Volkswagen Touareg
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2009) |
| Volkswagen Touareg | |
|---|---|
 2004-06 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
| Production | 2002–present |
| Assembly | Bratislava, Slovakia Kaluga, Russia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Longitudinal front engine, permanent 4motion four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group PL71 platform |
| Related | Porsche Cayenne |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.6 L 280 PS V6 5.0 L 350 PS V10 TDI 4.2 L 350 PS V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed tiptronic automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,855 mm (112.4 in) |
| Length | 4,754 mm (187.2 in) |
| Width | 1,928 mm (75.9 in) |
| Height | 1,726 mm (68.0 in) |
The Volkswagen Touareg is a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle produced by German automaker Volkswagen Passenger Cars since 2002. It was the third sport utility vehicle from the automaker, after the much older Volkswagen 181 "Kurierwagen", and the Iltis (later produced by Bombardier).
Pronunciation
The correct German pronunciation is Tou-a-reg, something like "too" plus a quick "ah" then the "reg".[citation needed] Volkswagen produced several commercials to enable people to pronounce the name, which was predicted to be too difficult.[citation needed] The name was evidently borrowed from the Tuareg people, a Berber-speaking group in North Africa.[citation needed]
Development
The Touareg (internally designated Typ 7L) was a joint venture project developed by Volkswagen Group, who also include Audi, and Porsche, who were also looking to add a luxury-type SUV to its lineup, as a cost-sharing initiative. The goal was to create an off-road vehicle that could handle like a sports car. The team, with over 300 people, was led by Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert, and was based in Weissach im Tal, Germany. The result of the joint project is that the Porsche Cayenne shares the Touareg's Volkswagen Group PL71 platform, although there are styling, equipment, and technical differences between the two vehicles.[citation needed]
The Volkswagen Touareg is built in Bratislava, Slovakia. The manufacturing plant shares production with Touareg-cousins, the Porsche Cayenne, and the Audi Q7. Due to the demand, and the exchange rates of euros against the US dollar, as well as different pricing and environmental policies in the USA, the V6 and V8 engine variants make up most of Volkswagen's American Touareg offering. However, a limited number of the V10 Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines were available in the 2004 model year (before being pulled for environmental reasons). They were brought back to the United States for the 2006 as a "Tier I emissions concept (43 state emissions)".[1]
Feature highlights
The Touareg comes standard with four-wheel drive system. An automatic progressively locking centre differential (with manual override), and a "low range" setting that can be activated with in-cabin controls. Options to make the vehicles more capable off-road include an available air suspension system which can raise the car's ride height on command, and an interior switch allowing the rear differential to be manually locked. Its load level ground clereance is at 6.3 inches, Off Road Level is at 9.6 inches, and Xtra clearance of 11.8 inches.[1]
Specification
Engines
| Petrol engines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Year | Engine type | Power, torque @ rpm |
| 3.2 V6 | 2002-2004 | 3,189 cc (194.6 cu in) V6 | 220 PS (162 kW; 217 bhp) |
| 3.2 V6 | 2004-2006 | 3,189 cc (194.6 cu in) V6 | 241 PS (177 kW; 238 bhp) |
| 4.2 V8 | 2002-2006 | 4,163 cc (254.0 cu in) V8 | 310 PS (228 kW; 306 bhp) |
| 6.0 W12 | 2005- | 5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 | 450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp), 600 N⋅m (443 lbf⋅ft) |
| Diesel engines | |||
| Model | Year | Engine type | Power, torque @ rpm |
| 2.5 R5 TDI | 2003- | 2,460 cc (150.1 cu in) I5 Turbo | 174 PS (128 kW; 172 bhp), 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) |
| 3.0 V6 TDI | 2004-2007 | 2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 Turbo | 225 PS (165 kW; 222 bhp) |
| 5.0 V10 TDI | 2002-2007? | 4,921 cc (300.3 cu in) V10 Turbo | 313 PS (230 kW; 309 bhp) @3750, 750 N⋅m (553 lbf⋅ft) @2000 |
The 5.0 litre single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 20-valve V10 Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine pushes the Touareg from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 7.8 seconds, and on to 230 kilometres per hour (140 mph) maximum.
