course very good off-road performance.

Off-road specific performance values

The running gear of the new VW Touareg with its double wishbone suspensions continues with a proven layout that enables large spring displacements and good wheel lift (4MOTION: 157 millimetres / 4XMOTION: 173 millimetres) in off-road driving. In front, the version with standard steel suspension and 4MOTION also produces an approach angle of 22º; the rear scores points with a 23º departure angle. With the "Terrain Tech" package (4XMOTION), these values increase to 26º each. It gets even more extreme when the Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with an air suspension: In the 4MOTION version, the values are 24º (front) and 25º (rear). The combination of air suspension and 4XMOTION produces the maximum angle of 33º, front and rear.

In alliance with its ground clearance of 220 millimetres, the new Volkswagen Touareg also cuts an excellent figure off of the paved peaks. When the SUV is ordered with the "Terrain Tech" package, buyers enjoy a ride height increased by an additional 10 millimetres in front and 15 in the rear. With the optional air suspension, ground clearance even increases to a maximum of 300 millimetres. Fording depths of 500 millimetres (steel suspension) and 580 millimetres (air suspension) ensure that the fish stay outside of the new VW Touareg too.

Air suspension - Levelling control and electronic dampers

As an option, Volkswagen is offering an air suspension on the new Touareg once again. Integrated here are an automatic levelling control system and ride height adjustment as well as electronic damper control. The air suspension guarantees exceptional comfort on drives on paved roads and - based on speed-dependent chassis lowering - the dynamic performance properties of a very sporty automobile. In off-road driving, the air suspension also improves off-road properties while still offering exceptionally good comfort by its variable ride height.

As an alternative to the automatic "Normal" mode (lower ride height resulting in reduced Cd value), the driver can select "Comfort" or "Sport" mode. When "Comfort" is selected, the skyhook system essentially aims to compensate in the best possible way for road unevenness, while "Sport" mode, with ride height lowered 25 millimetres, optimises road contact and enhances dynamic performance.

Compared to the previous model, the air suspension in the new Volkswagen Touareg has been implemented as a closed system for the first time. This reduces the reservoir volume needed for the air system and permits the use of a smaller compressor. This, in turn, reduces power consumption, since the pressure difference to be overcome by the compressor is significantly lower than in an open system. These combined measures contributed toward reducing the weight of the air suspension by about 20 kilograms.

Vehicle dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation

To calibrate the driving properties of the new Volkswagen Touareg more in the direction of "dynamic", there are two other options. First: a sport chassis with stiffer damping. Second: a completely independent layout of the air suspension - the Driving Dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation.

When a buyer chooses the Driving Dynamics package, the VW Touareg is delivered with sportier tuning of the air suspension and a 25 millimetres lower ride height. This gain in dynamic performance and safety is also attained by the use of reinforced stabilisers, dampers controlled as a function of steering wheel movement and modified control software. In the suspension's Comfort mode, ride comfort is just as good as on versions without a sport chassis.

Wheels, tyres and brakes

V6 versions of the Volkswagen Touareg (FSI and TDI) have standard 17-inch alloy wheels and size 235/65 VR17 tyres (speed rating up to 240 km/h). In the case of the V8 version and the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, 18-inch alloy wheels and size 255/55 WR18 tyres (speed rating up to 270 km/h) are used. The tyres reduce rolling resistance by up to ten percent depending on tyre size.

The V6 FSI and V6 TSI versions of the VW Touareg are equipped with a 17-inch brake system; the more powerful Hybrid and V8 TDI models each have an 18-inch system. Naturally, disc brakes are used at all wheels. On the V6 FSI and V6 TDI engine versions, the diameter of all four discs is 330 millimetres. On the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid and V8 TDI, on the other hand, the front axle has 360 millimetre discs. Other standard equipment that is always provided is an anti-lock braking system ABS (including off-road ABS) and the ESP electronic stabilisation program (including trailer stabilisation).

Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function

The classic parking brake on the first VW Touareg has been retired in the new SUV-Generation. In its place, an electro-mechanical parking brake (EPB) is being implemented in all versions. Thanks to electronic control and CAN networking with other in-vehicle control modules, the functional range of the brakes has been extended considerably. New on board are a dynamic hill start assistant, the so-called auto-hold function and dynamic emergency braking function.