The 6.0 liter double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 48-valve W12 engined version was initially intended to be a limited-edition model, with just 500 units planned to be produced; around 330 were slated for sale in Saudi Arabia, with the remainder sold in Europe. No sales in the United States were made. Eventually, the W12 model became an ordinary model without any production restrictions. Currently it is being sold in Europe. It is estimated to reach 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 5.9 seconds.[2]
V10 TDI (2002-)
The V10 TDI was offered in the United States for a limited time in 2004, but emissions regulations forced it off the market for a temporary period.[3]
The V10 TDI returned to the U.S. market as 2006 model year vehicle in 5 states. Later US models went on sale in 2006, which was compliant with 50 states emission with Ultra-low sulfur diesel and particulate filter. The 2006 US model's MSRP was $67,750.[4] Stricter CARB emissions standards resulted in the V10 TDI being cancelled again in the United States.[5] This has since been replaced by a V6 TDI engine that meets the California Air Resources Board's (CARB's) minimum emission requirements for the 2009 model year.
V10 TDI environmental and health concerns
The V10 TDI diesel version of the Touareg was named "Meanest Vehicles for the Environment in 2007" by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)[6] for its fuel economy of 17 miles per US gallon city (14 l/100 km) and 22 mpg highway (10 l/100 km). This earned the Touareg the low "Green Score" of 14, as compared to the Honda Civic GX, which was the "greenest", at a score of 57.
Awards
The Touareg was Car and Driver magazine's Best Luxury SUV for 2003, Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2004, "Four Wheeler" magazine's Four Wheeler of the Year for 2005, and Overlander's 2003 4WDOTY.[citation needed]
Facelift 2007
The Touareg's first facelift was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, and debuted in North America as a 2008 model. It now features the shield grille from others in the Volkswagen Passenger Cars range. The updated Touareg has more than 2300 redesigned parts and boasts some new technological features:
- ABS Plus, which works in conjunction with the traction control system, and shortens the braking distance by up to 25% on loose surfaces;
- Front Scan, an adaptive cruise control system, which can slow or even stop the car depending on traffic conditions;
- Side Scan, a blind-spot warning system: it uses radar at the rear of the car to sense another car's presence, and causes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) built into the wing mirrors to flash. If the driver indicates to move out, the LEDs flash at an accelerated rate to warn the driver until the other vehicle moves out of the Touareg's field of vision.
The 2007 Touareg, alongside an already lengthy options list, could be equipped with a driving dynamics package, a rollover sensor, a 620 watt Dynaudio sound system, and redesigned comfort seats.[citation needed] All diesel versions now have the diesel particulate filter standard.[citation needed]
In the US and Canada, the facelifted Touareg is marketed as the Touareg 2.
R50 (2007-)
The Touareg R50 is the third Volkswagen after the Golf and Passat to be given the 'R' treatment by Volkswagen Individual GmbH. The R50 global launch was at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show.
The R50 is powered a new version of the V10 diesel engine is available in Europe for the R50 model, boasting 257 kilowatts (349 PS; 345 bhp) with 850 newton-metres (627 lbf⋅ft) of torque, and pushing the car from 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in just 6.7 seconds.[7]
The R50 comes standard with 21 inch Omanyt wheels, sport-tuned air suspension, decorative 'engine spin' finish interior trim inlays, and a 4-Zone Climatic climate control system.
V6 TDI (2007-)
It is a version of V6 TDI with improved performance.
The vehicle went on sale in Germany with MSRP of €46,900 (manual), €49,150 (automatic).[8]
Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI (2008)
It is a race vehicle designed for the Baja 1000 series. It included a 5.5L V-12 clean diesel engine with dual Garrett TR30R turbochargers rated 550 PS (405 kW; 542 bhp) and 850 N⋅m (627 lbf⋅ft), Xtrac 6 Speed Sequential transmission, 9" rear axle, Fox Racing Shocks, KMC 17" Custom Forged Beadlock wheels with BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17 tires, Lowrance 9200 GPS, Sparco Carbon Fiber Racing seats. It uses mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout. The chassis and body were designed by Arciero Miller Racing and Volkswagen Design Center California respectively.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 LA Auto Show.[9]
V6 TDI Clean Diesel (2009-)
It is a version of V6 TDI with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, replacing V10 TDI in US and Canada. The Touareg contains a 4.5 US gallons (17 L; 3.7 imp gal) tank in the rear of the vehicle underneath the spare tire which stores the AdBlue solution. It is estimated that this tank will need to be replenished every 6,000–10,000 miles (9,700–16,100 km).[citation needed] The Touareg does not include NOX storage catalyst found in Jetta Clean Diesel TDI due to its heavy weight.[10]
Touareg BlueTDI was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Motor Show.[11] Production version of V6 TDI Clean Diesel was unveiled in 2008 LA Auto Show.[12]
Although sales of production version was planned in North America in 2008, it did not start until 2009.
Sander Kuiken, Technical development diesel application, Volkswagen AG was one of the engineers that worked on the AdBlue system created by Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Kuiken talked about the difference between the VW Touareg diesel and gasoline vehicles.[13]
Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid (2009)
It is a prototype hybrid vehicle with 2,995 cubic centimetres (182.8 cu in) V6 petrol engine with 'Twin Vortices Series' (TVS) supercharger rated 333 metric horsepower (245 kW; 328 bhp)@5500rpm and 440 newton-metres (320 lbf⋅ft)@3000rpm, an electric motor rated 52 metric horsepower (38 kW; 51 bhp) and 300 newton-metres (220 lbf⋅ft), 8-speed automatic transmission. It has combined ratings of 374 metric horsepower (275 kW; 369 bhp) and 550 newton-metres (410 lbf⋅ft). The electric-motor is powered by 240-cell, 288V, 6Ah nickel metal-hydride battery array. The 4motion four-wheel drive system was replaced by a lighter Torsen centre differential from Audi Q7 to save weight. The electric motor has the top speed of 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph). Start-stop system supports regenerative braking, coasting. Power steering, air conditioning were changed to be powered by battery.
Planned production version includes special E-switch that the driver can activate for pure electric driving, 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph) coasting speed.[14]
Engines
| Petrol engines | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| model | years | engine type | power@rpm | torque@rpm | |
| 3.6 V6 | 2006- | 3,597 cc (219.5 cu in) V6 FSI | 280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp) @6250 | 360 N⋅m (266 lbf⋅ft) @2500-5000 | |
| 4.2 V8 | 2006- | 4,163 cc (254.0 cu in) V8 FSI | 350 PS (257 kW; 345 bhp) @6800 | 440 N⋅m (325 lbf⋅ft) @3500 | |
| 6.0 W12 | 2005- | 5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 | 450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp) @6000 | 600 N⋅m (443 lbf⋅ft) @3250 | |
| Diesel engines | |||||
| model | years | engine type | power@rpm | torque@rpm | |
| 2.5 R5 TDI | 2003- | 2,461 cc (150.2 cu in) I5 Pumpe-Düse turbo | 174 PS (128 kW; 172 bhp) @3500 | 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) @2250 | |
| 3.0 V6 TDI | 2007- | 2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 common rail turbo | 240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) @4000-4400 | 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft) @1500-3000 manual, 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) @2000-2250 automatic | |
| BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI | 2009- | 2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 common rail turbo | 225 PS (165 kW; 222 bhp) @3500 | 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) @2000-2250 | |
| 5.0 V10 TDI | 2002- | 4,921 cc (300.3 cu in) V10 Pumpe-Düse turbo | 313 PS (230 kW; 309 bhp) @3750 | 850 N⋅m (627 lbf⋅ft) @2000 | |
| R50 | 2007- | 4,921 cc (300.3 cu in) V10 Pumpe-Düse turbo | 350 PS (257 kW; 345 bhp) @3500 | 850 N⋅m (627 lbf⋅ft) @2000 | |
US models include 3.6 V6, 4.2 V8, BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI. Canada models include 3.6 V6, BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI.
BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI was sold as V6 TDI Clean Diesel in US and Canada.
Transmissions
| Petrol engines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Year | Transmission type |
| 3.6 V6 | 2006- | 6-speed automatic |
| 4.2 V8 | 2006- | 6-speed automatic |
| 6.0 W12 | 2005- | 6-speed automatic |
| Diesel engines | ||
| Model | Year | Transmission type |
| 2.5 R5 TDI | 2003- | 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic |
| 3.0 V6 TDI | 2007- | 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic |
| BlueMotion 3.0 V6 TDI | 2009- | 6-speed automatic |
| 5.0 V10 TDI | 2002- | 6-speed automatic |
| R50 | 2007- | 6-speed automatic |
Production
The chassis of Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI was produced by Arciero Miller Racing in Foothill Ranch, California.
Although Volkswagen originally had planned to introduce a range of hybrid models including in its entry level vehicles, the company stopped the plan for low end hybrids after the company's CEO had been changed to Martin Winterkorn. However, the change of plan did not affect Touareg hybrid, because Touareg luxury SUV can more easily absorb the additional cost and is a better candidate for improved fuel economy.[15]
Motorsports
A modified Touareg dubbed Stanley won the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge.
Pikes Peak
VW Touareg TDI entered 85th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with V10 TDI Touaregs and a V6 TDI Touareg, driven by Ryan Arciero, Mike Miller and Chris Blais. Arciero won the race with time of 13:17:703 and set a new division record for the fastest time with a diesel powered vehicle. Miller finished at 2nd with time of 13:25:247. Chris Blais finished at 3rd with time of 15:48:312.[16]
Baja 500
The 2.5L R5 TDI won a 2007 Baja 500 class with drivers Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford (USA/South Africa).[17]
Baja 1000
The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck completed 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race with 13th position for Trophy Truck Class. The vehicle was driven by Mark Miller.[18]
Dakar rally
In the 2003 Dakar rally raid, Volkswagen entered a team of rear wheel drive Tarek buggies.[19] VW claimed 6th overall, driven by Stephane Henrard and co-driver Bobby Willis. In the following year, the 2004 Dakar Rally saw the debut rally for the T2 class purpose built Race Touareg by Volkswagen Motorsport.[19] Bruno Saby and co driver Matthew Stevenson claimed 6th position overall. In the 2005 Dakar Rally, Jutta Kleinschmidt and co driver Fabrizio Pons claimed 3rd spot overall in the Race Touareg.[20]
In the 2006 Dakar Rally, VW driver Giniel de Villiers and co driver Tina Thorner claimed 2nd spot the highest ever for a diesel model in the new Race Touareg 2. It has a shorter wheelbase than the original Race Touareg, as well as increased visibility.[20] For the 2007 Dakar Rally, VW driver Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford drove the Race Touareg 2 to 4th position overall. In the 2008 Central Europe Rally, Carlos Sainz drove his Race Touareg 2 to victory.[21] Finally, in the 2009 edition of Rally Dakar, Volkswagen achieved a one-two result. Giniel de Villiers and co driver Dirk von Zitzewitz won the race ahead of Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford. With just two days to go, Carlos Sainz crashed out after dominating the rally for several days, thus preventing Volkswagen from making it a one-two-three result.[22]
A 1/32 slot car model of the Red Bull-sponsored Touareg, which is designed to run on the company's RAID track (which simulates off-road racing) is available from Ninco.
Power Output: VW Dakar Racers
- 2007 Race-Touareg 2 (T2 spec) 2.5 TDI 285 hp/209 kW
- 2006 Race-Touareg 2 (T2 spec) 2.5 TDI 275 hp/202 kW
- 2005 Race-Touareg (T2 spec) 2.5 TDI 260 hp/191 kW
- 2004 Race-Touareg (T2 spec) 2.3 TDI 231 hp/170 kW
- 2003 Tarek 1.9 TDI 218 hp/160 kW
References
- ^ a b "Touareg - Complete Specs (USA)". VW.com. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ "Super Touareg", Autoweek, 4 October, 2004. Retrieved on 2008-05-27
- ^ "Auto Tech: Pumpe Duse". CanadianDriver Communications Inc.,. CanadianDriver.com. 29 September 2004. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - ^ 2006 VW Touareg diesel now on sale with a particulate filter
- ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (2008-10-27). "In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ The Green Book of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy 2007
- ^ "VW Releases Details On 350Hp Touareg R50 - Carscoop". Carscoop.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ Volkswagen improves the Touareg TDI
- ^ LA Preview: Volkswagen unveiling Touareg TDI Trophy Truck
- ^ 2009 VW Touareg TDI is a clean diesel, retrieved 12-Dec-08
- ^ More pictures and details of VW's Touareg BlueTDI in Geneva
- ^ LA 2008: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI, 25 mpg highway
- ^ Ann, Lou (2008-12-09). "Sander Kuiken, VW, gasoline vs. diesel | Lou Ann Hammond on". Carlist.com. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ Volkswagen to launch Touareg BlueMotion hybrid in 2010
- ^ Volkswagen ditches low end hybrids, Touareg gets the nod
- ^ VW Touareg TDI wins Pikes Peak high performance showroom stock
- ^ VW Race Touareg wins Baja 500 class on single tank of diesel
- ^ VW Touareg TDI Trophy Truck finishes Baja in 13th place
- ^ a b 2004 Volkswagen Race-Touareg T2 - Images, Specifications and Information
- ^ a b 2006 Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 - Images, Specifications and Information
- ^ Motorsport.com: News channel
- ^ Motorsport.com: Volkswagen final report
